Panera Bread - Melbourne

I’m giving this restaurant a 5-star rating because the manager went above and beyond with their customer service during an issue I faced. I had bought four bage... read more I’m giving this restaurant a 5-star rating because the manager went above and beyond with their customer service during an issue I faced. I had bought four bagels from another Panera Bread location that were supposed to be toasted, but I didn’t check my order until I was five minutes away from my destination. Realizing I needed them toasted, I quickly headed to this Panera Bread since it was the closest option. The manager was incredibly understanding and kindly provided me with four freshly toasted bagels at no cost.

We placed our order at the computer kiosks located at the front of the restaurant. The ordering system was easy to navigate and efficient. Even though the lobby... read more We placed our order at the computer kiosks located at the front of the restaurant. The ordering system was easy to navigate and efficient. Even though the lobby was bustling, it was kept clean and well-organized. My only recommendation for improvement would be to provide warm butter for the toasted bagels. By the time we were seated, the bagels had cooled off, and the butter was nearly frozen. I enjoy my bagels to be warm and buttery!

Stopped by for lunch during a trip and ordered the Chicken Avocado Sandwich. Overall, the taste was good, but half of the sandwich had very little avocado, whic... read more Stopped by for lunch during a trip and ordered the Chicken Avocado Sandwich. Overall, the taste was good, but half of the sandwich had very little avocado, which was green and hard. The other half had a large piece of uncut, bright green avocado that was difficult to bite through. It could have been a great sandwich with better avocado preparation.

I've seen Panera Bread's commercial on TV about the chicken sandwich, and it looks delicious. However, I haven't eaten there in over five years due to very poor... read more I've seen Panera Bread's commercial on TV about the chicken sandwich, and it looks delicious. However, I haven't eaten there in over five years due to very poor customer service and disrespectful staff. To make a long story short, one morning I was charged for tea that I never received, and they refused to remove it from my bill. Additionally, my breakfast sandwich was cold, and the manager was rude. When I contacted corporate, they simply asked what they should do, which was disappointing. As the corporate team, they should know how to handle such issues. Despite the tempting menu, I will never return to Panera Bread.

The food at Panera Bread meets the usual expectations for this franchise, but the service leaves a lot to be desired. I waited two years to write this review to... read more The food at Panera Bread meets the usual expectations for this franchise, but the service leaves a lot to be desired. I waited two years to write this review to gather enough experience. Today, I made my sixth call to follow up on a curbside order. I prefer not to go inside, but managing three kids while picking up a bag is challenging. When I called, I mentioned that I had already waited 30 minutes and called twice before. Eventually, someone came out but blamed the delay on my car, even though my receipt clearly matched my vehicle. The food was good, but the staff still seems to struggle, with no noticeable improvement over time.