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The weird rules Panera employees have to follow
Panera Bread, known for its delicious soups, salads and baked goods, has become a popular destination for satisfying meals. Behind the scenes, Panera employees work diligently to provide customers with exceptional service and food quality. However, there are some unique rules that Panera employees must follow. In this article, we will explore these unusual rules and shed light on the experiences of Panera employees.
Employee Discounts Limited to Home Branch
One of the perks of working at Panera is the employee discount offered to employees. Employees are entitled to a substantial 65% discount on any item on the Panera menu. However, there is a catch. Employees can only use their discount at their designated home location. This restriction is due to the fact that the discount is tied to the employee’s unique identification number in Panera’s system. To take advantage of discounts at other Panera locations, employees can purchase meal vouchers, which act as discount coupons that can be used at multiple locations or shared with family and friends.
Strict timelines for order delivery
Panera employees are expected to deliver customer orders promptly, with an emphasis on completing each order within three minutes. While fast service is a desirable goal, some employees find this policy challenging, especially during peak hours when there is a high influx of orders. Employees have expressed concerns about compromising food safety and quality due to the intense focus on meeting strict time targets. In addition, limited staffing during peak hours exacerbates the pressure on employees to meet these demanding schedules. Given the complexities involved in preparing made-to-order meals, customers are encouraged to be patient and understanding.
Drive-through orders and time constraints
Not only are dine-in and to-go orders expected to be fulfilled within three minutes, but the same time constraints apply to drive-thru orders. Employees have expressed frustration with the difficulty of meeting these expectations, especially when faced with a high volume of drive-through customers ordering hot sandwiches. The nature of Panera’s food, which often requires careful preparation, makes it challenging to provide fast service in a drive-through environment. Customers accustomed to fast-food restaurants with streamlined processes may need to adjust their expectations when visiting Panera’s drive-thru.
The imperfect display of baked goods
If you’ve ever walked into a Panera, you may have noticed that the baked goods display is intentionally casual and imperfect. Panera prides itself on arranging its bakery case in a way that reflects authenticity. Bagels, in particular, are expected to be “tossed” rather than neatly arranged. Panera employees follow specific guidelines to ensure that the display has a natural, freshly baked feel. This attention to detail is designed to create a welcoming atmosphere for customers.
Inconsistent charging for substitutions
Panera employees have discussed the inconsistency in charging customers for certain substitutions and extras. While additional charges for substitutions and customizations are typically expected at most food establishments, Panera has some exceptions. For example, customers are free to substitute sandwich bread with options such as ciabatta bread, bagels, or croissants at no additional charge. Meat can also be replaced with avocado at no extra charge to accommodate vegetarian and vegan preferences. It’s important to note, however, that not all substitutions, such as avocado, are always free. Panera employees can provide a variety of vegetable additions, but some items may require an additional charge.
Save unsold bread at closing time
Panera has a commendable policy of minimizing food waste by partnering with local charities to donate unsold bread. However, employees have revealed that sometimes the charities are unable to pick up the donation, resulting in unclaimed bread at closing time. In such cases, some employees have taken the initiative to prevent waste by taking the leftover bread home. While this practice is at the discretion of the manager, many managers have encouraged employees to rescue the bread to avoid unnecessary waste. To ensure respectful compliance with this policy, employees are encouraged to seek permission from management before taking home unsold bread.
Manager-Employee Relationships
Unlike some companies that have strict policies against employee dating, Panera Bread is relatively lenient in this regard. As long as one party is not in a management position, employees are allowed to date their co-workers. Management’s primary concern is the potential for biased decision-making resulting from relationships between employees in positions of authority. In cases where a manager-employee relationship is identified, steps will be taken to minimize any perceived bias, such as transferring one of the individuals to another shift. It is generally recommended that personal relationships be kept discreet to avoid unnecessary workplace gossip.
In conclusion, while working at Panera Bread comes with its share of unique rules, employees still strive to provide customers with exceptional food and service. From limited use of employee discounts to strict delivery schedules, Panera employees navigate these unique rules to ensure customer satisfaction. Understanding the reasons behind these rules can help customers appreciate the efforts of Panera employees. So next time you visit Panera, remember the hard work and dedication that goes into creating your favorite meals and treats.
FAQS
Can Panera employees use their employee discount at any Panera location?
No, Panera employees can only use their employee discount at their designated home location. Meal certificates can be purchased for use at other Panera locations or to share with family and friends.
Why are Panera employees expected to deliver customer orders within three minutes?
Panera is committed to providing fast and efficient service to our customers. However, meeting this strict timeline can be challenging, especially during peak hours and when dealing with a high volume of orders. It’s important for customers to understand the complexities involved in preparing made-to-order meals and to be patient with employees.
Are drive-thru orders subject to the same time constraints as dine-in orders?
Yes, drive-thru orders are also expected to be completed within three minutes. However, the nature of Panera’s food, which often requires careful preparation, can make it difficult to achieve quick service in a drive-thru environment. Customers are encouraged to adjust their expectations accordingly.
Does Panera charge for substitutions or adjustments?
While some substitutions and customizations may incur additional charges at other food establishments, Panera has exceptions. For example, customers can freely substitute sandwich bread with options such as ciabatta bread, bagels or croissants at no additional charge. However, it’s important to note that not all substitutions are always free and certain items may require an additional charge.
What happens to unsold bread at the end of the day at Panera?
Panera’s policy is to minimize food waste by partnering with local charities to donate unsold bread. However, in cases where charities are unable to pick up the donation, some employees have the option to take the leftover bread home with management’s permission, reducing unnecessary waste.
Can Panera employees date their co-workers?
Panera Bread allows employees to date their co-workers as long as one party is not in a management position. However, steps will be taken to minimize any potential bias resulting from manager-employee relationships, such as moving one of the individuals to a different shift. It is generally advisable to maintain discretion regarding personal relationships to avoid workplace gossip.