I came here for a lunch when I needed it the most. I am sick, and had just run out of food at home. So, with a single objective in mind, I sought Panera for their most wholesome menu item: I *needed* the wild rice chicken soup. Sadly, I didn't get this soup, and received wild rice lies instead.
I ordered through the drive thru. When ordering, I saw wild rice chicken soup was not listed on the menu. Concerned for my mission, I asked the gentleman taking my order if it was available. He said yes! So I proceeded to order, and even got a 2 for one in case my stomach could handle the extra sandwich, and he rung me up. Upon payment, he did not repeat my order, but I didn't care. All I could think about in that moment was the wild rice soup.
He then handed me a broccoli cheddar. At this, I knew I had to clarify, "I'm sorry, I asked for wild rice at the speaker. Do you all have it?" The employee said they were out of stock. I was devastated, as I did not get what I believed I had paid for, and I wouldn't have ordered at all if they didn't have the soup.
Admittedly, I've gotten emotional over this. I wanted the wrong to be righted, and for others seeking the wild rice to not be mislead if this employee made the same mistake. I wanted a sign on the menu that said clearly there was no wild rice soup to be found here. So, after returning home, I called the store manager. When I explained the situation, he said they *did* have the soup in stock. This only added to my negative emotions, as it wasn't a simple mistake the drive through employee made, I was also lied to. Thankfully, the manager did offer to swap out my soup, but I had already returned home 20 mins away, and it was not worth the ache while being sick to drive back out.
I understand how difficult the lunch rush can be, and I have had many pleasant meals at this location before, but I was extremely let down by this encounter. I don't understand why the drive through employee lied about having the soup in stock. If he had been honest, I would have simply gone inside then to swap my order, as I did not want to hold him or the drive thru line up. I appreciate the gesture of the manager, and understand that this was likely a simple mistake, but my trust has been broken.
I will not be returning to this location.