Crappy pay, crappy job - Cashier Panera Bread Employee Review

2.0
14 Dec 2010
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

- when you close you get free food - discount 65% off - customers are usually very nice - they donate to shelters

Cons

- The pay is horrible. I think I'm one of the highest paid cashiers and I only make $8.75/hr. Most cashiers get paid $7.75/hr. - I hate the uniform. Khaki pants, maroon collared shirt, apron and a cap. I hate hate hate the way I look in it. I feel dumpy and unattractive. - Closing sucks. The worst part about closing is not all the cleaning crap you have to do. The worst part is if you get your "assigned" area (dining or bakery) finished, you can't leave. You have wait until EVERYONE is done. This is awful because if you're working with slackers, you never get to leave on time. I think this is a horrible policy because it takes away the motivation to do your closing duties quickly. - I have only worked there 2 months and I have already had 6 different managers. - The employees are not very fun. (probably because they all hate their job just like I do) - We have a request book for when you want time off. But I don't think they use it because I'm constantly scheduled for days I asked off and the managers get irritated when I try to switch my schedule around. - The schedule is posted from Wednesday through Tuesday. They don't put up the next schedule until Monday night. This is so annoying because I can't plan anything in advance because I might have to work. - The schedule is only posted in the store so in order to know if I'm working or not I have to either call or go up there. Why can't they get on HotSchedules or something? Or at least e-mail it to the employees? It's not that hard. - My schedule is constantly changing. I'm always working different days and different shifts. I was originally hired to work lunch. Now, I usually close, sometimes work lunch, and this week I open. (which I am NOT looking forward to. - It's just not. fun. Seriously people, every time I get home from work I get online and search for new jobs. I have an interview for a new job tomorrow so let's pray I get it.

Explore other reviews about Panera Bread

5.0
12 Jun 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Great people management treats you well

Cons

Hours inconsistent pay is low

3.0
18 Apr 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

GM at this location is very on top of things, because it's the busiest Panera in Queens. Consistent hours. Shifts go by very quickly, especially in the morning.

Cons

Location is extremely busy so it gets very stressful, especially in the morning when someone is out / there is no second cashier scheduled so the single cashier in the morning has to clean the coffee counter, refill coffees, make drinks, stick bagels in the oven & serve those bagels, check and bag up RPU/delivery orders, get bakery items for barista screen, and ring up customers. It can get really intense when many people come in, which is most of the time. You will be running back and forth like crazy. Customers can be impatient, rude, demeaning, and nasty when the line gets too long. Not recommended for people who are sensitive, with high anxiety. As for Panera the company, this chain keeps making bizarre and difficult changes to the menu, all of which make employees' lives harder and harder. With every change comes strange, dismaying, and borderline impossible expectations for frontline staff that cascade down through management who cannot do much to alter the hard policies. You can tell the company is struggling greatly to keep itself relevant with the younger crowd (a solid 80% of customers are old people). The CEO and everyone making company decisions at Panera is extremely out-of-touch. EXTREMELY. With every nonsensical menu & operations adjustment, you can tell these people haven't actually worked at a food service job in like 40 years.

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