I applied to Panera bread through their website. After about a day I received a phone call, which consisted of a phone interview. Very basic questions such as what I was looking for, why I was looking to leave current job. After the phone interview and a bunch of random online tests I was sent through to a 1 on 1 interview. The interview lasted around an hour. We discussed what my responsibilities where at my current job and what I was looking for with Panera. Very basic interview but they were definitely not prepared. When I arrived for my interview I met with the Hiring manager and he did not have my resume that I had already turned in. He seemed unready for the interview altogether, and his pitch seemed pretty much rehearsed. Luckily I knew enough to bring a copy of my resume. After the interview I was told I would be in contact with another Hiring manager whom would set up a preview. I received a call the following day and was set up with a "preview". Basically they told me this would be a 9-3 shift where I would get to observe the company, ask questions, and see if this was something that interested me. When I arrived for my preview I was greated by one of the corporate hiring/ training employees. I was given a brief tour of the restaurant and what happened next was when I lost complete interest and respect for the company. So basically I was given a two rags and a tray and was told to work out on the dinning room to get a feel. I have no problem getting down and dirty on a job but this seemed to have no relevance to helping get a feel for the company unless that what they were telling me is that I would be a manager/ busser. So off I went into the dining room with my wet and dry rag and try while the hiring manager disappeared. So I did hat was asked bussed tables removed plates for guests and said hellos and goodbyes. Finally after 45 minutes the hiring manager asked how I was doing( keep in mind this location was dead with probably only 5 guests during this 45 minute period. After I was done with the bussing phase of my preview... I moved on to the soup portion. Basically they had me set up there line for "the rush" by portioning certain items and salad dressings. I was then relocated to the soup area where I was put to work with out any sort of training. It was kind of like these are the soups and here are the bowls. After I was in done in the soup station I was moved over to the bakery. Where I was told to help back up staff by bagging any pastries. Yes thats right I was asked to bag pastries. By the time I had got to this point I had realized I made a horrible mistake. I have been in the restaurant business for 5 years as a manager of a successful restaurant. I felt as though it was time for a change and that Panera has been a growing company and would be good to work for. If you are already an established manager I would highly recommend staying away from this company. Judging from other managers it clearly seemed as though they were looking for inexperienced managers that would come at a low rate. I have no problem with that except I told the hiring manager during my interview the money I was looking for and he said it was attainable. The final step of "the preview" consisted of the hiring manager and myself having lunch. It was very awkward and at no point was I impressed with the professionalism. Once the preview was over I left and was told that I would be in touch regarding a final interview with one of the owners and or vp. The very next day I was sent an email stating they were persuing candidate which more closely suit there needs. A very generic email that seemed cut an paste. Considering I have been working in a restaurant that was double there sales and honest answer such as we are looking for less experience managers would have sufficed. Long story short if you are an inexperience manager this is the place for you just be aware that once you become an assistant manger there you are most likely a glorified busier/ cashier/ soup expert.