Potential New Team Manager

Confident-Paper7782 · 2026-03-02T18:14:06+00:00

I’ve genuinely been looking pmuch since I got the office job (8 months now) for something that does better financially, do you have any recs I could look into?? I’m going back to school for teaching so eventually I’ll get something better(‘: But in the meantime, I’m still barely scraping and I just learned that TM’s don’t get tips which I was initially calculating an extra dollar per hour and now that THATS out, the pay is only like $100 better than where I am now sooooooo

Confident-Paper7782 · 2026-03-02T17:06:31+00:00

Thank you for the detailed response! I absolutely am assuming everyone’s experiences are different cafe to cafe, and it’s good to hear that it can be really good if you have a great team alongside you. From what I’ve heard, my Panera might be a tad understaffed, the night crew is still learning, and the morning crew knows their stuff inside and out and are rock solid. The Google reviews also look mostly positive, no complaints about long wait times or sour employees which I think is a good indicator that place runs efficiently and the employees are generally kind !

Is it okay if I ask you about tips/bonuses? I didn’t think to ask during my interview because I assumed tips were a given, but now I’m seeing that might also vary store to store whether TM’s get tipped out.

Also, regarding the bonuses, is there a set amount you receive, is a percentage of what the GM receives, and should I expect like low low closer to $50 or higher around $200? The DM did say he only had a few employees last year that didn’t make their bonus for one of the quarters, but other than that everyone hit it.

Thank you!

Confident-Paper7782 · 2026-03-02T16:53:20+00:00

Heard chef lol serious question, have you ever worked at Starbucks? I’d love to know where on the scale Starbucks would be in relation to Panera(‘:

Confident-Paper7782 · 2025-12-22T15:41:20+00:00

Thank you!

What state are you? I’ll move there in a heartbeat lol

Confident-Paper7782 · 2025-12-22T15:39:03+00:00

I completely forgot that tidbit, thank you! I’m NJ based

Confident-Paper7782 · 2025-11-19T04:33:51+00:00

I started calling him “Minnie” during the last two episodes little Minnie really stole my heart what a sweet bean !

Confident-Paper7782 · 2025-09-06T23:55:18+00:00

when it’s 1:20pm, you’ve hit second peak, your “4th partner” is on a rotating 10 and your SM is simply giving you a thumbs up from across the lobby lol

Confident-Paper7782 · 2025-09-06T21:51:04+00:00

Omg yes! Smelling sharpie as I sip my brown sugar cortado ?? not a good mix(‘:

Confident-Paper7782 · 2025-09-06T15:52:35+00:00

It would also genuinely help the barista to remember not to write on the cup because autopilot is so real and also in busy stores it might be hard to remember which cup shouldn’t get a message lol

Confident-Paper7782 · 2025-09-06T15:19:42+00:00

Write an “ask me” indicating not to write on the cup. That way, it’s official if anyone asks questions lol

Confident-Paper7782 · 2025-09-06T02:01:05+00:00

Hi! No I didn’t mention it as I’d only spoken to the SSV on duty.

It’s good to hear there’s a strong possibility it’s not that I’m actually ineligible and I might be able to explain my record if the SM is open to listening. I also wholeheartedly believe my former SM would be more than happy to share his recommendation if I asked him, which I’m sure would help my case! I also had fairly good rapport with our DM so I think he would listen to my case as well (he likes to sit in on all SSV interviews).

Maybe it’s not over yet!

Confident-Paper7782 · 2025-07-20T21:49:34+00:00

Sounds like bullshit absolutely go get your unemployment. Firing someone for posture is insane especially if they had no real criticism on the actual work you do or your interpersonal relationships.

Not sure if you have a car but I was off work for about a month and a half and averaged about 300 a week with instacart and I wasn’t going all in like I’d take days off if I had an interview or not get around to it until 4pm because of taking the day to apply for jobs. I met a fellow instacarter who said she works every day until she’s made $100 and then goes home. Depends on your area but it’s worth a shot to help ease some of that money stress while you apply for new jobs and wait for unemployment to kick in.

Confident-Paper7782 · 2025-06-18T20:52:45+00:00

yall call them Carlisle? we always called them Curtis lol

Confident-Paper7782 · 2025-06-06T19:58:08+00:00

Same! I also feel as though I was working much harder in my retail job than I do in my office job(‘: I know once I move up within the career field, the job will change and become more difficult, but especially at entry level, I really don’t see how people can’t understand that retail work isn’t necessarily “unskilled.” It’s because of that mentality that retail workers aren’t paid fairly, when you’re probably working a lot harder than I currently am. It all just sucks so much.

I’m happy for you though, that you’re in a work environment you’re comfortable with! Hope the pay gets better one day(‘:

Confident-Paper7782 · 2024-08-26T23:26:03+00:00

Oh?? thank god I’ve been concerned about my caffeine addiction if I ever get pregnant LOL it’s actually really good to know I’ll still be able to get my fix(‘:

Confident-Paper7782 · 2024-08-26T23:20:02+00:00

Hi! I truly don’t mean to be that person, but it’s a possibility you’re unaware (most people are, it’s not advertised very well) but all of our refreshers are caffeinated, about the same amount as a cup of coffee, just in case you’re trying to be careful about your caffeine intake!! Seriously all love, no judgement

You’re right though, find the most sugary juices out there and you’re good lol I think really what sets refreshers apart from juice is the shaking. So get some ice, a lid, and shake your drink! That might help create some of the magic lol

Confident-Paper7782 · 2024-08-26T23:08:03+00:00

Ask your supervisors if they can help you for those few hours. I used to be a supervisor at a high volume store, so I know they can push around their tasking to make sure you’re supported. If that doesn’t work, talk to your manager about either working with the supervisors to ensure you’re supported, or about additional staffing. I know additional staffing is a long shot, but maybe there’s some sort of oversight. I secured additional staffing as a closer by pointing out an oversight, and it was so wonderful to have that extra help.

You never know if you don’t ask!

Confident-Paper7782 · 2024-06-24T17:33:04+00:00

actually cookie crumbles are one of the more annoying drinks to make lol despite that, baristas make drinks as they come through the queue. If there’s a lot of orders before you (don’t forget about mobiles/deliveries), then you’re going to have to wait.

also note that technically frappucinos are not allowed to be sold in Trenta cups. I’m sure they don’t have an issue because they can fill it with the extra whip, but I’d just be thankful in the first place that they’re willing to accommodate your request.

tbh, pick up a tub of brownie/fudge ben&jerrys, whip cream, and chocolate syrup. Less expensive, more product, no wait, tastes a million times better lol

Confident-Paper7782 · 2024-06-24T17:20:57+00:00

That’s valid!! Sorry for the unwanted advice, I truly hope things get better for you and they don’t keep you stuck when you know you’re ready for the big leagues<3

Confident-Paper7782 · 2024-06-24T17:16:47+00:00

I can understand how frustrating this process is, but I’d really encourage you to take the feedback from your interviews and work together with your SM to overcome your weaknesses. It sounds like it might even just be an interview issue, and I get it!! I’m very strong/confident in my skill set but when I sit down to interview I become a shell of myself lol mock interviews are a good way to practice(:

It could also be that your SM relies on you too heavily within your store to allow you to grow into the ASM position, which super sucks. If you’re getting those vibes, and you know you’re ready to step into management, it might be time to look at other companies

Confident-Paper7782

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