After spending time in Colorado, Illinois, and Wisconsin, returning to California felt like a breath of fresh air. Among the many Panera Bread locations I've visited across these states, none compare to the one in San Clemente. The standout feature of this location is Rich, an employee whose service is the secret sauce that sets it apart.Rich has an exceptional ability to remember customers by name (and dog names too!), even if you've only visited a couple of times. His energy and helpfulness are evident, as he seamlessly juggles serving customers with genuine hospitality. If he's not busy and notices someone approaching the entrance, he'll rush to open the door and greet them warmly.His positive attitude and dedication have a noticeable ripple effect on the entire team, fostering a welcoming environment. I want to give Rich a massive shout-out for his extraordinary service. I'm confident that his efforts haven't gone unnoticed, but I felt it was important to take a moment to acknowledge and appreciate his work publicly.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Anita A
The bear claws and chocolate croissants are divine. Great selection of coffees too.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Lori Baxter
I love panera bread. Worked for this company for a year. However this location is full of people who don't read the modifications on orders. I order a Sausage scrambled egg on brioche I ADD bacon. I pay for the bacon. Do I get the sausage? No. It's every damn time I order this sandwich no matter who makes it. I either get one or the other. Incompetent workers. PLEASE retrain all your employees. This mistake shouldn't happen every time I order. I worked in every part of the store as a closing manager. If you have employees that can't follow directions please fire them.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Guspacho M.
Got the turkey avacado sandwich its decent, to much letuce, cesar Salad also decent. The salad needs more dressing.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Roasted Turkey & Avocado blt
Danielle Cavinta
Went into Panera this morning to grab bagels for my office & I was immediately greeted by their team member Rich ( I believe that’s his name). Just wanted to say his customer service was amazing & he was such a breath of fresh air! Really glad Panera has such great team members and the service was fast! Definitely recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jay Valento
Lunch with clients in San Clemente
Barbara Damato
They hardly put any meat on the sandwiches their portions are small and their pricey
Bryan G
Easily the most convenient location
Sweet Angel ..
In today's hectic world, it's rare to find someone who cares about you and specially opens and holds the door, but Rich did just that. He welcomed me warmly and made a tough day brighter, something I can't fully express here. When you're dealing with loss, such kindness is truly invaluable. Rich went above and beyond to make me feel cared for, even during my order. Sometimes, people like Rich do things that mean the world to others in their most sensitive moments. Thank you, Rich, from the bottom of my heart.
Lovely team, very friendly.I got a free pastry for my birthday and the staff was so helpful and kind. Good variety of drinks for a good price, also free refills! Totally
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Kevin E6010dude
couldn't get a paper receipt. Kiosk half worked and workers were busy and couldn't help.mango smoothie also too tasted like cheese.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 5
Service: 2
Recommended dishes: Creamy Tomato Soup, French Baguette, Cinnamon Roll
Sven Kreutel
Great coffee and food. A lot of healthy options are available. Staff friendly and helpful, Ambiente nice.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Gerry F.
I am a fan of this place because of Rich. He is always uplifting and happy! The coffee and pastries are pretty good. Two stars for the good, and four stars for rich.
Steve M.
Citrus Asian Crunch Salad w/chicken- Looks and sounds delicious. Online menu said it was $13.59; purchase price was $14.69 + tx. Where did the additional $1.10 come from? Also, why are these salad bowls now so small? ~ 60% of the prior size? Not only are their bowls smaller, but they're only filled to ~ 60% of capacity... 60% of 60% is 36% of what they use to be... Where have all the good times gone? Not to Panera evidently...
Simply delicious ?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
After spending time in Colorado, Illinois, and Wisconsin, returning to California felt like a breath of fresh air. Among the many Panera Bread locations I've visited across these states, none compare to the one in San Clemente. The standout feature of this location is Rich, an employee whose service is the secret sauce that sets it apart.Rich has an exceptional ability to remember customers by name (and dog names too!), even if you've only visited a couple of times. His energy and helpfulness are evident, as he seamlessly juggles serving customers with genuine hospitality. If he's not busy and notices someone approaching the entrance, he'll rush to open the door and greet them warmly.His positive attitude and dedication have a noticeable ripple effect on the entire team, fostering a welcoming environment. I want to give Rich a massive shout-out for his extraordinary service. I'm confident that his efforts haven't gone unnoticed, but I felt it was important to take a moment to acknowledge and appreciate his work publicly.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The bear claws and chocolate croissants are divine. Great selection of coffees too.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I love panera bread. Worked for this company for a year. However this location is full of people who don't read the modifications on orders. I order a Sausage scrambled egg on brioche I ADD bacon. I pay for the bacon. Do I get the sausage? No. It's every damn time I order this sandwich no matter who makes it. I either get one or the other. Incompetent workers. PLEASE retrain all your employees. This mistake shouldn't happen every time I order. I worked in every part of the store as a closing manager. If you have employees that can't follow directions please fire them.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Got the turkey avacado sandwich its decent, to much letuce, cesar Salad also decent. The salad needs more dressing.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Roasted Turkey & Avocado blt
Went into Panera this morning to grab bagels for my office & I was immediately greeted by their team member Rich ( I believe that’s his name). Just wanted to say his customer service was amazing & he was such a breath of fresh air! Really glad Panera has such great team members and the service was fast! Definitely recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Lunch with clients in San Clemente
They hardly put any meat on the sandwiches their portions are small and their pricey
Easily the most convenient location
In today's hectic world, it's rare to find someone who cares about you and specially opens and holds the door, but Rich did just that. He welcomed me warmly and made a tough day brighter, something I can't fully express here. When you're dealing with loss, such kindness is truly invaluable. Rich went above and beyond to make me feel cared for, even during my order. Sometimes, people like Rich do things that mean the world to others in their most sensitive moments. Thank you, Rich, from the bottom of my heart.
Restaurantji Recommends
Lovely team, very friendly.I got a free pastry for my birthday and the staff was so helpful and kind. Good variety of drinks for a good price, also free refills! Totally
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
couldn't get a paper receipt. Kiosk half worked and workers were busy and couldn't help.mango smoothie also too tasted like cheese.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 5
Service: 2
Recommended dishes: Creamy Tomato Soup, French Baguette, Cinnamon Roll
Great coffee and food. A lot of healthy options are available. Staff friendly and helpful, Ambiente nice.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
I am a fan of this place because of Rich. He is always uplifting and happy! The coffee and pastries are pretty good. Two stars for the good, and four stars for rich.
Citrus Asian Crunch Salad w/chicken- Looks and sounds delicious. Online menu said it was $13.59; purchase price was $14.69 + tx. Where did the additional $1.10 come from? Also, why are these salad bowls now so small? ~ 60% of the prior size? Not only are their bowls smaller, but they're only filled to ~ 60% of capacity... 60% of 60% is 36% of what they use to be... Where have all the good times gone? Not to Panera evidently...