Everything comes with a price, and I find that anything good comes with an even higher price. Panera is a restaurant that has 100% clean food, meaning that their food does not have any preservatives or artificial flavoring of any kind. It is almost too good to be true especially now that most of what people eat contains unhealthy ingredients, which is why the prices do not sound as good as the food. Thankfully, there are ways that could save you some money when you go to Panera and believe it or not, they work.

1- Sign Up For A MyPanera Card (Rewards Card)

Once you sign up for a rewards card you will immediately receive different discounts, sometimes even free food, depending on the card. It is basically a hit or miss on whether or not you actually receive a free drink or pastry, because every card has different offers on the first swipe. But as you continue to go to Panera you will have points added which will lead to all kinds of free things as well as a few dollars off meals.

2- Always Go For The “Pick Two”

As an employee myself, I cannot stress enough of how this is a good way to get your money’s worth. Two half items for the prices that are displayed is a pretty good deal, and that way you can change your taste buds up instead of having the same thing.

3- If You Can Find It In Stores, It’s Probably Not Worth Buying At The Restaurant

Not a lot of people know this, but a lot of Panera products are found at Target as well as Sams Club and Costco. And logically speaking, a restaurant would not sell their products in stores if it is unique because they would want to get the money themselves. So if you can find it at a local Target, chances are you are not missing out on much.

4- If You Are Dining In The Lobby, Ask For An Extra Piece Of Bread At The Window

A lot of times customers don’t know that if they ask for an extra piece of bread with their meal at the register, they will be charged an extra 75 cents. If you really want an extra piece of bread, just go up to the window or ask an employee for as many as you want, free of charge.

5- If They Mess Up Your Order, Speak Up

Panera has a policy that states if your order is incorrect, you get a free pastry once you let any associate know. People make mistakes, especially during the lunch and dinner rush, but if a customer feels like they payed a lot of money for an incorrect order then ask for a free pastry. But please, be courteous and don’t lie because associates can tell when a customer is making it up, especially when we have the receipt. Although we cannot call you a liar and have to believe you, it still upsets us when a customer lies and is ungrateful for our hard work and claims that we messed up.

6- The Pastas Are Not As Fresh As You Think

Panera is known to have cravable mac & cheese and tortellinis, but what customers don’t know is that they all actually come from a bag. That’s right. They are thawed and once someone orders one all associates do is poke holes in the bag and pop them in the microwave for 2 minutes. That’s all. And any regular customer knows that Panera’s pastas are not that cheap. So if a customer feels like thye are paying a few dollars for something they can do at home for free then they may want to think twice before ordering.

7- Order Your Sandwiches On A Different Bread

As some Panera lovers may notice, a lot of the sandwiches come on very small pieces if bread, like sourdough. Well, if a customer would like a bigger sandwich without paying an extra dollar, simply just ask for a sandwich on a different, bigger, piece of bread. Associates would recommend ciabatta bread because it is sliced larger than the other breads.