I go to Panera in Hoboken often, the food is good and I usually have no problems, I ate dinner at Panera on Monday evening, I also purchased bagels. I paid for my sandwich and soup with my debit card the total was $8.97, I purchsed the bagels after dinner and paid cash for them.
The following morning I called citibank automated number to verify recent transactions, the 8.97 was debited from my account 2x's, I spoke to a representaive from Citibank and was told that Panera had debited my account 2x's once at 6:30 and again at 11:30 the same evening. The rep advised there were 2 ways to rectify one call Panera aka the merchant and resolve with them or Citibank would dispute, the rep advised was better to deal with "The Merchant."
I called Panera and was very cordial explaining the food was excellent however I needed to speak with a manager regarding a transaction. The rep was courteous and asked me to hold, within seconds the" Manager" came to the phone, I asked for her name and she said Lilly, I expalined the situation and advsied her that citibank also asked if I signed anything twice, since the transaction was done 2 x's", Lilly" said this was not possible becasue they were not over on their registers and I should tell Citibank they usually don't resolve situation like this. I told her I would call Citibank back, Citibank advised the same scenario and said since the merchant does not want to cooperate, they would dispute it, but I would have to wait 3 to 5 business days, the citibank rep suggested I call back Panera give them Citibanks number and they would rectify the problem with Panera.
I called Panera back and asked to speak to "lilly" I was told there is no Lilly here, but did I just speak to you about your debit card? I said yes and she said you were speaking to me, I asked her name and she said I am the manager. Lilly or who ever I was speaking with, gave the same scenario and said I was not charged 2x's by Panera.
Granted this is only $8.97, Panera is a very popular company, they are suppose to be the professionals, yet they lie about their names, they obviously do not want to credit me and I am now wondering if this is something they do often and try to get away with it.
I am not so thrilled about Panera anymore, thogh it is close to my home I doubt I will do business with them anymore. Today is Thursday I have been charged $ 8.97 2 times which adds up to $17.94 for a cardbord cup of soup and a salad.
Panera has good food but it is not fair, and I WILL JUST NOT GO THERE ANYMORE!!! In the meantime Citibank has advised I have to wait 3 to 5 business days and see if the $8.97 is credited and if it is not they will dispute it.
Bottom line we are the customer I was charged 2x's and I shoul have been credited immediately. Panera Management should pay attention to this incident, I am just one customer but a word to all check your debit and credit card tranactions after you leave Panera, or you will find yourself paying double money for your sandwiches and soups.
I am not implying the soup taste like casdboad, the soup is served in a very small cardboard container, I am trying to get accross is what an expensive cup of soup and salad this turned out to be.
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