PANERA BREAD

Starting back in 2011 was the first time I ever hear of Panera Bread and the whole concept. The moment I walked in, I knew I wanted to work there just from the positive experience I received. A year later, I got the position as an associate. Then eventually moving up the ladder to an Associate Trainer, then a Shift Supervisor, and then Shift Supervisor/ Training Specialist all within two years. I like to credit Panera Bread, being my light bulb moment in my life. From knowing around thirty customer orders by heart to enjoying making food and a positive experience for the guests is what I truly enjoyed and a reason why it was enjoyable to work there. While working there, I was in between a confusing state of mind of trying to make a decision on what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I give Panera Bread the credit to helping me push in the direction of hospitality and where it has led me to today. The best accomplishment was being in charge of the training of all associates and managers and we were considered a training café. This is where other managers come to our café to get trained then they would go to their café. Within a year of this position we were one of the top 5 training cafes and I have trained about 10 managers. The position also including hosting “Bread Bashes”, which introduced the new items that were coming into the café to all members of the staff. I loved this position helping other move up the ranks and being able to get cross-trained to seeing their progress. This is another reason why I credit this establishment.

The best memory I have is a guest that goes by the name of Harry. He is around 90 years old who loved golf; I mean watching the tournaments, to reading about and expressing his interest to others. His wife passed away years ago, so to keep him company he would come into the café three times a day. Just to get small items but more for the environment, “the home feeling”, and the hospitality the staff gave. I would always take my time to go talk and we have so many conversations and gave me so many words of encouragement and watched me grow in the three years. Unfortunately, he has passed away but his story and the moments we cherished will always be with me and gave me one more reason to grow up and try to be like Harry. A gentle, kind, and touching person that like to help others.