Panera Bread - Ashland

I waited 9 minutes to pick up a simple orange scone, only to be told they were out of stock. Meanwhile, the staff was just chatting away in the back. read more I waited 9 minutes to pick up a simple orange scone, only to be told they were out of stock. Meanwhile, the staff was just chatting away in the back.

In today's economy, people are seeking value. I paid $18 for a half sandwich and a bowl of soup, and I was still left feeling hungry. read more In today's economy, people are seeking value. I paid $18 for a half sandwich and a bowl of soup, and I was still left feeling hungry.

The restaurant was quite busy, so I won't be too harsh in my judgment. However, the wait time was longer than we would have preferred. The tables could have bee... read more The restaurant was quite busy, so I won't be too harsh in my judgment. However, the wait time was longer than we would have preferred. The tables could have been cleaner, and the food clearly seemed to be prepared in a hurry. My sandwich could have used a bit more dressing, but overall, I wouldn't call the experience terrible—just a typical rushed visit. I believe that a less busy time might lead to a better dining experience.

I’ve visited this Panera Bread location twice, and both experiences were disappointing. The first time was in July when I placed a curbside order because I had... read more I’ve visited this Panera Bread location twice, and both experiences were disappointing. The first time was in July when I placed a curbside order because I had two toddlers with me and thought it would be easier and faster than the drive-thru since I needed to get home for nap time. However, I waited 20 minutes, with 10-15 of those minutes passing after several notifications said someone would be out shortly with my order. No one ever came, so I went inside and found my order just sitting on the counter. The second time was today. I only had one toddler napping with me, so I decided to try the drive-thru to avoid the previous issues. I ordered a salad and two cookies; the associate at the window was friendly. I should have checked my bag before leaving, but I was in a hurry to get home, which is 45 minutes away, and there was already a 15-minute wait behind me. After driving off, I realized the cookies were missing. I was frustrated after two poor experiences, especially since I had promised my daughter and husband a treat from the menu. I called the store to request a refund and explained the situation to the first associate, who said she could assist me. After 30 seconds of silence, a manager took over, and I had to explain everything again. He told me I had to come in person for a refund or to receive the missing cookies. Since I don’t frequent the area, this means I’ll have to make a special trip just to get my money back from Panera Bread. I’m generally understanding and forgiving, even given the challenges post-COVID, but the customer service at this location has been consistently poor. Hopefully, when I return to claim my refund, it will be honored without further hassle. This review serves as additional proof for any associate or manager I speak with then. I’m not looking forward to bringing my two toddlers inside again just to resolve this.

I just left the Panera at 810 England Street, Ashland, VA. We arrived on Saturday, August 27 at 8:30 AM and were shocked by how filthy the place was. I never ex... read more I just left the Panera at 810 England Street, Ashland, VA. We arrived on Saturday, August 27 at 8:30 AM and were shocked by how filthy the place was. I never expected a Panera to be so dirty. The foyer smelled like garbage, and there were many dead bugs on the floor. The coffee station was disgusting, with containers for cream and milk that looked unwashed. The coffee tasted stale and not fresh. The tables were dirty, and under the seats and tables, there were chunks of bread and food, as if it hadn’t been swept or mopped for days. Flies were buzzing around. Fortunately, we had wipes to clean our table, but overall, our breakfast was far from enjoyable.