CafeSalad ShopSandwich RestaurantBreakfast RestaurantSoup RestaurantTake Out RestaurantCoffee ShopBakeryRestaurant Delivery ServiceCatererPanera
From focusing on quality ingredients to serving our food to you in a warm and welcoming environment, Panera Bread is committed to being an ally to our guests. That means crafting a menu of soups, salads and sandwiches that we are proud to feed our families. You don’t have to compromise to eat well. Whether you want to come in and enjoy a coffee and our complimentary Wi-Fi, or order online using Rapid Pick-Up so you can grab something quickly, Panera Bread Chapel Hill is here with warmth and welcome. Panera Bread. Food as it should be.
Many customers praised the friendly and accommodating staff, highlighting specific employees who provided exceptional service.
Food Quality
Several reviews indicated a decline in food quality, with complaints about stale bread, cold food, and incorrect orders.
Cleanliness
Numerous customers reported unsanitary conditions in the dining area, including dirty tables and floors.
Towing Issues
A significant number of reviews expressed frustration over predatory towing practices, with customers being towed shortly after leaving the parking lot.
Atmosphere
The location is noted for its college town vibe and pleasant atmosphere, although some customers felt unsafe due to loitering.
MR
Meagan Riddle
Dec 30, 2025
5.0
Let me start by saying this review is to speak about the FANTASTIC experience I had with the night manager on 12/30/2025:
I placed an order through UberEats and of course the app didn’t have it where you could pick a bread bowl for the soup I wanted- so I called Panera and spoke with the night Manager (who is probably the nicest person I’ve ever spoken to), she immediately set aside the last bread bowl for me and told me to place my order and she would make sure I got my bread bowl. I also wanted a couple sides of their amazing balsamic vinaigrette, so she said she’d add those in your my order as well, since there was no way to do that on the app. Before we hung up she told me that she had everything set aside for me and would tell her line staff to be on the look out for my order.
She was the most accommodating, genuinely kind, thoughtful person I’ve ever had the pleasure of dealing with. I can’t thank her enough for her kindness and how she went above and beyond to make sure I was able to satisfy my cravings, lol!!
BG
Becky Giusti
Dec 13, 2025
2.0
As a longtime Panera customer, I am very sad to say this may be my last visit to this Panera in particular and maybe all Paneras in general. It is so obvious that corners are being cut everywhere: staffing; amenities such as eating utensils, plastic glasses, napkins!, bags; and, worst of all, freshness of the food. Why would bakery be stale early in the morning? Why would focaccia not even look like focaccia?
CC
Carl
Nov 27, 2025
4.0
They did much better in service than they did "THE LAST TIME" but I'm unsure if I would return to this place or not. 🤔
CM
Caleb Myers
Nov 22, 2025
5.0
Wren, Elena, and another tall gentleman (I forgot his name) were AMAZING. The epitome of hospitality.
TB
Tim Bradley
Nov 16, 2025
1.0
Went inside order my food to go watched four other customers that ordered after me that was eating in, get their order, filled and sit down before mine. Then, when I looked in the bag for my order, the soup cup was turned up on its side because it was put on top of the other food, and the bread was not wrapped. It was just tossed in the bag.. I gave the bread back to him and asked them to wrap it. They said they don’t and so I told them to throw it away.. I didn’t see paying as much as you have to pay to eat there to receive dirty food. When I told the front counter, they shrugged their shoulders and acted as if they would go back and talk to the people that prepared the food, but no one offered to correct the problem or make it right.
Does Panera Bread Chapel Hill accept reservations?
No, Panera Bread Chapel Hill does not accept reservations.
What are the opening hours of Panera Bread Chapel Hill?
Panera Bread Chapel Hill is open daily from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM, except on Fridays when it opens at 6:00 AM.
Does Panera Bread Chapel Hill offer delivery services?
Yes, Panera Bread Chapel Hill offers delivery from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM everyday, with Friday starting at 6:00 AM.
Can I order food online from Panera Bread Chapel Hill?
Yes, you can order online for rapid pick-up or delivery through their website or app.
Is there a drive-thru available at Panera Bread Chapel Hill?
No, this location does not have a drive-thru service.
What types of meals does Panera Bread Chapel Hill serve?
Panera Bread Chapel Hill serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner.
What are some specialties offered by Panera Bread Chapel Hill?
Their specialties include You Pick Two, Power Menu, hand-tossed salads, freshly-baked artisan breads, flatbread sandwiches, soup in a breadbowl, and vegetarian broth bowls.
Is Panera Bread Chapel Hill located near the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill?
Yes, Panera Bread Chapel Hill is near the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, making it a convenient spot for students and visitors to grab quality meals.
What other dining options are near Panera Bread Chapel Hill?
Nearby dining options include Chipotle Mexican Grill, Jimmy John's, Gumby's Pizza, Vespa Ristorante, and The Purple Bowl, offering a variety of cuisines close to Panera Bread.
Are there any fitness or recreational venues near Panera Bread Chapel Hill?
Yes, Purvelo Cycle, a cycling classes and gym venue, is nearby, so guests can enjoy a workout before or after dining at Panera Bread.