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 usually try to be patient with places like Panera Bread since staffing has been an issue post-pandemic, and staff are clearly overwhelmed. However, my visit t... read more I usually try to be patient with places like Panera Bread since staffing has been an issue post-pandemic, and staff are clearly overwhelmed. However, my visit today was really disappointing. I placed an order for a bagel through the kiosk and then waited at the designated pickup area for bakery items. An employee approached me to ask if I had been helped, and I explained that I had ordered via the kiosk and was waiting. Despite waiting for about 10 minutes, my bagel never arrived, while customers who ordered both before and after me received their items promptly. I didn’t complain or leave my spot, but I was completely ignored—no one checked back to confirm if I received my order. Eventually, I went to the employee I had spoken to earlier—I’m not sure if she was a manager—and told her I needed to leave and requested a refund. She agreed to refund my money and said she would get my bagel. She also mentioned that if you order from the kiosk, you need to notify someone, which I already understood, but I had to leave for work. The refund she gave me was only $1.95, which makes no sense since the bagel was nearly $5. Then she brought out the bagel but without the honey walnut cream cheese I had requested. When I pointed this out, she responded, “Well, you didn’t tell me that,” as if it was my fault. After she finally brought the cream cheese, I left with only the $1.95 refund in hand. I probably won’t order from this Panera Bread location again. They seriously need to update their ordering system. At other Panera locations I visit, there are screens that show the status of orders and what’s ready for pickup. This store desperately needs one of those to improve the customer experience and manage their menu orders more efficiently.

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.