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Panera Bread employs a workforce of 140,000, and the folks who work there see firsthand how the restaurants are run. Their advice could potentially help you save both time and money when you dine at Panera Bread.
Three employees specifically recommended avoiding the store's drive-thru whenever possible. One worker warned of the possibility that you'll get stuck behind someone making a massive $90 order.
And a different employee added that parties with "large orders" are usually better off skipping the drive-thru and just heading into the restaurant.
Another employee suggested scheduling your orders through the restaurant's "Rapid Pick-Up" option, saying, "It is such a great idea with big and small orders and you can go through the drive-thru to get them," the employee said.
But if you're determined to pull up to the drive-thru, make sure you place your order correctly at the ordering board. "Changing your order at the window slows everything down for everyone behind you," an employee told Business Insider.
There's a sneaky way you can save a bit of money on your next Panera salad through the menu's you-pick-two option. "Order a half salad and double all the ingredients — its cheaper," one employee said.
Looking to satisfy your bagel craving? An employee said that all bagels at their Panera Bread location are discounted on Tuesdays. A frequent customer told Business Insider that they typically visit the restaurants on Tuesdays to buy up the most expensive bagels and take advantage of the discount.
Another employee plugged the company's MyPanera rewards program, which can hook you up with rewards like free baked goods and drinks.
As a general rule, it also never hurts to be nice to the people preparing your food. "Be polite and we will treat you extremely well," one employee told Business Insider.
Are you a Panera Bread employee with a story to share? Email acain@businessinsider.com.
