Panera Bread - O'Fallon

When I first arrived, I anticipated waiting about 30 minutes for my order. I noticed how many people were leaving while I waited. The restaurant was only about... read more When I first arrived, I anticipated waiting about 30 minutes for my order. I noticed how many people were leaving while I waited. The restaurant was only about a quarter full when I entered, but now it's nearly packed, with people waiting for their orders. The staff seems overwhelmed and is working at a snail's pace. Although they appear to be busy, they're actually quite inefficient. I've seen several customers return to the counter to retrieve items that were missing from their orders. Overall, the experience has been frustratingly incompetent.

I usually avoid writing negative reviews, but I feel compelled to share my experience. Since moving to O'Fallon, I’ve noticed that my food orders often come out... read more I usually avoid writing negative reviews, but I feel compelled to share my experience. Since moving to O'Fallon, I’ve noticed that my food orders often come out wrong, no matter where I go. Tonight, I stopped by Panera Bread for dinner, and when I arrived, there was no one at the counter. I waited about five minutes, watching the staff do everything except take orders. It’s frustrating to see them standing around when all you want is to place an order. Eventually, I managed to order and pick up my food, but once I got home, I found the sandwich was completely wrong. It’s baffling how difficult it seems to read a screen and prepare the correct order.

As I write this, I have been waiting for my order at Panera Bread for about 30 minutes. I’ve seen several customers leave in frustration. When I arrived, the re... read more As I write this, I have been waiting for my order at Panera Bread for about 30 minutes. I’ve seen several customers leave in frustration. When I arrived, the restaurant was only about a quarter full, but now it’s nearly packed with people still waiting for their orders, while the staff prepare food at a painfully slow pace. Although Panera Bread appears fully staffed, the service is extremely inefficient. I’ve also noticed multiple customers returning to the counter to retrieve missing items from their orders. Overall, the experience has been completely disappointing. I expected a better pace considering the menu offerings.

I visited the restaurant because I received some gift cards. Since I wasn't familiar with the place, it made ordering a bit challenging. I had to take a seat an... read more I visited the restaurant because I received some gift cards. Since I wasn't familiar with the place, it made ordering a bit challenging. I had to take a seat and pull up the menu on my phone to figure out what to order. I decided on a cherry cheese Danish ring to go, but I was really disappointed when it turned out to be stale! On the other hand, the sandwiches we ordered were good. The service was decent overall; the young woman at the bakery counter was helpful and friendly.

I visit Panera Bread occasionally and always order the Mac and Cheese to eat in, and I've never had any issues. The staff is friendly and helpful. However, most... read more I visit Panera Bread occasionally and always order the Mac and Cheese to eat in, and I've never had any issues. The staff is friendly and helpful. However, most of the bakery items on the menu tend to sell out by dinner time, which makes sense since they’re freshly made daily. I recommend coming earlier in the day if you want to enjoy the baked goods. There are sometimes small errors with orders, but the staff is always prompt in fixing any problems.