[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]

Originally Posted by 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....

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]

Originally Posted by 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]

Just as I was going to ask you how it was, I see you said you made it up.

[slipcovers]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by 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....

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!

[ureout]

Originally Posted by Madelaine Amee

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!

No one disagrees with you about their coffee and pastry 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!

[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]

Originally Posted by 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

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!!

[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.