As a previous employee and avid pastry eater, I have learned some tips throughout the years on how to make the best out of your Panera Bread journey.
1. Register for a MyPanera card.
MyPanera is a free rewards system available to all customers. All you have to do is get a card from a cashier, register it online and start getting rewards! Lucky enough, upon registering you gain your very first perk! Along with that, you receive a free pastry on your birthday and every now and then you will receive other rewards to help save you money. Remember, you earn rewards for the number of visits not the amount you spend so don’t forget your daily trip for the delicious roasted coffee.
2. Buy small drinks if you plan on hanging out in the café.
Panera provides a great home-like café for customers to eat and hangout in. If you plan on spending some time there, order your drinks in smalls. Save the money since all pop, water, iced tea and coffee are free refills at your own will!
3. Make sure to utilize the free WiFi!
While you’re in the café enjoying your delicious meal, make sure to sign on to the free WiFi! Panera tries to provide the most relaxing place to catch up with others and even do some school or business work and how can you get that done without WiFi? They welcome you!
4. If your order is wrong in any way, make sure you receive your free treat!
Working at any food restaurant can get hectic and people make mistakes. A lot of orders go through each day and sometimes there are mix ups or forgotten things. If you ever catch yourself in this situation make sure to ask for your free baked good/pastry if it’s not offered already!
5. For just $1 more you can turn your “You Pick Two” from a cup to a bowl.
I’m sure everyone knows and loves the famous “You Pick Two” that Panera offers. You choose two of the following: ½ sandwich, ½ salad, or cup of soup. If your order is going to contain soup in it, why not turn that cup into a bowl for just a dollar more? Then you are spending next to nothing, to double the size of your serving!
6. Bagel Tuesday.
Every Tuesday Panera has a bagel special. 13 bagels, a baker’s dozen, for just $6.99! As opposed to the regular $9.99, it really can’t get much better! So convenient and perfect for work meetings, school meetings, or just a big breakfast with the family!
7. Water is FREE
If you ever need something to drink but don’t feel like spending money on specialty drinks, you can always ask for a cup for water which is always free! A healthy and cheap way to complete your meal!
8. Free extra toppings!
Everything on Panera’s menu is pre-made with specific toppings. Of course, you can decide which toppings you want to remove from your meal, but did you know you could add toppings, too? There is quite a large selection of free vegetables you can add to your food to maximize the amount you are getting. Yes some extra toppings like avocado, or meats will be an extra charge but adding ones like tomatoes, cucumbers and onions are free and delicious!
So next time you are at your local Panera Bread, keep these tips and tricks in mind!
