Panera Bread - Fullerton

This place is overpriced and underwhelming. I wouldn’t recommend it. We were quite disappointed with both the service and the food. The bread wasn’t warm, the c... read more This place is overpriced and underwhelming. I wouldn’t recommend it. We were quite disappointed with both the service and the food. The bread wasn’t warm, the chicken was dry, and the only positive was the free refill.

I ordered a medium hot latte and a pastry. After waiting 10 minutes, I asked about my coffee and was told the machine was cleaning, along with some other excuse... read more I ordered a medium hot latte and a pastry. After waiting 10 minutes, I asked about my coffee and was told the machine was cleaning, along with some other excuses. I told them to keep the coffee and that I wouldn’t be returning. I went across the street to a different place and got my coffee in about 5 minutes.

I’ve been coming to this Panera Bread regularly for a few months, and overall, it’s fairly good. With so many restaurants struggling with staffing shortages rig... read more I’ve been coming to this Panera Bread regularly for a few months, and overall, it’s fairly good. With so many restaurants struggling with staffing shortages right now, I try to be understanding. However, I did have an unsettling experience in the restroom when I tried to put my backpack on the diaper changing station. It had brown spots that looked like mold or feces, possibly from either homeless individuals or babies. This was quite concerning, as management really needs to focus on basic cleanliness, especially during the ongoing pandemic.

Today, I experienced the slowest service I’ve ever encountered at this restaurant during the mid-morning hours. The manager at the register looked utterly exhau... read more Today, I experienced the slowest service I’ve ever encountered at this restaurant during the mid-morning hours. The manager at the register looked utterly exhausted, with dark circles under his eyes, like a zombie in desperate need of sleep. He moved slowly to refill the coffee pots, clearly in need of caffeine more than any of the customers. The rest of the staff seemed indifferent and lethargic, either hiding in the kitchen or scrolling on their phones in a corner. The lackadaisical attitude from management was mirrored in the employees, and it was reflected in the overall cleanliness and organization of the restaurant as well.

I gave the food a 3-star rating because it reminded me of cafeteria fare. I don’t hold the staff responsible for this, though. The service also received 3 stars... read more I gave the food a 3-star rating because it reminded me of cafeteria fare. I don’t hold the staff responsible for this, though. The service also received 3 stars since I observed that most customers don’t engage much with the employees, which is somewhat disappointing. On the other hand, I awarded 5 stars for the atmosphere, as they are very accommodating when it comes to charging devices and allow customers to linger for as long as they want. The serene and tranquil environment seems to be perfect for both students and professionals. Overall, I really enjoy Panerai!