Tipping question, eating at Panera

Lostandscared · ‎02-05-2011

I went to Panara yesterday, and ordered a salad and a drink, before swiping my card the card machine asked me, "do you want to leave a tip, Yes or No " . i was shocked, how ackward ! First i did not even get my food yet to know if it was ok, and second if i leave a tip it will be at the end if service was good. I wasn't sure what to do, are they going to give me bad service if i say no ? I do not think i will go there again it really turned me off. Any other ladies here have that happen ?

KingstonsMom · ‎03-09-2010

There's a deli here that does the same thing and I was taken aback by it too!

I had the same questions as you, too!

You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have.

hennypenny · ‎03-10-2010

I think that is interesting.

I remember about a year ago eating at Panera, and trying to tip our waitress. She said they were not allowed to accept tips.

I guess they have changed the policy.

Snoopp · ‎02-02-2015

Don't you order and pickup your own food at Panera? Why would you need to tip?

Quse · ‎09-05-2014

I usually go through the drive through at Panera so I haven't encountered that. I have noticed more places with tip jars on counters...even saw one at a McDonalds.

Krimpette · ‎03-09-2010

Haven't been to Panera in a good while. Mine was always self-serve. You ordered at one point and got your food when your number was called. Has that changed? I don't recall any server being involved.

Mz iMac · ‎07-26-2014

The Panara store in my neck of the woods have a few tables where you can take your food & eat it there.

I only tip if I eat there AND my order is to my liking.

I NEVER tip if I order & go.

"Never argue with a fool. Onlookers may not be able to tell the difference."

Serena Sue · ‎03-11-2010

How odd. The don't do anything for you at Panera, You order at the the counter, go up to get your order after you''re buzzed and you bus your own table!

Once I asked for my muffin to be warmed up and was told to do it myself at the microwave which was absolutely filthy.

Carmie · ‎10-25-2010

Just tap the No button. That's what I do. I do not tip if I have to place my own order and pick it up at the counter and clean up after I eat.

HappyDaze · ‎06-13-2012

Almost every restaurant I go to now does this but yes, if you have to pre-pay for your food like at Panera, I don't leave a tip at the time of payment. They've done nothing at that point but take my order and they did not come to me to take the order- I came to them. If I love the food and the service was friendly, I will leave a cash tip once I leave.

I do NOT believe in automatic tipping - I already pay alot of money for the food now and work hard for my money. I will tip generously for good service and food though.