Panera Bread - Yonkers

I used the rapid pick-up option through the Panera app, and it worked quite well. My order was received without any need to wait in line. However, when I arrive... read more I used the rapid pick-up option through the Panera app, and it worked quite well. My order was received without any need to wait in line. However, when I arrived at the restaurant, I still had to wait for my order to be completed, which was a bit frustrating. The staff acknowledged my presence, checked on my order, and informed me that it was just awaiting one item. There is a spacious outdoor parking lot for the entire mall, and both cash and credit are accepted. However, the app only allows for credit or e-wallet payments, so there's no option to pay in-store. I found the prices to be on the higher side considering the quality and quantity of the food. On a positive note, the dining area was clean and offered a comfortable space for anyone to sit, enjoy their meal, or work. There is also a public bathroom available. The pastries and teas are quite delicious. Overall, a decent experience. (11/2022)

I’m giving Panera 4 stars primarily due to the service. The manager during our visit was very friendly, and the young man attending to the tables was incredibly... read more I’m giving Panera 4 stars primarily due to the service. The manager during our visit was very friendly, and the young man attending to the tables was incredibly helpful and kept the dining area spotless. We tried two large Citrus Sesame Asian salads, a chocolate croissant, a pecan twist, and a frozen strawberry lemonade. We enjoyed everything except for the salads. To start, the dressing was incredibly tangy, likely due to the citrus and vinegar, making it nearly inedible. Additionally, the salads were made with chicken thighs, which still had the skin on and were quite fatty. It was a poor choice, as chicken thighs need to be cooked properly to render the fat and crisp up the skin. We ended up picking out all the chicken and discarding it. I later mentioned this salad to a friend who loves Panera, and he shared that he had tried it and also disliked it. I wish I had known that beforehand. The salad did have some promising ingredients, such as power greens, kale, cabbage, romaine, edamame, carrots, pickled onions, and crispy noodles. However, another issue was that it was dressed far too heavily, leaving excess dressing at the bottom of the bowl. I wanted to rate it 3 stars because of these issues, but since I believe they can improve, I opted for 4 stars instead.

I found this restaurant to be extremely unsanitary and unclean. Underneath the kitchen equipment, right above the counter where customers pick up their food, th... read more I found this restaurant to be extremely unsanitary and unclean. Underneath the kitchen equipment, right above the counter where customers pick up their food, there was an alarming presence of roaches and roach nests, along with dead roaches and mouse droppings. When I reached to grab my food from the counter, I noticed that in the cracks and crevices where plates, cups, and utensils are stored, there were potentially thousands of dead and live roaches, as well as rat feces. I was very disappointed and regretful for spending $50 there that day; I ended up throwing my food away and I won't be returning. It's safe to say I won't be visiting any Panera Bread restaurants again!

Update: They missed my app order, which was scheduled for pickup just before closing. Despite being essentially closed and the doors locked, they let me inside,... read more Update: They missed my app order, which was scheduled for pickup just before closing. Despite being essentially closed and the doors locked, they let me inside, prepared my food, and went above and beyond to make up for the mistake—all with a courteous and apologetic attitude. I could be upset about the forgotten order, but I choose to appreciate their excellent customer service. My rating has gone up from 3 to 4 stars. Originally, this place offers decent food and generally good service, but they often open late by 2 to 10 minutes. One day, I waited outside for nearly 20 minutes past opening and had to knock on the glass, only to be told they were understaffed and wouldn’t open for another hour. They also wouldn’t let me in just to get my Sip Club drink, even though only one employee is needed to serve it. Considering these consistent issues, I feel three stars is a fair rating.

This morning, I visited Panera Bread and ordered an egg white, spinach, and avocado breakfast sandwich to go. When I got home, I realized the main ingredient, t... read more This morning, I visited Panera Bread and ordered an egg white, spinach, and avocado breakfast sandwich to go. When I got home, I realized the main ingredient, the egg white, was missing. They have messed up my orders before, which is why I stopped going. It’s been a year since my last order, and now I understand why. Their menu fails to deliver consistently. Truly a waste of my time. Never again—Panera Bread has lost a customer.