Cafe Opener and Daytime Barista

Panera Bread, a well-known bakery-cafe chain, is now hiring Restaurant Team Members at its location inside Akron General Hospital. Panera Bread is recognized for its fresh, high-quality menu options, delightful bakery items, and commitment to creating a welcoming experience for its guests. As a customer-focused and community-oriented company, Panera actively contributes to local communities by donating unsold products to various organizations, embodying a culture of care and sustainability. The Akron General Hospital location operates with hours designed to accommodate a diverse schedule, opening Monday through Friday from 7 AM to 7 PM, and weekends from 7 AM to 4 PM, with shifts starting as early as 5:30 AM for opening preparation, and closing shifts sometimes ending around 8 PM.

Joining Panera Bread as a Restaurant Team Member means becoming part of a dynamic team dedicated to delivering exceptional customer service and hospitality. This role is vital as it serves as the frontline of the bakery-cafe experience, where team members engage with guests, providing a warm welcome, smooth service, and a memorable dining environment. Employees have the opportunity to learn multiple roles within the store, including cashier duties, drive-thru service (where applicable), sandwich and salad preparation, barista work, dishwashing, and maintaining the cleanliness of the dining area. This variety ensures that every team member gains broad skills and experiences, making the position both challenging and rewarding.

The position offers competitive wages complemented by team tipping, bi-weekly pay, and employee meal discounts. Panera also emphasizes flexible scheduling with options for both full-time and part-time work, allowing team members to balance their professional and personal lives effectively. The company prides itself on fostering a culture built on warmth, belonging, growth, and trust, encouraging employees to develop their career paths. Many retail managers have started as hourly associates, highlighting Panera’s strong commitment to internal advancement. Training and skill-building are continuous processes, providing employees with the tools necessary to progress towards success within the company.

Panera Bread also maintains high standards for health and safety; all team members are required to be at least 18 years old, possess a flu vaccination, test negative for tuberculosis, and pass a background check free of felony convictions. These measures ensure a safe and trustworthy environment for both employees and guests. Working at Panera Bread involves thriving in a fast-paced setting where adaptability, team collaboration, and dedication to health and food safety are paramount.

This role is perfect for those who enjoy engaging with diverse customers, learning new skills, and being part of a supportive team while contributing positively to the community. If you are enthusiastic, dependable, and ready to grow your career in the food service industry, becoming a Restaurant Team Member at Panera Bread at Akron General Hospital offers an inviting and rewarding opportunity.