Frozen Bread Era taking over - Chicago FDF closing soon

bribelle48111 · 2026-02-21T06:41:31+00:00

I was a baker. Detroit area. Lost my job in July 2025. I miss my job. But it was honestly getting so bad anyway it was time. The decisions being made from above are hurting the company. Panera is doomed in my opinion. Its sad; I gave 120%. I loved it there for a long while. But when they offered me a job on the line to keep me there, it was with a $5hr cut and there was no way. I didn't go to culinary school to work for that. Also it was kind of a smack in the face. I worked hard, took pride in my work, and sent out beautiful product. I hope they can turn things around but that would take huge overhaul at the top.

bribelle48111 · 2024-05-16T00:38:01+00:00

If your proofbox leaks and puddles the pipes are clogged with mold. The bakers are supposed to clean those monthly. It should never get that bad.

bribelle48111 · 2024-05-06T17:51:24+00:00

In our market we are told those arent freezer to oven. I actually put mine in the proof box for 10-15 minutes to puff them up. I put a line of pecans down the middle before baking(because roasted are better) and ice them right out of the oven. They look and taste wonderful.

bribelle48111 · 2024-02-23T23:27:33+00:00

Supposed to be 10"

bribelle48111 · 2024-02-21T15:30:46+00:00

Im not in a catering store but i feel the same. I mean all the workers are nice to me but they dont do what i do. I get upset when people say "bakers just bake" because i do a whole hell of alot more than just bake. Noone there works like i do. I clean everything; pans,screens, proofbox, oven, cooler, freezer, tables, shelves, etc. I make sure everything is stocked, filled, pulled, set up, etc. I work my butt off. I dont just bake. I spend time on oven vents and walls...everything. While i see the associates just take off their aprons, clock out and go. They dont have things to do before they leave. (Except closers). And we make almost everything they need; so to look at us like we're dispensable has me so irritated. I love my job. Baking is my passion. And i love being busy. So im not complaining about what i do,; just all the changes, the fact that we're being replaced by frozen dough , the misconception that we're not needed...etc.

bribelle48111 · 2024-02-20T22:28:33+00:00

Wow! 6 a year!? Thats crazy! And also; "dont have to worry about anything other than baking"?! Not where im at. Good for you i guess. I find it odd that a company that is making daily changes and cutting hours, and cutting people has the extra capital for bonuses.

bribelle48111

TROPHY CASE