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-   -   Paneras (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/restaurant-discussions-90/paneras-134292/)

ureout 12-03-2014 08:23 PM

Paneras
 
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 12-03-2014 08:46 PM

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 12-03-2014 08:49 PM

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

kcrazorbackfan 12-03-2014 09:09 PM

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 12-03-2014 09:41 PM

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 12-04-2014 05:46 AM

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 12-04-2014 06:19 AM

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 12-04-2014 07:55 AM

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 12-04-2014 07:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mudder (Post 976208)
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 12-04-2014 08:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mudder (Post 976208)
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 12-04-2014 09:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mudder (Post 976208)
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 12-04-2014 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mudder (Post 976208)
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 12-04-2014 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slipcovers (Post 976293)
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 12-04-2014 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slipcovers (Post 976293)
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 12-04-2014 12:34 PM

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 12-04-2014 01:41 PM

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 12-04-2014 01:52 PM

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 12-04-2014 02:08 PM

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 12-04-2014 02:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2catsmeow (Post 976390)
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 12-04-2014 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tomwed (Post 976396)
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 12-04-2014 02:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mudder (Post 976325)
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 12-04-2014 02:51 PM

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 12-04-2014 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2catsmeow (Post 976390)
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 12-04-2014 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Madelaine Amee (Post 976462)
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 12-04-2014 04:46 PM

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 12-04-2014 10:34 PM

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 12-05-2014 12:40 AM

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 12-05-2014 06:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ureout (Post 976073)
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 12-05-2014 08:29 AM

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 12-07-2014 01:41 PM

Management is the issue
 
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 12-07-2014 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johnd (Post 977700)
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 12-07-2014 01:55 PM

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 12-07-2014 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sandtrap328 (Post 977712)
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 12-07-2014 02:08 PM

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 12-07-2014 04:06 PM

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

gerryann 12-07-2014 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sandtrap328 (Post 977712)
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 12-07-2014 05:45 PM

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 12-07-2014 07:58 PM

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

jblum315 12-07-2014 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Halibut (Post 976713)
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 12-07-2014 09:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gerryann (Post 977795)
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.


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