Lake Sumter Landing Panera

[Sandtrap328]

I drove over to Lake Sumter Landing Panera this morning for a couple of pastries.

At about 8:30, the store was pretty well filled and there was a sizable line of customers waiting their turns for the several cashiers.

The cashiers (order takers) are all young people and are paid minimum wage (I guess). They were smiling at all their customers and greeted everyone with a "Good Morning". Orders were taken promptly and served up with a smile.

No real point to this post except to say it is a good feeling to see employees that are smiling and cheerful. That is the kind of service that keeps customers coming back - and Panera is usually filled with returning customers.

Oh yes, the pastries were delicious, too.

[kaydee]

Good to see a positive post. Giving good customer service is a plus for any business and those providing it do deserve credit.
Always very pleased with the friendly staff at Jersey Mike's as well as Oakwood.

[Stdole]

I agree with the writer of the thread.... good service and friendly...

Now if we can get the community to take care of the tables and not sit on them causing the table to match each other and be level... also please
seniors do not re-arrange the chairs and tables... as most of you do not
return them to where you found them... I have watched this happen
all day long...

Panera please repair some of your tables...

Villagers please take care of places like this for enjoyment of years to
come...

[sunnyatlast]

I drove over to Lake Sumter Landing Panera this morning for a couple of pastries.

At about 8:30, the store was pretty well filled and there was a sizable line of customers waiting their turns for the several cashiers.

The cashiers (order takers) are all young people and are paid minimum wage (I guess). They were smiling at all their customers and greeted everyone with a "Good Morning". Orders were taken promptly and served up with a smile.

No real point to this post except to say it is a good feeling to see employees that are smiling and cheerful. That is the kind of service that keeps customers coming back - and Panera is usually filled with returning customers.

Oh yes, the pastries were delicious, too.

Good to hear, especially knowing what hard work it is to work there.

[graciegirl]

///

[HimandMe]

Love the positive post.

Let's catch people doing a good job well and we will continue to visit! Nice to read.

[Blessed2BNTV]

When we were house-hunting in 2012, Panera was our first stop in the morning. Would sit and look at newspaper for open houses.
And that's where we found our first forever home.....you know we all move three times here :)

This place holds a special place in our hearts....love the oatmeal quinoa breakfast!

[jblum315]

I drove over to Lake Sumter Landing Panera this morning for a couple of pastries.

At about 8:30, the store was pretty well filled and there was a sizable line of customers waiting their turns for the several cashiers.

The cashiers (order takers) are all young people and are paid minimum wage (I guess). They were smiling at all their customers and greeted everyone with a "Good Morning". Orders were taken promptly and served up with a smile.

No real point to this post except to say it is a good feeling to see employees that are smiling and cheerful. That is the kind of service that keeps customers coming back - and Panera is usually filled with returning customers.

Oh yes, the pastries were delicious, too.

I feel that way about Sonrise Cafe also. So cheerful it makes me happy all day long.

[DeanFL]

What a nice refreshing Thread and post! so far anyway,

My mantra is always give credit where credit is due, and if appropriate mention a lacking to the right party (constructive criticism) as well. Businesses/vendors hear a lot of the latter but little of the former. A pat on the back -if warranted- may go a long way to reward good management/service. Of course repeat business and word of mouth is the key.

On another topic, personally I find it irritating when Posters make a statement like "Everyone feels this way" or "We all should...".
Just sayin'. Also seeing more personal slams on some postings. This type of behavior can limit some interest and taking part in posting.

[EnglishJW]

We are big fans of Panera Bread and hope one comes to Brownwood.

[Bogie Shooter]

I agree with the writer of the thread.... good service and friendly...

Now if we can get the community to take care of the tables and not sit on them causing the table to match each other and be level... also please
seniors do not re-arrange the chairs and tables... as most of you do not
return them to where you found them... I have watched this happen
all day long...

Panera please repair some of your tables...

Villagers please take care of places like this for enjoyment of years to
come...

Really?

[2BNTV]

We are big fans of Panera Bread and hope one comes to Brownwood.

Won't have to hope too hard as there will be one in Brownwood as mentioned on previous threads.

Love their cinnamon bagel with hazelnut coffee. Yum......

[Dalez]

Speaking of Panera, Do they have a coffee line or do you have to wait with the folks ordering food just to get a cup of coffee. Last time in I did not look to see. The line was too long to just get a coffee so I left and went to Subway for a cup.

[ladyjudith]

Try Brooklyn Bagels... The only real New York Bagel around. Great staff and everything is made on sight,yes, even the muffins are made from scratch

[dewilson58]

Remember the "restaurant" that was there prior to PB??

If that was the first place you ate during a Lifestyle Visit, you would have gotten on the bus and never returned.

Just an example of getting rid of the old and bringing in new.

[Beechie]

I have to agree with a couple of posters on this thread that it is so refreshing to see a positive and uplifting post. We have been besieged of late by a few negative, agenda driven, and even belligerent posters.

A friendly smile and attentive to ones needs is a recipe for success in any endeavor. Demeanor is a personal trait so those businesses that conciously recruit customer facing individuals with an inherent bubbly personality know this will only increase customer satisfaction. Panera Bread has always understood this tenet.

[bagboy]

We went to Panera Bread at Sumter Landing this morning. They had 3 registers open and all of the employees seemed to be efficient and friendly.

[manaboutown]

My experiences at the SL Panera have run from satisfactory to great!

[TrudyM]

I am glad you had a good experience. I haven't been to the Brownwood one will try it but didn't return to Lake Sumter one. When we went the people were friendly but overwhelmed as it was high season. I am a fan of the chicken flat bread and get it here in Seattle all the time so I ordered the same and a cookie. They forgot the cookie so had to get back in line. The sandwich was about 1/4 filling of what I get in Seattle and instead of strips of grilled chicken it was shredded and tasted like it was from a can. Maybe they were running low on food or I hit a bad day, I hope so as I normally go to Panera alot

[Beechie]

I am glad you had a good experience. I haven't been to the Brownwood one will try it but didn't return to Lake Sumter one. When we went the people were friendly but overwhelmed as it was high season. I am a fan of the chicken flat bread and get it here in Seattle all the time so I ordered the same and a cookie. They forgot the cookie so had to get back in line. The sandwich was about 1/4 filling of what I get in Seattle and instead of strips of grilled chicken it was shredded and tasted like it was from a can. Maybe they were running low on food or I hit a bad day, I hope so as I normally go to Panera alot

I would tend to believe it was an off day for you as it is usually good service.

There is no Brownwood Panera and I am not so sure there will be. McAlister's Deli is open and Toojays Deli is next to open so a third might be infringing upon that vertical.

[Yorio]

Love my Pecan Rolls at Panella. Yes, love their service also. Don't mind the long line as long as I am met with happy and friendly cashiers. It makes my day.

[lynn22]

love Sumter Landing Panera!!