Most always work at Panera is pretty predictable with the usual slow times and the super busy lunch rush. However, this past week we had some minor happenings that really took us for a loop of the regular schedule.
Last week on Wednesday, us morning girls are all at work getting ready for the morning putting up the bakery, setting up the line, or prepping foods in the back. We had just opened the door and I am about to slice some bread, when all of a sudden, everything goes black! We look outside and even the light poles are out!
It just so happened that with all the bad weather that Texas was unexpectedly having in Dallas and Fort Worth, power supplies were running low. Therefore, San Antonio was supposed to have random blackouts in some areas in order to send some power up to the Dallas area. It just so happened that Panera was definitely in the grid that they chose to black out...THREE TIMES!
So from about 6:15 am to 7 am I packaged cookies and baguettes in the dark, we stood around and chatted, and ate some souffles to pass the time. Eventually the lights came on and we were back to work. However, again around 9:40 the power goes out. This outage lasts again for about 45 minutes. We were able to sell things for cash only, but we only had coffee, pastries, or other cold items. It was definitely an experience. We then had one more power outage about 12:15, but that one luckily only lasted for about five minutes. Was totally a super different day at work!
So Wednesday was quite unique, but then Friday came. As many probably heard, we actually got snow down here in southern Texas. It started Thursday night with sleet, freezing rain and ice and overnight the snow came. I knew it wouldn't be the best driving conditions, but I didn't think the quarter inch of snow we received would completely disable the city of San Antonio.
I made it to work fine and on time. I got the bakery ready and waited around for our manager to arrive. Luckily the overnight bakers were still there and helped me get things ready. I slowly put all the pastries out and knew it'd be a slow day. The line opener was stuck out on 1604 and she didn't actually get to work until nearly 11 am. She was scheduled for 5:30! Our manager finally arrived around 7:45 after deciding to walk from where his car was stuck. Two other employees arrived about on time around 7 am.
It was such a super slow morning, but a peaceful one at that. The highways were all completely blocked off and so everyone had to manage on the frontage roads. By 10 am I believe we had made about eighty dollars! It was super interesting how the day went and even more neat to see San Antonio with snow.
Although it was exciting to have some changes to the usual routine of Panera, I think its better if it stays more consistent in the future! I still really enjoy my job and all of my guests and co-workers will be missed once the time comes to head north again.
