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Carrie Herold
Jan 19, 2026
Extremely awful experience! I actually received a gift card and was excited to use it. I pre-ordered my meal as a pick up from drive-thru. The parking lot, alone, was so hectic and compacted, I was almost hit by a car pulling up to the drive-thru. I wasn't even sure where to pick my meal up, because the instructions were not clear, so I opted to go through the drive-thru. I waited for 3 minutes at the drive-thru, while the staff stared at me, waiting for my order to be brought out, or at least someone to give me attention so that I could actually obtain the prepaid meal! After patiently waiting, I decided to go inside and opt not to wait for my food because I had no clue how to get it. Then, I waited inside behind a few families, only to realize that it was the order line, and that there was an actual pickup line for the food after ordering... After going to the pickup line and waiting another few minutes, I gave them my name and was finally given my food, which was supposed to be brought out to my car in the parking lot!!! This is seriously the most frustrated that I have ever been, while trying to obtain a food order. It is clear that not a soul in this building took pride in their job, nor cared about anything at all!!! Not food, not service, not the environment... It is truly one of the most awful experiences I have ever had with a business and I can honestly say that I WILL NEVER RETURN TO PANERA. Not for free food. Not with a gift card. Not ever. The food is mediocre and is clearly not fresh... The entire staff needs to be let go and rehired. No joke!! I work in the service industry and I cannot figure out how this business has existed this long. Everyone acted like they were at home and on their time, and like I was a bother. I have never taken so much time in my life to write a review because the experience was that memorable. I do not have a good thing to say about the business at all! Not one...