Guest Experience Champion

Panera Bread•Columbus, OH

20d

About The Position

Are you someone who loves making people’s day? Do you thrive in a fast paced, high energy environment where every interaction matters? If creating warm, meaningful connections is your superpower — we want you on our team! We’re looking for a Guest Experience Champion (GEC) to bring our hospitality vision to life and ensure every guest feels genuinely welcomed, cared for, and delighted from the moment they walk through our doors. What You’ll Do As our Guest Experience Champion, you will: Greet guests warmly within 5–10 seconds, offering eye contact, a smile, and sincere hospitality. Build personal connections by engaging with guests, exploring their needs, and exceeding expectations. Anticipate guest needs — from opening doors to helping at kiosks to refilling drinks — often before they even ask. Deliver food with gratitude, doublechecking accuracy and ensuring guests have everything they need. Move actively through the café to support Entry, Cashier, Dining Room, and Expo areas (no staying in one spot more than 5–10 minutes!). Keep guest-facing areas clean, safe, and welcoming through strong food safety and operational habits. Add delight to someone’s day each shift through small, special surprises like product sampling. This role is all about elevating the café experience — creating connection, warmth, and those memorable moments that stick. What Makes You a Great Fit You’re naturally friendly, energetic, and comfortable approaching others. You genuinely enjoy brightening someone’s day. You stay attentive and on the move in dynamic environments. You communicate with warmth and clarity. You love teamwork and supporting others during busy times. Customer service or café experience is a plus, but not required. Cross trained team members (Cashier, Dining Room, Expo) especially thrive in this role. Panera Perks: – Competitive wages & team tipping. (Bi-weekly pay) – Employee Meal Discounts. – Flexible scheduling, with full or part-time positions available. – Career Growth Opportunities Requirements for the Team Member Position include: Must be at least 16 years old. Ability to work & learn in a fast paced environment. Ability to work 12-40 hours a week. Ideal schedule for this role 9am-2pm Growth opportunities at Panera: A Path to Success - Most of our retail managers started as hourly associates. Our career path program helps you get there. Skills & Training - Every day at Panera we help build your skills & prepare you for a strong career - whatever your goals may be. Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Requirements

Must be at least 16 years old.
Ability to work & learn in a fast paced environment.
Ability to work 12-40 hours a week.
You’re naturally friendly, energetic, and comfortable approaching others.
You genuinely enjoy brightening someone’s day.
You stay attentive and on the move in dynamic environments.
You communicate with warmth and clarity.
You love teamwork and supporting others during busy times.

Nice To Haves

Customer service or café experience is a plus, but not required.
Cross trained team members (Cashier, Dining Room, Expo) especially thrive in this role.

Responsibilities

Greet guests warmly within 5–10 seconds, offering eye contact, a smile, and sincere hospitality.
Build personal connections by engaging with guests, exploring their needs, and exceeding expectations.
Anticipate guest needs — from opening doors to helping at kiosks to refilling drinks — often before they even ask.
Deliver food with gratitude, doublechecking accuracy and ensuring guests have everything they need.
Move actively through the café to support Entry, Cashier, Dining Room, and Expo areas (no staying in one spot more than 5–10 minutes!).
Keep guest-facing areas clean, safe, and welcoming through strong food safety and operational habits.
Add delight to someone’s day each shift through small, special surprises like product sampling.