Paneras

[ureout]

stopped into Paneras @ L.S. this evening had only been there for coffee and pastry in the past...I ordered a turkey and cranberry flatbread sandwich...was only about $6....i was shocked when i sat down and opened up the flatbread in the middle on this approximately 6" flatbread was 1 little hunk of turkey no bigger than the size of my thumb and the cranberries was a little red spot of juice (no actual cranberries) what the rest of the sandwich consisted of was about 25 little green leaves (fancy lettuce)the manager actually told me that was a "normal" portion of turkey...how do these places stay in business

[missypie]

Well you did the right thing talking to the manager. Apparently you weren't satisfied with the response. (either would I have been) . Next thing is to write to corporate and tell them of your experience. Would have been good in hindsight if you would have taken a picture and included it in your letter to corporate. In answer to your comment, how do they stay in business? No one complains to the right people. So I say good job to you and stay on this.

[tuctba]

Agree....the only items I will purchase is the coffee and a bear claw. In my opinion the sandwiches are terrible.

[kcrazorbackfan]

The one at LS is a far cry from the 2 I use to frequent in Illinois; portions were good, staff was friendly. We went into the LS one the other night and the help behind the counter wasn't that helpful - asked what I needed then walked away for about 3 minutes without taking my order; finally reappeared and seemed disgusted to have to help anyone. In my own polite way, I told her to have a really great evening. Good help is really hard to find.

[Bonny]

I have only ordered food there 1 time. I got a chicken salad sandwich. It was barely a tablespoon of chicken salad. I asked about the small amount and they said that's how they make them. I never ate there again. I used to go in and get some bread once in awhile. Haven't been there for years.

[2BNTV]

This is good to know as I have only went there for breakfast and love their cinnamon crunch bagel and hazelnut coffee.

I will go elsewhere for lunch. Toojay's is a better option.

[PammyJ]

Doug and I went there this past weekend and noticed the small portions as well. I have to agree that generally Paneras are not this stingy! I eat a couple of different Paneras close to my other house and the portions are generous and yummy! Does anyone know if Spanish Springs location is any better?

[Mudder]

NO, the SS Panera's is worse! Actually just came back from there with a coffee refill. So I was appalled at the so called cranberry turkey panini , complained to manager asked for another sandwich which they begrudgedly made. She wanted to take the first one back when she gave me the second one, I said no! So I ate both. When I got home I did write to corporate explained everything in detail and also said that the ad on TV and on the posters in the store clearly show 4 SLICES of turkey, a big hunk of CRANBERRIES and a normal amount of spinach. Her reply was that they do "stylize" their photos of the food! Oh great way to fool the customers. She sent me an $8 egift card......couldn't they have rounded up to $10?
I do go there a lot as I like their coffee. If you have a Panera's card and your own mug, of whatever size, you can fill up for $1.26. The soups are always good and I do love their cinnamon crunch bagel.

[Bonny]

NO, the SS Panera's is worse! Actually just came back from there with a coffee refill. So I was appalled at the so called cranberry turkey panini , complained to manager asked for another sandwich which they begrudgedly made. She wanted to take the first one back when she gave me the second one, I said no! So I ate both. When I got home I did write to corporate explained everything in detail and also said that the ad on TV and on the posters in the store clearly show 4 SLICES of turkey, a big hunk of CRANBERRIES and a normal amount of spinach. Her reply was that they do "stylize" their photos of the food! Oh great way to fool the customers. She sent me an $8 egift card......couldn't they have rounded up to $10?
I do go there a lot as I like their coffee. If you have a Panera's card and your own mug, of whatever size, you can fill up for $1.26. The soups are always good and I do love their cinnamon crunch bagel.
If they were making you another sandwich, why didn't you just give the first one back ?

[kcrazorbackfan]

If you have a Panera's card and your own mug, of whatever size, you can fill up for $1.26.

Hmmm. Could this possibly be a reason the portions of food are getting smaller? I can just hear someone with a crusty old voice say - "They screwed us on the food, let's screw them on the coffee". :mornincoffee:

[tomwed]

NO, the SS Panera's is worse! Actually just came back from there with a coffee refill. So I was appalled at the so called cranberry turkey panini , complained to manager asked for another sandwich which they begrudgedly made. She wanted to take the first one back when she gave me the second one, I said no! So I ate both. When I got home I did write to corporate explained everything in detail and also said that the ad on TV and on the posters in the store clearly show 4 SLICES of turkey, a big hunk of CRANBERRIES and a normal amount of spinach. Her reply was that they do "stylize" their photos of the food! Oh great way to fool the customers. She sent me an $8 egift card......couldn't they have rounded up to $10?
I do go there a lot as I like their coffee. If you have a Panera's card and your own mug, of whatever size, you can fill up for $1.26. The soups are always good and I do love their cinnamon crunch bagel.
I wouldn't call that stylizing either. You can make a hamburger photo look juicy but you can't show a photo of a double cheeseburger and get handed a single and not get called on it.
And if they gave me a new sandwich the way it looked in the photo, I would also feel obliged to return the first sandwich.
I guess the place is popular because of the bread. My mom would tell me you can put just about anything on good bread and it will taste great. Good bread must be expensive to make or everyone would serve it.
In Italy, where the bread is excellent, I was surprised that the bread on the table is extra. At least at the low brow places where we ate three years ago.

[slipcovers]

NO, the SS Panera's is worse! Actually just came back from there with a coffee refill. So I was appalled at the so called cranberry turkey panini , complained to manager asked for another sandwich which they begrudgedly made. She wanted to take the first one back when she gave me the second one, I said no! So I ate both. When I got home I did write to corporate explained everything in detail and also said that the ad on TV and on the posters in the store clearly show 4 SLICES of turkey, a big hunk of CRANBERRIES and a normal amount of spinach. Her reply was that they do "stylize" their photos of the food! Oh great way to fool the customers. She sent me an $8 egift card......couldn't they have rounded up to $10?
I do go there a lot as I like their coffee. If you have a Panera's card and your own mug, of whatever size, you can fill up for $1.26. The soups are always good and I do love their cinnamon crunch bagel.


Appalled??? 2 sandwiches, gift card and basically free coffee. Complaining that the gift card wasn't more. How do people expect them to stay in business. No wonder they are skimping on the meat. Oh wait, I guess it is the developers fault!!

[Bonny]

Appalled??? 2 sandwiches, gift card and basically free coffee. Complaining that the gift card wasn't more. How do people expect them to stay in business. No wonder they are skimping on the meat. Oh wait, I guess it is the developers fault!!
:agree:

[Sandtrap328]

Appalled??? 2 sandwiches, gift card and basically free coffee. Complaining that the gift card wasn't more. How do people expect them to stay in business. No wonder they are skimping on the meat. Oh wait, I guess it is the developers fault!!

To quote Larry The Cable Guy - "I don't care who you are, that's funny!

[Mudder]

I kept the first sandwich because in my opinion the two I got made one decent size sandwich. By the way, the second one was as skimpy as the first. And no where did I mention free coffee. Hey, I love Panera's ......that particular day the sandwich issue just bothered me , probably got up on wrong side of bed.

[gerryann]

Had the same experience at Panera in SS.......but it was a Turkey, Bacon, Avacado sandwich for $8.50
The sandwich had enough turkey, bacon and avacado to fill 1/4 of the sandwich. We took pictures and emailed to corporate who forwarded to the individual franchise who sent us a few gift certificates.
We don't go there anymore...at least not here.

[2catsmeow]

Well, I guess I will be the exception to this post- I LOVE Panera - the squash soup, the Greek salad, hazelnut coffee with a pecan braid......I must be easy to please....and have never been disappointed there...... My husband gets the half Sierra turkey sandwich (on honey wheat because he is not a focaccia fan) with chips and a drink and he is happy. It is always fresh and yummy. Oh well - to each his own - that is why we have different restaurants. If we all liked the same thing just think how crowded it would be - gee, like Panera is most of the time....

[tomwed]

I went there today and told the lady behind the counter:
"I want a rubber band hoagie, and make it snappy!"

[no i didn't, i made that up]

[Bonny]

Well, I guess I will be the exception to this post- I LOVE Panera - the squash soup, the Greek salad, hazelnut coffee with a pecan braid......I must be easy to please....and have never been disappointed there...... My husband gets the half Sierra turkey sandwich (on honey wheat because he is not a focaccia fan) with chips and a drink and he is happy. It is always fresh and yummy. Oh well - to each his own - that is why we have different restaurants. If we all liked the same thing just think how crowded it would be - gee, like Panera is most of the time....
I always think I am the easiest person in the world when it comes to food. I can find something no matter where I go or what kind of restaurant it is.
My only complaint was if I'm paying $8.00 or so for a chicken salad sandwich, I would like a little more than a tablespoon of chicken salad on 2 pieces of bread. I would at least like to taste the chicken salad.

[Bonny]

I went there today and told the lady behind the counter:
"I want a rubber band hoagie, and make it snappy!"

[no i didn't, i made that up]
Just as I was going to ask you how it was, I see you said you made it up. :cryin2:

[slipcovers]

I kept the first sandwich because in my opinion the two I got made one decent size sandwich. By the way, the second one was as skimpy as the first. And no where did I mention free coffee. Hey, I love Panera's ......that particular day the sandwich issue just bothered me , probably got up on wrong side of bed.

Bring your own mug, no matter what size, is basically free.

[billethkid]

their turkey cranberry sandwich as stated was and is a rip off. I also told the manager thry mis-represent the sandwich in their advertizing. I was told I was a rare complaint about the quality and portion size......right!!!!!

I would not go back or recommend a Panera visit to anybody. There is much much better available for the same amount of $$$$.

[Madelaine Amee]

Well, I guess I will be the exception to this post- I LOVE Panera - the squash soup, the Greek salad, hazelnut coffee with a pecan braid......I must be easy to please....and have never been disappointed there...... My husband gets the half Sierra turkey sandwich (on honey wheat because he is not a focaccia fan) with chips and a drink and he is happy. It is always fresh and yummy. Oh well - to each his own - that is why we have different restaurants. If we all liked the same thing just think how crowded it would be - gee, like Panera is most of the time....

No, you are not the exception, we also love Panera's. Their coffee and a bagel, or sweet roll are excellent and from the number of people standing in line to get served I'd say we are in the majority!:smiley:

[ureout]

No, you are not the exception, we also love Panera's. Their coffee and a bagel, or sweet roll are excellent and from the number of people standing in line to get served I'd say we are in the majority!:smiley:

No one disagrees with you about their coffee and pastry :mmmm: BUT if you read all the posts where everyone is complaining its about their SANDWICHES and what the sandwich looks like in the pictures they show. Maybe they should just serve coffee and pastry

[Hankg42]

When we were down for our Preview stay last July, we had lunch in the Panera's in LSL. I don't remember it being bad. But then again, we had just put a down payment on our new retirement home, so they could have served me anything and I wouldn't have noticed! :smiley:

[tbussche]

I had the turkey and cranberry on flat bread when in Brandon, No. It was a very good sandwich with lots of turkey on it. The place always had a full parking lot while we were there. I guess the managers at The Villages stores do not understand how not providing a good product for the money will kill a business.

[Halibut]

The differences between locations is interesting. I would assume franchise restaurant owners are expected to adhere to corporate standards, no? Otherwise the Villages locations may be spoiling customers for every other Panera around the country.

[Challenger]

stopped into Paneras @ L.S. this evening had only been there for coffee and pastry in the past...I ordered a turkey and cranberry flatbread sandwich...was only about $6....i was shocked when i sat down and opened up the flatbread in the middle on this approximately 6" flatbread was 1 little hunk of turkey no bigger than the size of my thumb and the cranberries was a little red spot of juice (no actual cranberries) what the rest of the sandwich consisted of was about 25 little green leaves (fancy lettuce)the manager actually told me that was a "normal" portion of turkey...how do these places stay in business

Had the same experience with the same sandwich. First time I thought that it was an anomoly. Tried again a few weeks later and it was worse(kind of slimy).
My wife and I both feel that Panera at LSL has slipped considerably since opening and do not intend to return. By the way we eat out almost every day so we do know that there are better places to eat ( and many are far less expensive. Good by Panera!!:pepper2:

[Mudder]

One more comment about Panera's then I'll leave it alone.
When I asked the manager at SS Panera why we don't have cinnamon and nutmeg to add to our coffee like the one at LSL does , she replied that people will steal the shakers! Come on......I did mention that to corporate but it was not addressed.
All that being said we are meeting friends there Saturday for a meal. Love the soup and salads but they need to leave the sandwich making to oh I don't know, Jersey Mike's, Subway or almost anyplace else.

[Johnd]

Mostly have had take out sandwiches from both SS and LSL. Some have portion problems and some have had excess spilling all over. Several have been haphazardly (literally) thrown together. Some are OK.

Inattention to customer lines is a consistent problem, especially at LSL. The rule there seems to be a 2nd register only when mutiny is in the air. Staff, taking a cue from management, most often acts like customers are a problem.

[Challenger]

Mostly have had take out sandwiches from both SS and LSL. Some have portion problems and some have had excess spilling all over. Several have been haphazardly (literally) thrown together. Some are OK.

Inattention to customer lines is a consistent problem, especially at LSL. The rule there seems to be a 2nd register only when mutiny is in the air. Staff, taking a cue from management, most often acts like customers are a problem.

My experience at LSL is similiar:shrug:

[Sandtrap328]

I have found the Panera sandwiches very good at both Lake Sumter and Spanish Springs. No problems with the staff being unfriendly, either. Both have great employees.

Treat them like you want to be treated and you will have no problem.

[Challenger]

I have found the Panera sandwiches very good at both Lake Sumter and Spanish Springs. No problems with the staff being unfriendly, either. Both have great employees.

Treat them like you want to be treated and you will have no problem.

We treat them very well. At LSL the turkey sandwich is awful

[zcaveman]

I always enjoyed the soup and sandwich at Panera's in SS but I have not been there in a while.

Now I an afraid to go there again.

Z

[Loudoll]

We have been to the LS one once. Waited forever. Did not get waited on. Left. Have not been back.

[gerryann]

I have found the Panera sandwiches very good at both Lake Sumter and Spanish Springs. No problems with the staff being unfriendly, either. Both have great employees.

Treat them like you want to be treated and you will have no problem.

That's a nasty comment to make. I treat ALL resturant employees extremely well. What does that have to do with the quality of the food?
Maybe I haven't read all of the comments carefully enough. Did I miss something about bad employees? My comment was about the food.....NEVER had a problem with an employee at ANY Panera!

[justjim]

We have a Panera just a mile from our Illinois summer home and we go for lunch at least once or twice a week. The quality of food and portions are larger than they are in The Villages. Like others we love the coffee.

The only explanation for the small portions in TV is to cut overall "operation cost". I would bet that employee cost are higher in Illinois. The next big cost is facility cost. On that I would bet much higher in The Villages. That said---you can be penny wise but dollar foolish. Regardless, I like Panera and we have always been treated well there.

[tommy steam]

If I go to any place and find the problems with the food , I just don't go back . Simple.

[jblum315]

The differences between locations is interesting. I would assume franchise restaurant owners are expected to adhere to corporate standards, no? Otherwise the Villages locations may be spoiling customers for every other Panera around the country.

I don't know..I have eaten at two or three Cracker Barrels near here, and the difference in the quality and preparation of the foods is amazing. Not saying that C,B. is supposed to be gourmet quality, but it is a franchise so if you get a good bowl of soup at one it should be the same at another one, right? Just saying.

[Sandtrap328]

That's a nasty comment to make. I treat ALL resturant employees extremely well. What does that have to do with the quality of the food?
Maybe I haven't read all of the comments carefully enough. Did I miss something about bad employees? My comment was about the food.....NEVER had a problem with an employee at ANY Panera!

I certainly did not comment about your post or it would have been quoted - as this one.

I guess you did miss posts numbers 4, 8, 22, 29, 30, and 31 regarding the employees and/or managers.

[CFrance]

I had the turkey and cranberry on flat bread when in Brandon, No. It was a very good sandwich with lots of turkey on it. The place always had a full parking lot while we were there. I guess the managers at The Villages stores do not understand how not providing a good product for the money will kill a business.
We've had wonderful sandwiches at Paneras in PA, MI, NY, & OH. I thought franchises were supposed to adhere to standards for food presentation so everything is the same across the chains. I'm surprised at the responses people are getting from corporate. Someone should be checking on the TV management.

Also, that "styling" answer is just so much BS. That's not styling. That's deceptive advertising.

[Miles42]

Went there once. Never again.

[VT2TV]

I haven't had any problems with Panera other than it does seem to take a while to be waited on. But , we eat out most of the time, and I have noticed that a lot of the restaurants have cut down either on portion size or sauces, or "something". The quanity of food doesn't bother me as much as quality--but I count expected portions as quality. The food needs to be what a reasonable person would expect. I would have gone back as many times that I had to at Paneras to get enough turkey or chicken salad. I have ordered at Cracker Barrel or Bob Evans, and I would expect the gravy to at least cover the top of the turkey, or the top of fried steak. For months, at these places, I have gotten a small tsp? amount on top of the food. They will bring more if you ask, but it seems to be a bother. I would rather pay more and get the right amount. But we should be able to eat without having to complain at the time, and not have to feel like they are doing us a favor.

[CFrance]

I haven't had any problems with Panera other than it does seem to take a while to be waited on. But , we eat out most of the time, and I have noticed that a lot of the restaurants have cut down either on portion size or sauces, or "something". The quanity of food doesn't bother me as much as quality--but I count expected portions as quality. The food needs to be what a reasonable person would expect. I would have gone back as many times that I had to at Paneras to get enough turkey or chicken salad. I have ordered at Cracker Barrel or Bob Evans, and I would expect the gravy to at least cover the top of the turkey, or the top of fried steak. For months, at these places, I have gotten a small tsp? amount on top of the food. They will bring more if you ask, but it seems to be a bother. I would rather pay more and get the right amount. But we should be able to eat without having to complain at the time, and not have to feel like they are doing us a favor.
Amen.

[SunshineAnytime]

I had the turkey and cranberry on flat bread when in Brandon, No. It was a very good sandwich with lots of turkey on it. The place always had a full parking lot while we were there. I guess the managers at The Villages stores do not understand how not providing a good product for the money will kill a business.

The one in Brandon (Florida that is, not sure if that's the one you're referring to in your post) is owned by the same franchise as both of the Panera locations in The Villages. Do you honestly think that it is up to the managers of the two stores here to decide how much turkey is put on a sandwich? Do you honestly think that they choose to put their jobs in jeopardy by shorting the customer to make an extra dollar on a cost bonus? NO. I'm a regular customer at the LSL location, dining in at least once, sometimes three times a day. I've heard patrons complain to workers and management about these issues and it's not that they go unnoticed, but it's that there is only so much that the people running the individual store can do. One of the managers advised me to do this: if you think the portion is not big enough, ask for extra of each ingredient. You only have to pay extra for meats and cheeses. I have always found the avocado sandwich to be very messy on the small bread slice it comes on, so I changed it to the healthier whole wheat bread and it's much easier to eat.

The workers in both the LSL and SS locations all appear to be very young and it takes as much patience from us customers to handle young people as it takes for those young people to handle us "golden" customers. While I agree that some have better customer service than others, I think that it is up to the management at that point to correct these customer service issues. With as often as I'm in there, I have a pleasurable experience nearly every time and if someone falls short in service, I let the blonde manager lady know and she takes care of it right then and there.

I keep returning because of the good service and good coffee. :mornincoffee:

[Bonny]

The one in Brandon (Florida that is, not sure if that's the one you're referring to in your post) is owned by the same franchise as both of the Panera locations in The Villages. Do you honestly think that it is up to the managers of the two stores here to decide how much turkey is put on a sandwich? Do you honestly think that they choose to put their jobs in jeopardy by shorting the customer to make an extra dollar on a cost bonus? NO. I'm a regular customer at the LSL location, dining in at least once, sometimes three times a day. I've heard patrons complain to workers and management about these issues and it's not that they go unnoticed, but it's that there is only so much that the people running the individual store can do. One of the managers advised me to do this: if you think the portion is not big enough, ask for extra of each ingredient. You only have to pay extra for meats and cheeses. I have always found the avocado sandwich to be very messy on the small bread slice it comes on, so I changed it to the healthier whole wheat bread and it's much easier to eat.

The workers in both the LSL and SS locations all appear to be very young and it takes as much patience from us customers to handle young people as it takes for those young people to handle us "golden" customers. While I agree that some have better customer service than others, I think that it is up to the management at that point to correct these customer service issues. With as often as I'm in there, I have a pleasurable experience nearly every time and if someone falls short in service, I let the blonde manager lady know and she takes care of it right then and there.

I keep returning because of the good service and good coffee. :mornincoffee:
Sorry, but I'm not going to a restaurant and paying decent money for an average sandwich (turkey, ham, etc.) where I have to order more meat and more cheese at a higher price. I can go to many places in the Villages and get a good sandwich where I don't have to order extra & pay more.

[Halibut]

I have ordered at Cracker Barrel or Bob Evans, and I would expect the gravy to at least cover the top of the turkey, or the top of fried steak. For months, at these places, I have gotten a small tsp? amount on top of the food. They will bring more if you ask, but it seems to be a bother. I would rather pay more and get the right amount. But we should be able to eat without having to complain at the time, and not have to feel like they are doing us a favor.

Maybe try ordering the gravy on the side to begin with? I've found that they often put more in the little cup than they would on the plate, but then I can portion it out to my taste. I don't like my food swimming in sauce, either, so it's a thin line for me as a customer.

On the "seems to be a bother" front, requesting these kinds of changes to the standard plating can earn you an eye roll from the server.

[xcaligirl]

I had the same experience with Panera in California. I thought about giving them another try thinking it might be different.... obviously not! I have no idea how they stay open except for the morning crowd.

[raynan]

I only get the pastries at Panera LSL. Tried their tuna sandwich once and hardly any tuna salad. Will not get a sandwich there again when TooJays is up the street.

[PaPaLarry]

Maybe that's why they are noted as Panera Bread? Leave the sandwiches to a sandwich shop or restaurant.

[PennBF]

Maybe Panera's should charge $20 up front like Bonifay, et al.? They are missing out on a good ploy. :2excited:

[Suzi]

I've eaten at Panera's all across the states and they differ considerably. I confine my purchases there to soup, salads and bakery goods. However, hearing from other posters, I'll give their coffee a try (I'm a starbucks girl).

[ladyjudith]

Check out Brooklyn Bagel
They have the best bagels!!! Great sandwhiches too..

[cromlich]

I was behind a lady who was upset because she ordered a large order of gnocchi. She was given a small cardboard soup bowl and the gnocchi barely covered the bottom of the bowl. She asked the manager if this was a large portion and they said "yes" She paid over $9 for it. She walked away but I saw her come back in and approach them again. She got her money back. You have to admit that for almost $10 that is ridiculous. I'm hearing that all Panera's are doing the same.

[tedquick]

I went there today and told the lady behind the counter:
"I want a rubber band hoagie, and make it snappy!"

[no i didn't, i made that up]


That is just plain funny!!! Love your sense of humor. This might be one of your best!!!

[jean1954]

My husband and I had the same experience with the chicken salad sandwich at Panera Bread. Mgmt. told us it was the normal portion size which I think is ridiculous. No more lunches for us at Panera's.

[Stdole]

Great Coffee for the price! Great Pastries for the price! Great Bagels for the price!

In all honesty (as I really like this place) 50% of the time the other food
needs to be kept an eye on by management or their success story will go down as it went up... Lets all pass along our complaints to management
and Corporate if necessary so we continue to have this great coffee/bagel location around for years. Several times each month I tell the manager how I appreciate Panera and also remind her of how important it is to keep the dining areas clean, organized and ready for the next customer..

We really need this place and I know many people agree with me as the lines in the mornings are terrific and I am glad for their success... but the
basic salads and sandwiches MUST IMPROVE..

I also know or don't know of another place we can get a fresh large size bagels for about $1.25 or really good buns for about $2.39.

Again I REALLY LIKE THIS PLACE ... and nice to hear the classical music
when reading the iPads and just being to yourself and watching the sites outside...

I eat eat breakfast their often for their coffee and bagels.
and really like the place to have a short break and a great location to
make checks on your phone and iPads.

As you know The Villages Sales Office adjoins this restaurant and adds a
lot of nice coffee smell to the Sales Office. They in fact made major changes to the former business, for Panera to have this wonderful location.

I am going to mention the good and bad to The Villages Commercial Sales Division or at least bring these postings to their attention...

Please call and ask for the Commercial Sales Mgr. at The Administration
and pass along kindly some serious improvements we would like to see and better yet have them take a look (most like they have) at these postings.

Thanks for listening