Panera at LSL

[memason]

Today is the grand opening of the Panera store in LSL. They did a nice job on the remodel from the Veranda and it was certainly much busier than I ever saw the Veranda.

Nice to sit outside and they have lots of tables, but today, everything was full. We grabbed our coffee and roll [to go] and went over to the Sales Center and sat on their verandah.... Other were doing the same. Very nice!

[Bill-n-Brillo]

Thanks for the update, Mike. The wife's been asking if it was going to open on schedule.

Bill

[memason]

Thanks for the update, Mike. The wife's been asking if it was going to open on schedule.

Bill
Come on down.... I'll buy you guys a cup of java. ...and a bag of popcorn. :1rotfl:

[skip0358]

Went this morning did a great job on the remodel. Service was good, got mine to go however seating wasn't a problem when I went. Nice addition to Sumter Landing. Wish them well. Now if only someone would take over JR.

[Bill-n-Brillo]

Come on down.... I'll buy you guys a cup of java. ...and a bag of popcorn. :1rotfl:

Ha-ha!! :clap2: We'll be down there late next month, just before Memorial Day. Start gathering up your lost change from between the sofa cushions....... :shocked:

Bill :thumbup:

[Jeff Bieberfeld]

good bagels..it is about time. now we do not have to go to spanish springs anymore.
wish we had more shopping down here already...441 and 466 are not appealing at all.
:ho:

[Challenger]

How about a Steak and Shake(or something similar) to replace the consistently miserable JRs? Maybe we need a letter writing effort.

[PylutDood]

...They may sign up "Five Guy's Burgers and Fries" !!!

Totally Suckee !!!

Been there, ate that, never again!

Dave

[Skip2MySue]

...They may sign up "Five Guy's Burgers and Fries" !!!

Totally Suckee !!!

Been there, ate that, never again!

Dave

If they put the 5 Guys in there you'd probably have to expand town square cause the lines would be out the door!!!!! Big 5 Guys fan:smiley:
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[gemorc]

I walked into the LSL store today at 1:00 pm. I was the third person in line, and the line was growing fast. After waiting in line for 8 minutes, and only moving up 1 spot, I left. On the way out, the asst. manager asked me if I enjoyed my dining experience. After relating to her my dining experience, her comment was "Oh well", and she walked away.

I enjoyed a delicious soup and salad at Crispers.

[kb8tpw]

I was one of the die-hards that didn't like Panera taking over the veranda. I finally decided to put by-gones away and tried them out a few weeks ago. Had a very tasty bagel and went on about my business. I hate to read the comment above, as I had thought I'd take the wife by for a lunch. Unfortunately I find that the attitude experienced by the Ast Mgr is pretty typical of the surrounding dining establishments, other than a bad meal, but fine customer service experience, recently at Carrabas. When management can turn around a meal or service problem I'll be back to give them a second chance. Too many fine eating establishments around to have to put up with that (fill in the blank).

I am going to Panera's for lunch today to do my own up close and personal research.

[nitehawk]

It seem to me even the managers of some of the eateries have finally developed the "Love it or Leave it" attitude. Every time (in the morning) i have been in Paneras there has alway been a line. Maybe enough people love it and they really don't mind the few people who leave it.

[zcaveman]

Depending on the length of the line I either stay or I leave. This is not only restaurants but checkout lines in department stores.

[Tbugs]

What was the ass't manager supposed to say when a person gripes that they waited 8 minutes and left? Are the supposed to be seated immediately by the ass't manager and given a free meal? If the manager had said something like she was sorry for the wait, would that have made a difference? It would have not made any difference to that customer.

Stand in line and wait your turn. Everyone else was doing it.

[De Lis]

My kids would love Panera's being in TV, but after reading the other blogs, I agree with them. Bad manager at Panera's and hope other places enter.

[chuckster]

Huh??

[Bogie Shooter]

My kids would love Panera's being in TV, but after reading the other blogs, I agree with them. Bad manager at Panera's and hope other places enter.

Huh??

[Pturner]

I haven't been to Pandera's in TV but at other locations of the franchise sometimes there are long waits that have more to do with how the restaurant is organized than how crowded it is. At the bakery section, the same person who takes the orders fills them. The next person in line is not helped until the previous customer has received his/her completed order. If the previous order is time-consuming to fill, the next person will wait longer. Get behind a few people with orders that are time consuming to fill, and standing in line for coffee and a bagel can easily become annoyingly long.

[gemorc]

What was the ass't manager supposed to say when a person gripes that they waited 8 minutes and left? Are the supposed to be seated immediately by the ass't manager and given a free meal? If the manager had said something like she was sorry for the wait, would that have made a difference? It would have not made any difference to that customer.

Stand in line and wait your turn. Everyone else was doing it.

If you had read my thread, you would have known that I had waited for eight minutes and only moved up one spot in line. And please , do not make judgmental opinions on whatever I or anyone else may or may not do.

[Bogie Shooter]

If you had read my thread, you would have known that I had waited for eight minutes and only moved up one spot in line. And please , do not make judgmental opinions on whatever I or anyone else may or may not do.

Banning judgmental opinions will be the death of this board.

[Tbugs]

Gemorc,

You were complaining in your post about the attitude of the assistant manager after you told her you had waited 8 minutes and were now leaving. As I said, what did you expect her to do except to maybe say she was sorry you had to wait but this was a busy time? Did you want her to seat you immediately and comp you a free meal as payment for your 8 minute wait? Did you just want an, "I'm sorry but this is a busy time" or what? Would you have been satisfied with that response?

What was your demeanor or tone of your voice when you informed the assistant manager of your waiting time before you left?

All of these things come into play. I am not making any judgement on you but at a busy time at a popular place like Panera, you sometimes have to wait for a table.

[ilovetv]

What was the ass't manager supposed to say when a person gripes that they waited 8 minutes and left? Are the supposed to be seated immediately by the ass't manager and given a free meal? If the manager had said something like she was sorry for the wait, would that have made a difference? It would have not made any difference to that customer.

Stand in line and wait your turn. Everyone else was doing it.

There are many courteous responses that could be made by an effective manager who wants happy clientele who return and make a very expensive business venture prosper at this high-rent location.

By the way, the person wasn't waiting for a table, but for his order to be taken at the counter.

A manager interested in making the business prosper could have said:

- I apologize for the workers being unable to take your order sooner. We're having some problems today with ____.

- Could I take your order now and get it for you myself? You can have a seat inside or outside and I will bring it to you when it's ready. As soon as I put your food order in, I'll bring you coffee or water if you'd like.

- I hope you will return and give us another chance at gaining your patronage. I am going to look at the schedule and make sure we have workers on at this time of day.

And that's only a few of the things that could be said by a manager who cares whether or not the place keeps a better reputation than Johnny Rockets right now (in the dumpster).

[memason]

My experience at Paneras.... It isn't the employees that's the reason for slow lines at Paneras. It's the CUSTOMERS! Sorry to say, but people will stand in line for 8 minutes, 10 minutes, 30 minutes and not have a freaking clue what they want to order when they get to the front of the line. Many folks seem to have a tough time with a single line going to 5 registers.

From my perspective, WE are our own worst enemy in most of the restaurants around TV.

I have no idea what the manager said or didn't say and I'm not saying this wasn't a legit problem. I go there all the time and I've never had a problem with the people working there. I love Paneras at LSL!

Just trying to keep it real here....

[FMF Doc]

My experience at Paneras.... It isn't the employees that's the reason for slow lines at Paneras. It's the CUSTOMERS! Sorry to say, but people will stand in line for 8 minutes, 10 minutes, 30 minutes and not have a freaking clue what they want to order when they get to the front of the line. Many folks seem to have a tough time with a single line going to 5 registers.

From my perspective, WE are our own worst enemy in most of the restaurants around TV.

I have no idea what the manager said or didn't say and I'm not saying this wasn't a legit problem. I go there all the time and I've never had a problem with the people working there. I love Paneras at LSL!

Just trying to keep it real here....




And let us not forget the people that don't realize they'll be expected to pay when they place their order. So we have to go through a ritual of getting money out, looking for pennies to make exact change, and the reverse process if change is given back.

[katezbox]

My experience at Paneras.... It isn't the employees that's the reason for slow lines at Paneras. It's the CUSTOMERS! Sorry to say, but people will stand in line for 8 minutes, 10 minutes, 30 minutes and not have a freaking clue what they want to order when they get to the front of the line. Many folks seem to have a tough time with a single line going to 5 registers.

From my perspective, WE are our own worst enemy in most of the restaurants around TV.

I have no idea what the manager said or didn't say and I'm not saying this wasn't a legit problem. I go there all the time and I've never had a problem with the people working there. I love Paneras at LSL!

Just trying to keep it real here....

:thumbup:

[Bill-n-Brillo]

And let us not forget the people that don't realize they'll be expected to pay when they place their order. So we have to go through a ritual of getting money out, looking for pennies to make exact change, and the reverse process if change is given back.

Minor thread hijack:

This reminds me of Sandy and I getting stuck behind some ________ (enter descriptor of your choice) at one of the WV Turnpike toll booths on our way back to OH a week or so back. Multiple signs for a couple of miles prior to the toll booths: "Tool Booth Ahead" "Passenger cars $2" etc. I could see this guy scrounging in the other front seat when he pulled up and had stopped, then he comes up with...........a credit card! Takes time for the attendant to run the card and get an approval, pass paperwork and pen to the driver to sign, pass it all back in, then give the driver a receipt. Cars stacking up behind us. Certainly not the end of the world by any stretch.........but what was the guy thinking???? I made sure we didn't see his car in the line in front of us at any of the remaining toll booths!! Ha-ha!

End of hijack :wave:

Bill :)

[mrfixit]

Minor thread hijack:

This reminds me of Sandy and I getting stuck behind some ________ (enter descriptor of your choice) at one of the WV Turnpike toll booths on our way back to OH a week or so back. Multiple signs for a couple of miles prior to the toll booths: "Tool Booth Ahead" "Passenger cars $2" etc. I could see this guy scrounging in the other front seat when he pulled up and had stopped, then he comes up with...........a credit card! Takes time for the attendant to run the card and get an approval, pass paperwork and pen to the driver to sign, pass it all back in, then give the driver a receipt. Cars stacking up behind us. Certainly not the end of the world by any stretch.........but what was the guy thinking???? I made sure we didn't see his car in the line in front of us at any of the remaining toll booths!! Ha-ha!

End of hijack :wave:

Bill :)
JUST two words........E-Z ...PASS.

[Bill-n-Brillo]

JUST two words........E-Z ...PASS.

Thanks for the suggestion. I'd actually looked into that already. For no more often than we go through there and the fact that we're subject to driving one of several different vehicles from time to time, the cost isn't worth it.

Besides, a little bit of minor aggravation/annoyance in my life from time to time keeps me on my toes! :)

Thanks for passing along the idea, though.

Bill :wave:

[getdul981]

We have been to Panera's @ LSL and had no problem. We usually try to go at what might be considered "off" times though.

"Thread Hijack" - Don't you just love it when someone has a grocery cart full of items at Publix, Walmart, etc., and wait until the cashier has rung up everything to even start to look for their money or credit card or debit card? That's something that just irks me. It's like they had no idea that they were going to have to pay before the cashier tells them the amount.

There, I feel better already.

[Skip2MySue]

JUST two words........E-Z ...PASS.

You're absolutely correct.......When I see those long lines waiting to pay and I zip on thru using E-Z Pass I wonder why people are willing to sit in a long line of backed up traffic over $12 per year in E-Z Pass cost.:doh:
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[Bill-n-Brillo]

You're absolutely correct.......When I see those long lines waiting to pay and I zip on thru using E-Z Pass I wonder why people are willing to sit in a long line of backed up traffic over $12 per year in E-Z Pass cost.:doh:
Skip 2

WV Tpk manages to keep things flowing along pretty well with enough toll booths open. Longest line we've EVER been in there has been 3-4 cars.

Probably a lot more traffic in other places!

Bill :)

[islandgal]

It seem to me even the managers of some of the eateries have finally developed the "Love it or Leave it" attitude. Every time (in the morning) i have been in Paneras there has alway been a line. Maybe enough people love it and they really don't mind the few people who leave it.

Since moving to TV 5 years ago, I have decided when I go out for a meal -if have to stand in line to order - however delicious the menu -
forget it - I go home or go somewhere where I am served and can relax.
Perhaps part of it is the growing pains of TV as it is in any rapidly growing community.

[ilovetv]

Since moving to TV 5 years ago, I have decided when I go out for a meal -if have to stand in line to order - however delicious the menu -
forget it - I go home or go somewhere where I am served and can relax.
Perhaps part of it is the growing pains of TV as it is in any rapidly growing community.

This is one of the reasons why, even though I like Panera's food and coffee, I didn't want them to replace the Veranda. The Spanish Springs Panera--noisy, crowded, with long lines you have to crawl thru to find a place to sit/eat (and people in line get huffy because they think you're trying to butt into line)--told us all we needed to know how this new one would be.

This is why I like Crispers a lot more.....there, you don't have to stand around getting elbowed waiting for your order to come up. You can take a seat inside or out and they bring your order to you.

In the meantime, Panera could improve ordering by having a worker or two with handheld computer devices keying orders into the system for people standing in line. Sam's has started ringing up your shopping cart contents with remote handheld devices while you're in line, and it speeds things up nicely. They scan your club card and the items in your cart and you don't have to unload it for the cashier. The cashier picks up the entered data (probably referenced by your member number/card) on his terminal and takes your payment. It would be nice if Panera took orders from people in line this way, and then have the counter person finish the cashiering part of the transaction.

[gemorc]

[QUOTE=Tbugs;362386]Gemorc,

You were complaining in your post about the attitude of the assistant manager after you told her you had waited 8 minutes and were now leaving. As I said, what did you expect her to do except to maybe say she was sorry you had to wait but this was a busy time? Did you want her to seat you immediately and comp you a free meal as payment for your 8 minute wait? Did you just want an, "I'm sorry but this is a busy time" or what? Would you have been satisfied with that response?

What was your demeanor or tone of your voice when you informed the assistant manager of your waiting time before you left?

All of these things come into play. I am not making any judgement on you but at a busy time at a popular place like Panera, you sometimes have to wait for a table.[/QUOD

Does the wording, highlighted in red, signify that you are angry? Oh boy!

[mrfixit]

You're absolutely correct.......When I see those long lines waiting to pay and I zip on thru using E-Z Pass I wonder why people are willing to sit in a long line of backed up traffic over $12 per year in E-Z Pass cost.:doh:
Skip 2

12 bucks a year !!!!! What were you thinking.....That is serious money. You could buy almost 2 glasses of wine with dinner with that kind of cash.

[Talk Host]

I love Panera but, like many, dislike the long lines.

Here's a Panera story that just frosts me to no end.

My daughter gave me a Panera gift card for Christmas. It was a $25 card. I went to the Panera in Spanish Springs and bought a scone and coffee with it. The place was jammed with people and in all the chaos, I forgot to retrieve my card after she gave me the merchandise.

When I got home, I realized that I had forgotten my card, so I called to see if they still had it. "No, the manager said, when somebody leaves a card, we throw it out."
"What, I said.....how can that be, I was there less than an hour ago, you just throw cash into the garbage?" "Yes, she said, that's Panera's policy."

A couple of weeks later, the district manager was there and I asked him. He confirmed that was the policy. I didn't need to say anything to him, the look on my face told my story. There must be more to this policy than I am understanding.

When Panera is not jammed and when they are not throwing out my card, I love it.

JLK

[ilovetv]

I love Panera but, like many, dislike the long lines.

Here's a Panera story that just frosts me to no end.

My daughter gave me a Panera gift card for Christmas. It was a $25 card. I went to the Panera in Spanish Springs and bought a scone and coffee with it. The place was jammed with people and in all the chaos, I forgot to retrieve my card after she gave me the merchandise.

When I got home, I realized that I had forgotten my card, so I called to see if they still had it. "No, the manager said, when somebody leaves a card, we throw it out."
"What, I said.....how can that be, I was there less than an hour ago, you just throw cash into the garbage?" "Yes, she said, that's Panera's policy."

A couple of weeks later, the district manager was there and I asked him. He confirmed that was the policy. I didn't need to say anything to him, the look on my face told my story. There must be more to this policy than I am understanding.

When Panera is not jammed and when they are not throwing out my card, I love it.

JLK

They could (or should be able to) identify that card as yours by the transaction no. on your receipt. The chaotic atmosphere of the S.S. store and now this is all we need to know.

[Talk Host]

BTW, I wrote an unemotional, statement of fact letter to Panera home office. I didn't get a reply

[memason]

They could (or should be able to) identify that card as yours by the transaction no. on your receipt. The chaotic atmosphere of the S.S. store and now this is all we need to know.

Need to know for what??

[springfield illinois]

My gosh how long can this horse be beat!!!!! This is a nationwide store. There are reasons they do things.if I don't agree with them I have the option to go elsewhere.

[Talk Host]

My gosh how long can this horse be beat!!!!! This is a nationwide store. There are reasons they do things.if I don't agree with them I have the option to go elsewhere.

If you are referring to my discussion of them throwing away my gift card, that was MY card, MY money, MY gift. They had no right to make the decision to throw away MY property.

This is a chat forum. It's for people to talk about things. People talk about things so that life can somehow be better. And, "if I don't agree with them," here in America, I have the option to talk about them.

I think that because this is "nationwide store" people shouldn't just accept what they do without discussion. Part of the pleasure of living in America is that people can make a different by speaking out. There are plenty of large companies that "do things' that are so grossly wrong that the government finally steps in. Airlines for example.

[Bogie Shooter]

Time to put this one to rest.

[Talk Host]

Time to put this one to rest.

And exactly why is that? Wouldn't it be easier for you to just stop reading this thread and allow others to discuss what they want to?

[ilovetv]

If you are referring to my discussion of them throwing away my gift card, that was MY card, MY money, MY gift. They had no right to make the decision to throw away MY property.

This is a chat forum. It's for people to talk about things. People talk about things so that life can somehow be better. And, "if I don't agree with them," here in America, I have the option to talk about them.

I think that because this is "nationwide store" people shouldn't just accept what they do without discussion. Part of the pleasure of living in America is that people can make a different by speaking out. There are plenty of large companies that "do things' that are so grossly wrong that the government finally steps in. Airlines for example.

I think it's good to find out about such a practice and it should make us wonder how many other "nationwide stores" make it policy to throw away a pre-paid CASH card, which in effect allows them to KEEP the cash the card buyer gave them, without it costing them a cent from their inventory/workforce. Gift cards are money belonging to that business floating around. More thought should be given as to how much unearned money business make off gift cards that are never used. Buying a gift card and not using it is like walking into that store, handing them $25, and leaving without ever getting a penny's worth of product or services from them.

[memason]

I've read statistics where approximately 10% of all gift cards go unredeemed, for whatever reason.

Seems like a great deal for the merchants...they can bank on somewhere between a 6% ~ 10% profit.

[Talk Host]

It's my understanding that all 50 states have a law that businesses must report each year how many gift cards/certificates were not redeemed. That money, is not put into a fund, but is subject to redemption by the customer for a given time period (usually up to 3 years). In the meantime, the money is available to the business to use as they wish. Here in Florida, the law says that the money belongs to the seller. It would, because the gift card is like merchandise. They sell the card to a person, and collect the money.

It is further my understanding that anybody can go to the state website and find out if they have money from any of these merchants. The question is how much trouble would one go through to redeem $15.

But to me, throwing somebody's gift card in the garbage is like stealing, at least it's like keeping property that you find while making no attempt to find the owner.

[Pturner]

I think it's good to find out about such a practice and it should make us wonder how many other "nationwide stores" make it policy to throw away a pre-paid CASH card, which in effect allows them to KEEP the cash the card buyer gave them, without it costing them a cent from their inventory/workforce. Gift cards are money belonging to that business floating around. More thought should be given as to how much unearned money business make off gift cards that are never used. Buying a gift card and not using it is like walking into that store, handing them $25, and leaving without ever getting a penny's worth of product or services from them.

I agree. If that is their stated practice, it puts a bad taste in my mouth.