Panera Bread - Ocala

I love the mac and cheese. The employee taking my order was very impatient and he seemed annoyed…didn’t like his attitude towards the other customers and employ... read more I love the mac and cheese. The employee taking my order was very impatient and he seemed annoyed…didn’t like his attitude towards the other customers and employees.

The cashiers were polite, and the supervisor appeared to be attentive and considerate towards the guests. Unfortunately, they had run out of flatbreads and were... read more The cashiers were polite, and the supervisor appeared to be attentive and considerate towards the guests. Unfortunately, they had run out of flatbreads and were not serving any of the pizzas—my son's favorite and the main reason we chose this restaurant. We only found this out after waiting in line for 20 minutes, and then we had to hold up the line even more while we figured out an alternative. Regarding the food pickup experience, my husband and two boys sat down while I waited for our food. I noticed that the kid's macaroni and cheese came with a side of bread that was small, broken in half, and overcooked. It looked far too crispy for a child to eat, so I pointed this out to the server. She turned away without responding, grabbed a bag with a single slice of bread, folded it, placed it on the dish, and curtly said, "That's the best I can do; we're all out." That was quite rude; she could have offered to substitute the side item or at least responded politely, especially since I had addressed her in a friendly manner. For these reasons, I am giving this place a lower rating. Customer service is crucial, and being prepared to handle busy periods can keep customers coming back instead of leaving regretting their choice when there are so many other restaurant options available in the plaza.

I absolutely love the flatbread pizza and the cheddar and broccoli soup. In fact, everything here is delicious! Be sure to try some of the desserts as well; you... read more I absolutely love the flatbread pizza and the cheddar and broccoli soup. In fact, everything here is delicious! Be sure to try some of the desserts as well; you'll want to keep coming back for more!

By the way, the pizza server had never heard of pizza chili peppers for a little extra spice. They didn't have any! I was quite surprised, and the poor girl loo... read more By the way, the pizza server had never heard of pizza chili peppers for a little extra spice. They didn't have any! I was quite surprised, and the poor girl looked at me in confusion when I asked if she ever used them, as they're so common at Pizza Hut or Domino's. She had no idea what I was talking about! As you can see, I love my spices. Mr. Panera Bread, why not make those chili pepper packets available?

I ordered the pick two, which includes soup and a half sandwich, but my soup portion was very small—less than half a cup. When I asked a server about it, she wa... read more I ordered the pick two, which includes soup and a half sandwich, but my soup portion was very small—less than half a cup. When I asked a server about it, she was rude and said I should consider myself lucky to get even two spoonfuls, claiming that’s how they serve it. I’ve ordered the pick two before and never received such a small serving, especially not for the price. My sandwich was just okay, but overall, the service has definitely declined.