Panera Bread - Why They're Successful

Panera is known as one of the earliest and largest fast-casual restaurant chains. This video takes a look at what makes them unique while trying to identify some of the biggest reasons behind their success.
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[@cupofjoe2562]

I used to work at Panera. I think it's worth mentioning that they donate all the bakery leftover at the end of the day to food pantries. They also encouraged us to take home any food or ingredients that could no longer be sold.

[@AaAa-ri4uf]

I respect that a lot

[@bashkinzzz]

yes!! when i was relying on a food bank i was always so excited to get the bakery items donated from panera and starbucks :)

[@bubbletyun3560]

When I worked there they just threw them away we couldn’t even take any😭

[@almighty-leo]

I still work at Panera and this still holds up ! I actually got tired of the pecan braids bc of this 😂😂

[@TheDNDWizard]

I love this! I wish more places would be encouraged to donate their food!

[@mariowalker9048]

I never realized how big panera was until I saw this video. That's largely due to living in a small town most of my life. I didn't start eating out from there until 2020 when I was living in Jacksonvile, Florida. Crazy how many fast-food chains that been around for decades are new to many people.

[@a7x5631]

Speaking of Jacksonville. Firehouse Subs started there in 1994 and now they're pretty big

[@filips9738]

fr

[@mariowalker9048]

@@a7x5631 Oh wow, I didn't know that. No wonder there's a firehouse on every busy street in Jax.

[@TheWhatever356]

@@a7x5631 also in Jacksonville was Burger King and why there was so many a couple years ago (shame they don't do as well anymore)

[@tylerhenson1730]

Reminds me of telling people about Whataburger, then having to explain what In the world a Whataburger is lol

[@meganehle04]

I work at a Panera Bread as service. We often have patrons come in to have meetings or interviews, do school work or actual work, or simply to hang out in the store for a few hours. Our store is one of the top grossing in our area and it’s truly the highlight of our town. I think that the true appeal of Panera Bread is the uniqueness, there is no other store comparable to it.

[@moewuw]

never had panera, what would u recommend there ?!?!

[@elnick1000]

I certainly hope you don't work at the Fairfield CA one. I do't think I will ever go to that one again.

[@elnick1000]

You might want to see my comment that I did make about my experience that I put out today.

[@moewuw]

@@elnick1000 why, what happened if you don't mind my asking

[@elnick1000]

@@moewuw I pointed it out some two months ago.

[@Kit_AshVR]

As an employee at Panera. One aspect I love is the fact we donate all our extra bread, pastries and bagels at the end of the day instead of throwing them out.

[@hbmento8102]

Panera's famous Cinnamon Crunch Bagels deserve a spot on that success list. Those large mounds of dough are addicting 🤤

[@beedeepresents]

Literally my favorite bagel ever.

[@mikeboy337]

Fun fact, cinnamon crunch bagels are baked with real small white chocolate chips and cinnamon chips inside.

[@thecount1374]

what do you reccomend?

[@catlover10192]

someone has good taste

[@friskycuber]

Agreed. Mouth watering taste.

[@ericcarabetta1161]

I love Panera, I worked there several years ago and gained a good 20-25 lbs eating all those fresh cookies and bagels and stuff right out of the oven, being able to take home whatever I wanted that wasn't sold during the day didn't help my waistline either.

[@sqiddlydiddle215]

Lol I worked there as well for like a year. I definitely gained weight too because I would often throw whatever I wanted into a sandwich

[@drfreud65]

My son worked there for about a year also. The franchise owner in our area is incredibly abusive to his bakers, but expects them to work with poor equipment. As word has gotten out about how he treats people, the popularity has waned. I hope he goes broke and has to sell.

[@oliviabrownvlogs204]

i also worked there…terrible experience tbh

[@thomasalvarez6456]

Sounds nice, at my work they sometimes allow us to take old sandwiches home but that’s once in a blue moon and it’s only about 6 between a dozen people. Most food is sold or thrown away. NEVER would we be allowed to take some for lunch. I confess many times I went without food in a lot of my jobs simply because they wouldn’t even offer a discount, packed lunch is usually the only option.

[@AnimeLover4Life3395]

@@drfreud65 Almost every Panera treats their bakers poorly. I was a baker there for 3 years, dont know how I lasted

[@YankeeCountess]

When their whole "coffee subscription" plan came out in 2020, I thought it was ridiculous--who was going to pay a monthly fee for that? *BUT* then this spring (2022) I received a promo from Panera, a 3-month trial of their coffee subscription plan. And then the plan expanded to include soft drinks and lemonades in addition to coffee and tea...and now I'm sold. Also, the fact that there's no size limit to the drinks--you want a large? Fine! You just want the drink and no food? Fine! It's a brilliant marketing plan and like I see the value behind it in the long run.

[@shararm]

I didn't know they expanded it that's awesome

[@YankeeCountess]

@@shararm they expanded it at least for the summer; don't know if they'll keep the soft drinks on it beyond that, but they should!

[@ben7798]

they are keeping it, any soft drink, tea, coffee or charger. it’s free refills while you’re there but you can order a new drink every 2 hours

[@turntprophet7960]

Damn I have to try that out. I love their drinks.

[@ryantsui2802]

@@YankeeCountess i'd be surprised if they ever get rid of the soft drinks, it's probably the cheapest thing on the menu, maybe black coffee is equivalent.

[@Smr19421]

I work at Panera Corporate, and honestly, even at the corporate level the atmosphere is great. Genuinely the best company I have ever worked for. The benefits are great and the way they treat their employees is terrific.

[@Markimark151]

Panera is good, but expensive. They’re in our mall that replaced a similar restaurant that was Fresh Choice Bread and Bakery. They were the first fresh baked bread store in our mall, Panera bought them out over a decade ago.

[@Markimark151]

@@Weatherman4Eva that place was really great for vegans, they were also a buffet, there’s barely anyone talking about the companies that gets bought out by Panera.

[@redmage777]

Atlanta has its own version of Panera called Atlanta Bread Company. When Panera showed up they started pushing ABC out of the Market, and at the time it was a shame to see all those ABCs being shut down. We still have a few of them here and there though ❪I know there is still one in Woodstock GA❫ As for Panara Bread itself? The Two are practically the same anyway so I guess it was no huge loss in the end... Sinse Chipotle was mentioned as well. They have been popping up a lot in the last couple of years but their primary competition ❪in the southeast at least❫ is Moes. Unlike ABC they seem to be holding their own, and offer a wider selection of ingredients to customize your order. Chipotle has a narrower selection but higher quality ingredients.

[@Markimark151]

@@redmage777 I hate when these mega restaurant companies put out these small companies out of business. Also I stopped liking chipotle since they raised their prices and their food poisoning scandal.

[@redmage777]

@@Markimark151 I think in the end it is better to have the competition and more options for customers. In the Early 2000s I remember ABC had an awesome chicken and dumpling bread bowl and giant cinnamon rolls. Those were the good old days. Unfortunately if I go to an ABC it would look and feel just like Panera Bread, Its sad that they failed to establish a unique brand identity. Moe's however does feel district from Chipotle. I've been to Chipotle once, but I go to Moe's regularly.

[@chicagoakland]

Man. I miss Fresh Choice badly. You had it easy, our Fresh Choice got replaced with a DSW shoe store.

[@oldnoob1917]

I worked for Panera for a couple of years. We kept our store clean and my coworkers were wonderful people. The food was always fresh and all the employees ate there. Sometimes at the end of the night we would get mac and cheese if there was any leftover. The employee meetings are when the menu changes and the employees get a rundown of the food and get to try it. Normally everyone leaves full.

[@runrafarunthebestintheworld]

Glad you enjoyed your experience there working.

[@Andrew-vl2ho]

i work there currently and it's pretty rough ngl

[@BR0984]

@@Andrew-vl2ho why don't you share your experience with the people here

[@darrellhawkins9409]

St. Louis native here. Always called it the Bread Company, always will be!

[@trill_son_]

As a baker in the St. Louis market, I can say we bake everything fresh daily which makes for way better quality products. It is more expensive, but I think the price is fair for being fast-casual. I love working there, and for anyone going there I recommend trying something new! We have many different types of sweets, pastries, and breads (which are sold wholesale). I was surprised how much I liked the Pumpkin Muffins and the Tomato Basil bread.

[@sirblack1619]

That is one thing that I miss so much about STL. I miss all the great bakery's and donut shops. Here in Denver they do not have hardly any good donut shops and not good BBQ joints.

[@user-te6ei6nh5w]

Love Panera, I agree that a selling point for me is the "Fast Casual" approach. I'll pass on their breakfast menu but their You Pick Two options and Teriyaki Chicken & Broccoli Bowl are fantastic.

[@antikertech157]

Hi, I will be going to the US soon for the first time to experience the way the US does business locally, in contrast to Europe, and travel to as many places there as possible. Does Panera currently have the restaurants to eat indoors or now is it only drive-thru?

[@user-te6ei6nh5w]

@@antikertech157 I have yet to go to a Panera that was a "drive-thru" format, all Paneras by my area have cozy sit indoors

[@elysium76]

My wife loves the broccoli and cheese soup

[@aliwantizu]

Their sausage, egg and cheese on ciabatta came in 3rd in a recent taste test of breakfast sandwiches (beating BK, Wendy's, McD's, Tim Hortons, and Dunkin Donuts!) The reviewers said it would have been 2nd had they gotten it on the brioche not the ciabatta. Starbucks (of all places) came in 1st, BTW!

[@dboogie2288]

@@aliwantizu I love the ciabatta! But yea, its a unique flavor. I tried them in like 2008 and was like, meh. But I gave them another shot a while after and they create a strange craving for exactly that flavor from time to time. Definitely not an everyday thing, but maybe once a month for sure.

[@RANima71498]

I’ve been eating at Panera Bread often recently. Their latest chicken sandwich is now one of my favorite items, as is their frozen strawberry lemonade. The two together make one of my new favorite lunches. Expensive? Yes. Tasty? Also yes!

[@panera_employee]

Ask to get the chicken sandwich well done the chicken breast becomes more crispy that way

[@chunkymonkey7983]

@@panera_employee Is spicy or classic better? I only had the spicy once, and I haven't tried the classic one yet.

[@brookecurren1548]

@@chunkymonkey7983 I personally think the spicy one is better than the plain one, the buffalo sauce just gives it more flavor and the plain one just seems a bit more dry.

[@younglickhitta]

That new buffalo chicken sandwich isn’t even spicy 👎

[@brookecurren1548]

@@younglickhitta it really isn't, but it's still better than the other

[@alscrob]

"Bread Co." as the St. Louis region calls them is definitely an institution. They used to be one of the main sponsors of a charity nighttime bike cruise called the Moonlight Ramble, and my brain has permanently associated asiago bagels with thousands of bicycles covered with glow sticks.

[@Nattieboop]

Lived in Washington most my life, so Panera was the name. Moved to STL and I said to my girlfriend exactly what Company Man said: “That St. Louis Bread Company there looks an awful lot like a Panera.” It amazes me that even the packaging and bags use the Bread Co logo.

[@johndelong7795]

I used to live in St. Louis in the 80's and I remember those Moonlight Ramble T shirts!

[@theorderofthebees7308]

😂😂❤️

[@Chris-st9mm]

I remember when I saw my first Panera bread in 2004 in Orlando. It looked so clean and modern with a menu that's not typically fast food I honestly thought it was a high end restaurant. My mind was blown because it honestly felt like someone's artsy living room the way you can just lounge and relax. I was soo used to either fast food or sit down restaurants I thought the Panera concept was ahead of it's time

[@awesomeblossom2417]

In bigger cities it’s no different than it’s competitors, just overpriced.

[@zacharyhuffman1863]

Being a Missourian, seeing Panera has always been amusing.

[@meh_lady]

It will always be BreadCo to us and thankfully we still have the OG packaging.

[@Jack-496]

Bread co. for life

[@MaxHarris33]

SAINT LOUIS Bread Co 😎😎

[@stevebrown8368]

Will always be the bread co to me.

[@AgentC2121]

Growing up in the STL suburbs, I found it so weird that hardly anyone knew what I meant every time I called Panera “BreadCo” 😂

[@march24-lp4pv]

Sunset hills?!

[@silverxstar01]

I worked at Panera from 2019-20, leaving just as corona was picking up speed. It was a decent job, I had some great coworkers (as well as some not-so-great ones) and quite a few regular customers who always brightened my day. I have to wonder how they're doing in 2022, though -- they've made some HUGE changes to their menu, and not for the better. The pandemic spelt the end of about half the bakery items (RIP crumb cake, chocolate chunk cookie, raspberry thumbprint cookie, triple choc walnut cookie, the brittanys, the muffies, the list goes on...) and many of the sandwiches, such as the delicious steak and arugula. Many items are removed regardless of their popularity because they include an ingredient or condiment only used for that item alone. They've since ushered in new items such as pizzas and chicken sandwiches, which have nothing to do with the healthy image they've cultivated over the years. It makes me question whether this is due to actual market trends or Panera execs' attempts to grab a quick buck. My location has not drawn the same types of crowds it did when I worked there, even as dining in picks up traction again. Steep price increases alongside shrinking portion sizes also do not help -- upon checking the website, salads are going for $12, all while they skimp on the mix-ins. New renovations are removing cozy earth tones and plush booths in favor of stark white walls and less comfortable seating. I understand that Panera is trying to modernize and streamline, but in my opinion, they're stripping away everything that made them worth visiting.

[@MilwaukeeWoman]

@ghost mall Their soups are fine but I can get good frozen soups elsewhere. It used to be a favorite restaurant but I go there zero times now.

[@danfontaine8179]

If I were them I’d rebrand into a pot pie and bread bowl soup specialist.

[@silverxstar01]

@@MilwaukeeWoman They also sell them at the grocery store (I only ever get them when they're on sale), and frankly, they taste just as good as they do at the restaurant!

[@user-bw1uw3zd6x]

Agreed. Panera just isn’t what it used to be…

[@zoemartin1761]

I worked here at the same time and I didn’t realize that got rid of some of the best BAKED GOODS on the menu!! THE MUFFIES?!?? THE THUMB PRINT?!? THE CHOCOLATE CHUNJ COOKIE!!!!!

[@Jack-496]

I’ve lived in St. Louis my whole life, and it’s just colloquially called “Bread co.” I literally never have used Panera in a causal conversation.

[@march24-lp4pv]

STL represent ❤

[@BugsyFoga]

I think I’ve only eaten at Panera bread once in my life, and it was like half a decade ago, and I remember it being fairly enjoyable.

[@cs45933]

Yeah that was a decade ago though.

[@RiGishejwjxopw]

I feel like a lot of people fall under this category. Same story for me lol.

[@MasterMalrubius]

Just not "that" enjoyable, obviously.

[@jernigan007]

same

[@jonka_the_silly]

Same I ate it once liked it and then did come back

[@Sonicfan138]

I'll be honest, I didn't think Panera was doing too well. I remember when they were ubiquitous and extremely popular, but now I feel like the luster as of the one first "fast-casual" restaurants has worn off now that fast food places have mimicked the style.

[@MasterMalrubius]

I've noticed they are not as busy as they used to be at our closest location. They've put in some new restaurants which seem to have taken away a lot of business.

[@wonderwalluk1568]

100% agree

[@GuessTheSongMS]

The one in my town closed down, but suffered from pretty bad service. I thought the popular opinion was that it was glorified hospital food, didn't realize people actually enjoyed stuff on the menu.

[@sketchur]

My thoughts, too. This video title surprised me. Maybe we'll see a Rise and Fall of Panera, too. But maybe they're doing financially successful enough to not warrant a "Rise/Fall" video.

[@ebransc09]

On steep decline in NC in business and quality

[@kegsofvomitspit]

I spent years of my life splitting my time between Ohio and Colorado and my commute took me through St. Louis. Whenever I saw signs for the St. Louis Bread Company, I always knew there must be some connection and I appreciate your explanation. Great channel and content, btw.

[@marshallgraphic]

They have good food quality, but I’ve noticed a trend that the cost keeps rising and the portions get smaller. It’s even worse when you order to-go. I stopped going there almost three years ago.

[@gailstevens8487]

Keith Marshall I've been working for Panera for over 6 years, and the only thing that has gotten smaller in portion size is actually the bread. Apart from that literally the portion size of everything (soup, salad, Mac and cheese and the filling in the sandwiches etc.) has not changed in size at all. The large Mac and cheese container changed to a different one, and looks smaller, but the quantity of Mac in the container is the same.

[@garfieldloverforever]

dude…you uploaded this JUST as i was placing my order at a panera bread. their mac and cheese is so good!!

[@runrafarunthebestintheworld]

LoL 😅

[@olicityfan1150]

I just finished my lunch from there likr a few minutes ago and just saw this video while scrolling through KZbin

[@MilwaukeeWoman]

The man and cheese is another one of their premade dishes that you pay too much for, like their soups. Good is nice, but at that price I have independent restaurants actually making the soup in store.

[@gailstevens8487]

@Rowdy Jr the Mac and cheese is not microwaved. Yes it's prepackaged in the portion size, comes in frozen (like the soup comes in frozen), but it's heated in a large sous vide water tank to 160°F.

[@alex.9699]

@@gailstevens8487 It’s even better when it’s heated for more but I wonder what broccoli Mac would taste like if it was heated the same

[@Xiporah]

I love their tomato basil bread! I used to go into Panara to buy a full loaf of it before they started selling it at the grocery store.

[@chunkymonkey7983]

Yes! I always get the bacon turkey bravo sandwhich.

[@jamiegreenberg8476]

i miss when the crossoints were HUGE and those cupcakes that they had and then discontinued.... yea

[@BombastionSez]

It's funny that you mentioned the cozy atmosphere as a selling point for them. My local Panera feels very much like a cafeteria (though I've been to some of the nicer ones). That, combined with them removing a couple of my favorite menu items, stopped me from going regularly about 5 years back.

[@wreckingopossum]

One thought on Panera Bread is that in college I had a friend with Celiac disease. Panera was one of her favorite places to go because she could get the soups. There were and are many restaurants she cannot eat at.

[@1anastudent]

I love Panera. I do remember when they stopped making soup in house. At 1 time I would eat there every week. One week the broccoli cheese soup was obviously different

[@thebatman6201]

If you want consistent flavor, it needs to be made at the same place, not a different batch in every store

[@pergys6991]

There's a reason why my family loves going to Panera for breakfasts or as a temporary gathering location for a big family gathering. The environment and seating are nice plus the food is generally healthy, not so oily, good, and cheap enough for everyone to pick something they like. Still one of my favourite locations even though I've stopped going there for breakfasts and only go for bread when I need it

[@boomchildrensministries9959]

I worked at Panera Bread through college, over three different stores in three different states. One of the big reasons for their success is their work environment. I thoroughly enjoyed my years at Panera!

[@wilkat4evr]

I've worked for panera for over 4 years now. Love the food, atmosphere and customers. We have many customers who come in sometimes 2-3 times a day to see friends and chat with us employees. They just love how friendly we are. I have worked for 2 other company's I can say that I loved working for them. Panera is very family oriented and most companies today are not. So go get you some Panera. Great little clip of Paneras history, currently there is a new CEO..

[@haleymist09]

It definitely is the best place to hang out for long work sessions or out of office meetings. In my small town it's practically the only place to do so without to much of a big deal to plan, so that's an interesting part of the business model. I like their food but it is pricey to go to frequently.

[@spencercox9317]

I love these videos, thank you for presenting this all in a digestible and entertaining format :)

[@joelc9492]

Great to see how far you have come, consistent for yearsss been here since the beginning keep it up!

[@mariogilbert4260]

Another GREAT video Company Man, been watching your videos from the beginning.... I am a professional mover and have been in the industry for 11 years. As you know, moving "season" is approaching and I was curious to know if you can a video on either a successful moving company or why moving companies are hated. Keep up the GREAT work👍🙏

[@jacktribble5253]

We had a Panera two towns over from where I live, but they floundered and went out of business. I haven't heard anything about them for three years. Until today. Interesting video. Thanks.

[@Photo0021]

The Panera near me is thriving, and usually busy. Not as busy as our local Dunkin and definitely not as busy as Chick-fil-A, but it seems like Panera does really well.

[@Tool0GT92]

All the Panera breads in my area are doing very well, I think there just isn't enough "fast casual" places around.

[@jacktribble5253]

@@Tool0GT92 I'm not sure what happened, but they were between an Applebee's and a Chick-fil-A, across the street from an O'Charlie's...

[@robertfrost8264]

There are 5 in my county and they're always busy. They've been in the area for almost 2 decades though so they're a staple at this point.

[@whatcouldgowrongpodcast]

I really love their Tomato Basil Bread. It's so delicious as a sandwich, or just on its own!

[@chunkymonkey7983]

yes.

[@justinbremer2281]

My writing group used to meet in a Panera, for a couple of years. I liked the menu rotation. Tended to get excited for the summer salads and the squash soup in the colder months.

[@Luna.Alexandria.Rivers]

I used to work at Panera. I loved it so much. You get to know your regulars, especially those who do modifications on their orders. I could recognize people coming in and know they’re there for their daily coffee or their soup and sandwich. I’d get flustered when they changed it up on me. I loved making peoples days when I worked there. My go to order, which my coworkers thought was weird, is a you pick two of a steak and white cheddar, no pickled red onions, and a cup of French onion. I dip the sandwich in the soup and it was so good! Panera does pride itself on being friendly and welcoming and my location did amazing at it

[@alex.9699]

Dip? 😭 I'd love to try that but I don't like the onion smell, but I wanna try it at the same time

[@jonathanr4160]

I've never had their drinks but any food I've had at Panera has been average at best for an extremely high price. The bread was the best part really. My friends and I would go there though during college with our laptops since it was the only place back then with free wifi...

[@chunkymonkey7983]

Try the bacon turkey bravo sandwich.

[@Elementaliti]

I love their foods, breakfast and salads especially, but their beverages are my favorite thing they have. Its expensive but it's tasty.

[@JaKingScomez]

Who calls drinks, beverages

[@JaKingScomez]

Had to dislike/report your comment

[@CapnCody1622]

No one actually likes Panera. This is Panera’s secret account.

[@HenryZhoupokemon]

$8.99 a month for unlimited free drinks wdym expensive?

[@Photo0021]

@@JaKingScomez A lot of us.

[@geoffingoff]

Even though a portion of their food is a little bland and the one near me was constantly getting my order wrong for a time, I'll probably always love Panera. It really is the best way near me to get a really good salad just how I want it in an extremely fast and convenient way. (And now that I have long covid, it's even more important for me to be able to eat healthy without entering buildings.) Their customization options are honestly godly. You can pretty much make any kind of Frankenstein salad or sandwich you want with a nice selection of ingredients. They are expensive, but if I need good food fast, they're often the most convenient option.

[@TR-wm3sg]

When I lived in Missouri in the mid 90s we had a St Louis Bread Company in my town and it was *wonderful*. Then they changed to Panera and it was still very good. But then I had a few things from there that were pretty sub-par, and that plus the price and their menu's reliance on high-carb fare, it's now been several years since I have gone to one.

[@ReallifeBambiDeerattheFarm1]

Same here. It was never the same since the takeover. Been almost 20 years for me. Did go in to buy a few bagels the supported breast cancer research around 2006 or 2007, but found the staff stuffy and rude.

[@TakeWalker]

I've always said Panera is fast food for the upper middle class. I just ate there recently and they have this new chicken sandwich that is legitimately just an upscale version of what you'd get at McDonald's or Burger King. Not that that's a bad thing, it was definitely good, it's just funny.

[@burntman]

I've worked there for years and this right here is the proper take. Sure there are some outliers, and usually they are just accepting the fact that it's expensive. However a majority of the people coming in on a regular basis, are upper middle class people/families

[@malcorub]

Yes, its quite popular with the corporate lunch bunch... the kind that will give you a dirty judgemental look if you show up at the office in the afternoon with a McDonalds bag. 😆

[@thebatman6201]

I love how you imagine chicken will taste differently at a different location....... its chicken. Its gonna taste like chicken

[@iamacatperson7226]

@@thebatman6201 that's like saying all bread tastes the exact same. Or all steak tastes the exact same. No, not all chicken taters the exact same. It depends on the quality, how it is cooked, bunch of stuff. Granted, it can only taste so different, but still

[@TheHispanicUsername]

Bro if I want a chicken sandwich, I'm heading straight to either Cane's or Popeyes. I'm in for the crisp and crunch, but if not CFA. Panera is too expensive for me.

[@Steel-101]

Panera bread, a place that nearly broke my teeth lol 😆. Their sourdough bread was so rock hard. Everything else is good though! Great pastries 😋

[@asdakuhi8h]

dip it in the soup to soften it up

[@Steel-101]

@@asdakuhi8h I completely forgot lol 😆. Also do they have tomato basil?

[@alex.9699]

@@Steel-101 Yes but you have to ask for it

[@Steel-101]

@@alex.9699 i’m gonna try that. I hope it isn’t too salty. I hate it when soup is so salty, it feels like you stuck your tongue in the ocean lol 😆

[@Wendy_O.]

As someone who cooks several times a week, when I get a chance to eat out, I almost always choose Panera. I don't care for fast food and was never a fan of eating in restaurants, so Panera is a good middle ground. I usually get soup in a bread bowl, coffee or tea, and a cinnamon roll (99cents with the meal). I'm in the Rewards program and sometimes get surprise offers, like a free daily bagel or random discount. And since last fall, I've been a member of their coffee club (it started as a 90-day free trial). If I get 3 drinks in a month, it pays for itself. There's a Panera near the food store where I shop and another near my house, so I manage to get 2 drinks before and after the weekly food shopping and other errands. Worth it.

[@daltonwright490]

I used to work at a Panera for 6 years during high school in college. I a surprised with the amount of large scale success they have considering the rate of employee turnover. In my 6 years, only 3 other employees were around longer than me. 4 different general managers and over 8 assistant managers also quit to go to other companies in that same time.

[@ashantedula5696]

I worked there briefly working the sandwich/salad side in the morning. The hardest fast paced job I've ever had. They pay was terrible $7.50 per hour in 2008. They wanted me to work 6 days a week. Loved the environment but the work was too much. My favorite thing on the menu was the turkey bravo and sausage eggs n cheese on sourdough with a Bearclaw & green tea

[@billschlafly4107]

Glad to hear you got out. Hopefully you were able to leave the food service industry.

[@chunkymonkey7983]

Yes! The bacon turkey bravo is so good!

[@ashantedula5696]

@@billschlafly4107 yeah I'm working on planes now. It was a summer college gig at the time

[@mobius3466]

that's actually really good in 2008. I started working in general in 2012 at 7.65 at Albertsons. Considering the cost of living back then, of course. Now, not so much.

[@gm12551]

I was making $5.15 in 2007 lol

[@jackdreas4415]

As someone who worked for door dash in 2020 and part of 2021 getting orders from there was easy to pick up because they had a shelf off to the side to get the bags along with a monitor showing which orders were and weren’t ready.

[@rebeccasaborio]

Love your vids! This was a great one

[@JDMar0810]

I absolutely adore Panera now that I've been working at one for a year. I feel really proud of it! The community vibe is no joke. It's always fun when the regulars come in, and (at least at my location) the staff is close. Panera is pretty cool! Though I always wish it was cheaper lmao

[@Nonamer98]

Panera has been pretty great and I have many great memories from going to the one in my hometown. However, I’ve noticed that my local Panera they’ve been cutting a few items from their menu and their wait times have been increasing (maybe due to lack of staff). I hope they don’t sacrifice too much of what made them a high quality chain.

[@MilwaukeeWoman]

The labor market here doesn't allow for consistent workers and quality. The prices have gone too much. They got rid of my husband's favorite sandwich. We're still not dining in restaurants because of certain vulnerable family members. We don't buy much sweets, so after many years of them being a favorite restaurant, we refuse to go to them even for take out for the foreseeable future.

[@ColeBlecha]

@@MilwaukeeWoman is it the Frontega Chicken? If so it’s just on the “hidden” menu. They still have the ingredients to make it. Although that’s just at my local one. Modern Caprese is seasonal I believe.

[@RandomNPC001]

The family that started the company sold it a few years back. Corporate people took over and you can imagine what happens next (bottom line) is too valuable to them. I worked at Panera as a manager from 2001 to 2016. They had lost that enjoyable work type of feeling it had before. Before it being sold none of us had any problem working as hard as we could, because we knew what it meant for all of us to became a success nationwide, we were proud of it. After it was sold no matter how much you worked, it was never enough. They became too worried about setting the new trend, opposed to taking care of their staff and ultimately their customers that had been with them from the start.

[@evanstowers8529]

Yea, I think we can still make you guys a Frontega right now, as we have all the ingredients! Lately we've been getting less and less reliable shipments of ingredients from our trucks and we've been struggling with staff for the entire time that I've been at Panera (4 months). Sometimes the wait times get ridiculous, every day we run out of critical ingredients cause our trucks don't come with everything. I like the food but I eat veggie so I'm happy just with all the choices of different greens, veggies, fruits, nuts, etc. Really good place to work for in my experience, would recommend over any other chain.

[@isabellapayne7441]

@@ColeBlecha frontega is actually coming back to the menu

[@DeaDGoD_XIV]

I love their coffee and breakfast sandwiches on the weekend, and occasionally getting one of the soups or warm bowl meals for dinner on a weekday I don't feel like cooking after work.

[@Dimework]

Panera has become one of my favorites. A bit pricey, but in my opinion...worth it.

[@barbieblue3336]

I'm so glad you did this. I've wanted someone to do this. I can add a bit more. But I watched them literally survive during the pandemic. Very very smart moves

[@charliebenz2196]

It takes connections to get into the airport. It's not smart moves that got them where they are. It's old, dirty money

[@natethegreat5968]

Finally we get a video on this

[@ayeeitsaxie8115]

Been working at Panera for about 8 months now and really I've enjoyed working there. Panera's food is most definitely "fresher" compare to other food chains. I always enjoy my free shift meal.

[@alex.9699]

Free shift meal be saving lives 😭

[@jchow5966]

I 💟this cafe/bakery! Thank you for this excellent episod! I especially enjoy the food/restaurant episodes. ☮️💟

[@TheRogueRockhound]

You do great work man.

[@JJfan48]

Panera for us has always had a menu that hasn’t strayed away from its core style but in a good way. The employees are very friendly, and usually remind us it’s okay to sit and relax. When hanging with friends or doing work at the restaurant I’ve found myself ordered food or drinks again, not a bad model. They fit in with the relaxed millennial lifestyle well so I’m sure they’re only going to become more successful.

[@freeguy3751]

I discovered Panera Bread in Ontario Canada! I love their chipotle chicken sandwich. I also find their apples as a choice for a side to be great! (compared to unhealthy french fries); They're consistently good and not rotten or unedible looking. I liked how fast the orders are done and they call your name. I go there to treat myself, but yes the price is discouraging to go regularly.

[@gailstevens8487]

What location? I work at Panera in Ontario 😊

[@amberpulliam6356]

I’m in St. Louis. So I love bread co. I probably order once a week!! My favorite thing that have on the menu is the pick 2. That offers sooo many combinations and never feels boring.

[@brianflanagan3500]

I agree with another comment, when they first came out with their 2020 coffee subscription I thought it was ridiculous. Same story though, I received a free trial, and I’ve kept it ever cents and use Panera multiple times a week. I work in sales in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, so I am never any more than 15 minutes away from a Panera Bread. It’s a quiet place to work, stuff is always great, usually always clean and I get free coffee! Panera bread did a complete 180 on me in 2020 and I’ve never looked back since - Panera 2.0 was textbook innovation

[@yukiko347]

i can appreciate the image they want to uphold. The closet one to me is out of the way in a diffrent city. So my handful of experiences have been pretty mild. I usually get the quiche because it is a unique menue item and i had my first experience threw them to eat it.

[@TomMcMorrow]

Panera is one of those places that occupies the upper middle class stable of favorite brands alongside Starbucks, Target, Wegmans, Patagonia, Ugg etc. Source: Grew up in an upper middle class town

[@robertfrost8264]

Haha touche, I just realized all 5 of the Panera's around me are in white upper middle class towns, all of them are within a mile of a Wegmans.. but I live in Rochester so, everything is within a mile of a Wegmans.

[@ghostlyhousehorrors]

I live in a small town (not super small or super poor, town's just meh average) and I never seen anything like Panera bread, Target, Chipotle, etc in or near my town, I sorta thought those were a myth until I drove by through a wealthy upper class town one day.

[@dinguskenny]

I literally looked at a Panera sign the other day and was like "I wonder if Company Man did a video on them yet." HERE WE ARE! Thanks man!

[@gunner-chan-senpai4888]

Can’t wait for the Company Man 5 year celebration this year! I was sure it was in April but I was a month early haha. Great video, I’ve always wanted to try a Panera bread but I haven’t been close to one.

[@neilis2405]

Back in the late 90's early 00's there was a very similar competitor (which actually showed up first in my area) called Atlanta Bread Company. When Panera's starting showing up to me they seemed like a knock-off of Atlanta Bread Company. At their peak ABC had 170 locations across the country. I haven't seen one in ages but apparently they still have 18 locations open.

[@PrydeWater901]

Northside Dr. @ I-75 is the only one I know of. Both are rather bland and overpriced. ABC doesn’t even feel local.

[@craigfetter816]

Panera started in 1987. Atlanta bread started in 1993.

[@neilis2405]

@@craigfetter816 Yeah I know Panera was first, but Atlanta Bread was first *in my area* so when I first saw Panera I thought it was the knock-off.

[@NateBrotzman]

I lived in Columbia MO when this happened, I remember the St Louis Bread Co. hard to stress how similar Panera feels to that old one, the bagels were better then imo

[@abisanford5371]

I love your videos. They're so informative and well written. Does anyone remember the snack/ cookie Clodhoppers? They were the crunchy clusters. Are they even in production anymore?

[@TVandManga]

Interesting as always!

[@paulweston9358]

Panera is decent, but definitely not worth the price. Regardless of it’s name as “fast-casual” the minute a place gets a drive-thru, it becomes “fast food” to me, and cheapens the experience. (Same as Chipotle now. They even opened a new location near me with no dining room). I like their broccoli cheese soup, but it comes in frozen and is just heated. It’s very underwhelming to me.

[@lebode]

I think it"s worth the price for quality food without all the preservatives and such. I mean I went to Arby's and spent around 9 dollars on a "value meal" and that's pretty comparable to panera depending on your order of course.

[@jy840]

As someone who works at a Panera with a drive thru, I wholeheartedly believe that we shouldn’t have it at all. Our lines are constantly backed up and it takes significantly longer to prepare panera food than say McDonalds food. Like, the moment you order a sandwich that needs to be put in the oven, you’ve got about an extra 3 minutes wait. And most people order something that needs to be cooked. And don’t get me started on the douchebags that order an entire family feast in the drive thru. Those things take at least 10 minutes depending on how busy we are. And no, we aren’t supposed to tell them to pull forward.

[@LightningMo3]

As someone who is the Caterer for my Panera in Missouri, the add on of the drive through was an awful idea, it should have just been the rapid pick up option. It detracts from the experience of the dine-in experience so much because it requires so much additional effort to keep up. It's a youtube comment but my gm doesn't let us even heat up the mac and cheese in the soup thermalizer (the vat of boiling water that heats the frozen soup up) and instead we have to microwave it which sucks because it almost always burns to the touch to pour out and means we get cheese all over our hands having to change gloves right after. It also is worse when we microwave it than when you buy it at the store. I cater and get to do my own thing but some of the directions the company is going in have been shocking and I was surprised this video was even made.

[@Bored_Barbarian]

I love Panera for first dates. They’re always a good atmosphere and good food with an almost restaurant atmosphere, but not insanely expensive. Like $20-25 for a pair of meals isn’t that bad.

[@oghennylo3]

Before COVID hit in 2020 I saw the value in their coffee subscription. I have been a subscriber since and go almost everyday to get coffee or tea. Recently they added all their self serve drinks to the subscription and it is an incredible value.

[@NickAstalos]

i’ve been working at panera for nearly 4 years. one thing that i personally love, since i eat free all the time, is that the menu changes constantly and they try out new things. currently love the new spicy chicken sandwich a lot

[@emanueltwr]

Glad to see hospital food make a comeback

[@calebwilliams7659]

I'm surprised they have survived this long given how ridiculously over-priced they are. Ate there once because someone gave me a $25 gift card which didn't even cover the cost of my lunch (bowl of soup, sandwich, potato chips & fountain drink). Never went back.

[@squirellmaster1]

I ate at the local Panera‘s in my town A few times years ago, they seem to have some good ideas for the sandwiches, but they don’t execute them very well in my opinion and they are greatly overpriced.

[@sitcomchristian6886]

Whaaaaat...that's crazy. I just went yesterday with my husband and the price for both of us was under $40. We had two pick-twos, and split a cookie. Fwiw. Still expensive, would never make it a regular thing, but over $25 for what you're describing is unimaginable.

[@robertcortright]

Best episode of its type yet. I feel it is an improvement on amount of good information included in the episode compared to the Boston market episode which I feel had less of a grasp on what was happening in that particular company at the time.

[@althetutor]

Back when my tutoring was more in-person than online, I often chose Panera as a place to meet with students. It was quieter than Starbucks and it was usually easier to find seating there. I've been cutting back on the time I spend eating out for a combination of health and financial reasons, but mostly health reasons. Panera Bread is the last restaurant I still go to, but I go there a lot less than I used to. I've stayed away from fast food for the past 3 years, and I think Panera helped with the transition away from that garbage. Nowadays I mostly eat at home, getting Panera about once a month along with ordering a pizza every month and a half, and I might be reducing the frequency of the pizza orders soon. Once I have the free time to teach myself to cook better food at home, I don't think I'll ever set foot in a restaurant ever again. Until then, Panera will be my go to whenever I need a break from the uninspired sandwiches, pastas, and rice-based dishes I currently make at home.

[@davidburrow5895]

When a lot of other restaurants closed their dining rooms during the pandemic, Panera remained open (often at reduced capacity). They made it clear that dine-in customers were still welcome while other places went to drive-through only.

[@MarsJenkar]

Presumably this statement applies to places where this was allowed. I know that in the early stages of the pandemic (c. April 2020) it was actually against the law to open up the dining area in the state where I work.

[@MilwaukeeWoman]

Sounds like a reason I would have boycotted them. Our hospitals were very stressed during the worst of the pandemic and the areas with Panera had no mask mandate.

[@davidstring8301]

That's because they would go out of business. Do any even have a drive-thru?

[@Leguminator]

@@MarsJenkar That's how it was by me. In early pandemic and during lock down dining rooms weren't allowed to be open at all, so everyone switched to curb side pickup and delivery. The Panera by me, and all the other restaurants, had the entire dining area cordoned off from access.

[@thebatman6201]

And let me tell you how insanely pissed off that generosity made people...

[@kevinfryman7143]

I used to go to Panera several times a week. A few years ago, it seemed like the local store I used to go to couldn't keep staff. They were always changing employees and I got tired of going in only to be treated like a stranger in a store I had been patronizing for a decade. I no longer go in except on occasion a few times a year.

[@rico1751]

Probably because nobody wants to be stuck working at fast food for awhile

[@McCov1]

Next video. The RISE and RISE of COMPANY MAN 😁

[@ZekromZeke]

My mom and I were huge fans of Panera we'd go there often around noon for a nice lunch when we had errands to go run for the day. But then they started taking off items we'd always order and after a while service at least at our location started going down. Finally their souffles which we love are only served for breakfast and they stopped selling breakfast a half hour earlier. I don't wanna wake up at 9 just to drive over to Panera for some souffles! Maybe now it's good again and they have some new interesting items but it's been a long time now we've bothered going.

[@alex.9699]

Btw they still have some sandwhiches, but not on the menu so remember to ask

[@kyanamorsell5891]

I ate Panera bread for 2 years straight when I worked at Tyson corner mall 😂 years ago. I love that place, it’s very good. I live in an “urban” area so there aren’t any, I wish there was. In order to get it I have to go to a more “ suburban” area. but that’s okay

[@Noah_E]

it's been a few years since I last went to a Panera. 1) Sandwiches are one of the easiest foods to prepare so paying more than a few bucks for someone else to make one for you is silly. 2) Better ingredients doesn't make something good for you. Their bread bowls are loaded with calories and sugar. 3) How have people not caught on to what all these Harvard guys are doing with restaurants? Sell an incrementally better product with a substantially larger profit margin. Just go to a deli and get something better for less and stop supporting these "lifestyle brands."

[@gwenderp6229]

Wow you are so profound and intelligent.

[@flvflv4712]

What a squalid perspective

[@alexiamakay]

I agree, I find them to be underwhelming.

[@melissaann1401]

They are relying on the Lazy American 😉

[@delpullen730]

Agreed. I would rather frequent a local deli.

[@myvettebeauty9005]

Every time I visit home to Maryland, I go to Panera. I love it.

[@chazblank2717]

I’ve had miniature family reunions at Panera locations around the country… always very inviting spaces.

[@SpookyDollhouse]

I grew-up in the St. Louis area and always knew them as Bread Co. It was so good, ate there pretty religiously with my mom! Their food went downhill years ago though right before they completely altered the menu. Now it all tastes like conveyor-belt fast food. (Boar's Head has better cold cuts than they do these days!) Smaller portions and higher priced too, and that was BEFORE inflation! Most recently I got a good laugh at their bizarre attempt at chicken sandwich competition...what's up with that? lmao

[@charlockprime]

Panera used to be a decent enough place to grab an OK sandwich from time to time. Now, I almost never choose to go to one. In the last 10 years, I've probably been to a Panera twice and it was because I was going with other people that chose it. I've had some OK breakfast sandwiches there, too. The second to last time I went, I made the mistake of ordering a ramen bowl. It was just awful.

[@robertfrost8264]

I'll order Panera for pickup just based on when I wanna get a drink from there. Their teas, lemonades and iced drinks are top notch so if I'm gonna go there for that I might as well pick up a soup and sandwich.

[@chunkymonkey7983]

Try the turkey bacon bravo sandwhich? I can't find anyone who doesn't like it.

[@ShadowWingTronix]

If I'm out shopping or coming home from a con, I love going to Panera for lunch. It's relaxing, you can sit and wait for those coaster-like buzzers to tell you your food is ready, and just eat while going over stuff online or they have a local paper available. Plus the food is really good, including their deserts. It's like a gourmet sandwich place.

[@melanie6759]

I love Panera, especially for a good lunch spot on road trips. And I used to go there a lot to study and it was always a great spot

[@junrosamura645]

I worked there in my younger years and it was a great place to work. They had you eat most of the food there so you understood the taste and ingredients. Every time a new item was added to the menu, you got a chance to try it out and get paid for it! Everything smelled so good and getting free food was a nice perk! They would also donate unsold food to charity each night. Also, their lemonade was amazing, only second to Chick-fil-a.

[@maverator]

They’re still successful? I stopped going when they revamped (downgraded) their bakery stuff a few years ago. Their sandwiches are miniature compared to literally any other sandwich place, and their French onion soup is not available whenever I wanted to order it (not sure if they discontinued it).

[@silverxstar01]

Their French Onion is the worst I've ever had in my life, you're not missing out!

[@bigbobbybull]

I go to Panera every morning get a coffee and walk the mall. I subscribe to their Unlimited Sip Club, it's my 2nd favorite subscription behind Company Man!

[@rstrader2516]

I am so glad I have a Panera near me in Clearwater FL! I love their tunafish sandwiches, which I get on tomato basil bread or croissant. And nothing beats soup and sandwich. Their bread is always fresh on the sandwiches. However, I won't buy a loaf from the bakery anymore, as it is always hard as a rock, due to leaving it out on display for hours unwrapped. What a shame.

[@Tool0GT92]

Panera Bread is good because my 8 year old likes it, its a good median between having decent food, at a reasonable price, that you can eat quickly. We get tired of eating crap like McDonalds all the time when we were out and my daughter was being picky.

[@MAYOFORCE]

I seen them for years and didn't even know they were also a cafe, I just assumed they were a bakery and went along my way.

[@alex.9699]

Me too, I was stunned when I realized they had cafe, sandwiches, soups and salads

[@R32R38]

I've always liked them. That is spot-on about the atmosphere.

[@Content_Deleted]

The food is delicious and the environment is as warm and welcoming as described, it's a nice place to eat a hearty meal!