Best job I've had in a long time - Catering Coordinator Panera Bread Employee Review

5.0
18 Jun 2017
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

-very competitive wages -reasonable hours with some flexibility -easy work, no actual cooking -room for growth/advancement I recently got hired on as a Catering Coordinator at Panera Bread. Having worked in several full service restaurants, I can tell you that it's difficult to find a place where not only are the people warm and friendly, but everyone really seems to be part of the team. I work in a cafe that does triple the business it was built for, so it's very crowded, and it can get absolutely crazy sometimes. So far, however, I have yet to see anyone get mad and yell at each other, there's no uncomfortable grab-assing, everything is clean and professional. There are many trainers and leaders making up a very strong support structure. Training is, while a tad long winded, extremely thorough and informative.

Cons

I work in a cafe with 80+ employees, and as a result there are some folks that don't get along as exquisitely as the rest. There is a little bit of drama among the younger staff, while supervisors seem to be a little too quick to pat themselves on the back for being essentially babysitters. That being said, it's still a good environment overall.

Explore other reviews about Panera Bread

5.0
2 Feb 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

General manager is kind and helpful

Cons

Rude customers, drive thru is stressful

3.0
18 Apr 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

GM at this location is very on top of things, because it's the busiest Panera in Queens. Consistent hours. Shifts go by very quickly, especially in the morning.

Cons

Location is extremely busy so it gets very stressful, especially in the morning when someone is out / there is no second cashier scheduled so the single cashier in the morning has to clean the coffee counter, refill coffees, make drinks, stick bagels in the oven & serve those bagels, check and bag up RPU/delivery orders, get bakery items for barista screen, and ring up customers. It can get really intense when many people come in, which is most of the time. You will be running back and forth like crazy. Customers can be impatient, rude, demeaning, and nasty when the line gets too long. Not recommended for people who are sensitive, with high anxiety. As for Panera the company, this chain keeps making bizarre and difficult changes to the menu, all of which make employees' lives harder and harder. With every change comes strange, dismaying, and borderline impossible expectations for frontline staff that cascade down through management who cannot do much to alter the hard policies. You can tell the company is struggling greatly to keep itself relevant with the younger crowd (a solid 80% of customers are old people). The CEO and everyone making company decisions at Panera is extremely out-of-touch. EXTREMELY. With every nonsensical menu & operations adjustment, you can tell these people haven't actually worked at a food service job in like 40 years.

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