What Employees At Panera Bread Secretly Wish They Could Tell Their Customers

Every Panera Bread restaurant’s designed to feel like home, but it’s a business through and through. So is the hearty soup and cozy atmosphere a facade? What exactly makes Panera’s warm bread taste a million times better than your bread at home? Well, Panera employees are speaking out about what really goes on behind the well-decorated counter. And as it turns out, everything from the paintings on the wall to the famous mac and cheese may not be as they seem...

1. Don't get greedy

Though some Panera employees receive meal vouchers for their friends and family, they may still be tempted to work the system by giving their friends food under the table (perhaps literally). One employee advised against doing this, however: “Don’t harm the cafe that pays you,” they warned on reddit.

2. Free coffee

The squeaky wheel gets the oil, and the hungry customer at Panera Bread just may get a free drink or two — but only if they’re a regular customer as well. This tidbit comes from an in-the-know redditor who claimed that properly run Panera locations sometimes give familiar patrons free coffee. Who knew? 

3. The morning crew

Most restaurant employees are used to working long hours, but Panera Bread likes for its staff to be up with the roosters. According to a former worker, the early risers usually arrive at work before 5:00 a.m. After all, someone has to toast the bagels and make the coffee!

4. Speak up about mistakes

If you order a mayonnaise-free sandwich and still receive bread soaked in it, don’t clam up! According to a former Panera employee, a messed-up order sometimes results in a free treat from the bakery. Just be sure to let the employee know nicely. After all, accidents happen.