Maintaining a neat, clean, and tidy appearance is paramount for all employees at Panera Bread. As part of the food service industry, we understand the importance of hygiene and professionalism. Our customers expect their food to be served by individuals who embody cleanliness and presentability, reflecting our commitment to a healthy and safe dining environment. Therefore, all employees are expected to adhere to the following dress code policy to ensure they are “squeaky clean” and ready to provide excellent service. Managers reserve the right to request employees to return home to change if they are not in compliance with this uniform policy. Please review the details below and refer to the accompanying photos for visual guidance.
Mask Guidelines
Employees have the option to wear masks while working within the building. If a mask is chosen, it must be a solid color and free of any logos, words, or numbers, except for the official Panera logo. Masks must be worn correctly, covering both the nose and mouth, and not be positioned under the nose or chin.
Pants Regulations
For Retail Team Members, Bakers, and Managers, acceptable pant options include khaki pants, black pants, or dark jeans. It is essential that all pants and jeans are free from tears, holes, or frayed edges. Cargo-style pants or jeans are not permitted. Pants and jeans should not be faded, acid-washed, or feature beading, jeweled appliques, or other distinctive design elements. If pants have belt loops, a dark-colored, leather-style belt must be worn. Undergarments must not be visible at any time.
Shirt Requirements
Retail Team Member and Baker shirts may feature a Hamra/Panera logo or another logo that is no larger than the size of a half dollar. Acceptable shirt styles are short-sleeved solid colored polo shirts or solid black t-shirts (including Hero t-shirts), which must be tucked in at all times. Shirts must be clean, wrinkle-free, and in good repair. A long-sleeved, solid white or black undershirt, such as an Under Armour-style shirt, may be worn beneath the polo shirt. Sweatshirts and jackets are not permitted, except for approved Hamra/Panera sweaters or cardigans. Managers have the option to wear solid-colored polo shirts or solid color oxford-style collared shirts, either long or short-sleeved, in black, white, oxford blue, or grey. These shirts must be clean, pressed, and tucked in. Company logos are limited to Hamra/Panera Bread logos only. T-shirts are not allowed for managers.
Shoes and Accessories Standards
All Retail Team Members, Bakers, and Managers are required to wear black, slip-resistant shoes with black socks for safety. Croc-style shoes are acceptable only if they are slip-resistant and without holes on the top or sides. Employees may wear one plain finger ring per hand, without stones. Nail appliques are prohibited due to food safety regulations. The wearing of only one watch or fitness tracker is permitted at any time.
Hat, Apron, and Name Tag Policy
Retail Team Members and Bakers must wear a clean hat with the bill facing forward. Hair nets are also acceptable when worn correctly. Aprons must be clean and wrinkle-free. Name tags are mandatory at all times and must be clearly visible. If a name tag appears worn, scratched, or damaged, it must be replaced. Name tags should be worn prominently on the front of the apron so guests can easily address employees by name. Facial hair should be kept to a minimum. Long hair must be tied back and restrained to keep it away from the face and, most importantly, the food being served to guests. Managers are not required to wear hats unless they are working in a food preparation role, as mandated by local county/state health codes.
Tattoos and Piercings Guidelines
Body art that is deemed visually offensive is not permitted. Ear gauges should not exceed a half inch in size. Earrings are allowed if they are studs or hoops no larger than a half inch. Dangling earrings are prohibited. A small nose stud is acceptable; however, any other visible piercings, including tongue piercings, are not allowed.
Cell Phone Usage Policy
Cell phones are permitted to be kept in pockets while on the clock but should only be used in emergencies. Due to food safety concerns, employees must discard their gloves, re-wash their hands, and put on a new pair of gloves if they touch their cell phones. Taking pictures or videos while on the clock or in back-of-house areas is against company policy. For safety reasons, the use of earbuds or headsets is not allowed while on the clock in any position.
