Panera Bread

40 minutes before close. Completely out of lemonade and green tea. We did a rapid pick up and the place was pretty much empty, but it was still done after the estimated wait time and when we were asked our name, we weren’t informed they go by last name, so it took about 10 minutes to realize our food was ready. Also not very clean. Staff behind the counter was super nice, nothing against them. They just need better training or management.

Food is great however whoever was working calling out for the food this morning (male voice, morning of 5/22) sounded like a real control freak. Yelled at the entire restaurant because someone hadn’t picked up their order and scared practically everyone. I understand there’s limited space but simmer down.

Plus sides: comfortable seats, fireplace on in the cold weather days, free refills, microwave capable, nice glass storefront. But I was disappointed with my pick 2. I asked for dine in, I got take out, I asked for extra Lettuce, tomato, onion…They forgot, I wasn't asked if I wanted chips or apple for bread w my pick 2 so I had to ask for a bag of chips. The salad pieces were wilted and blackened and unwashed, the soup in the tiny container was 3/4 full in the already minuscule cup, I didn't get any utensils for my soup but just a fork for salad, barely any feta cheese but maybe 10 crumbs for my Greek salad, French onion soup had tiny flakes of gruyere cheese if any, and my table was dirty. I cleaned it myself. Panera is one of my favorite places to eat in the US across the states but this one in Grand Forks was disappointing. I wish they would listen to the orders more carefully whether it’s take out or dine in, wash the veges and throw out the blackened and wilted pieces of lettuce,and fill the cup to the top for soup bc the cup is already tiny. Sad former Fan of Panera. I hope my next visit is better.

While I had to wait 30 minutes for a sandwich, I have to give them five stars because the employees there were all working very hard, apologizing for the delay for each order that went out. It was very busy and I know they are short staffed so instead of complaining of the wait, try to be more patient & empathetic for how hard they are working. Food was very good and worth the wait.