06/04/2026
Woman Arrested at Manchester Panera After Threat Over Gluten-Free Bread 😳
MANCHESTER, Conn. — June 3, 2026 — A routine lunch at the Panera Bread on Deming Street turned into a police call Tuesday after a customer allegedly threatened the manager when she learned the café had no gluten-free bread.
Manchester police say the 42-year-old woman from Vernon placed a mobile order for a turkey avocado sandwich on gluten-free bread around 1:15 p.m. at the location at 179 Deming St, Manchester. When she arrived at the counter, staff told her the bakery-café does not stock a gluten-free loaf and offered a lettuce wrap or a salad bowl instead. 
Witnesses said she became loud, stepped behind the pickup line, and told the shift manager, "You better find it or I will make you wish you had." Employees asked her to leave twice, then called 911 after she refused and continued pointing at the manager.
Officers arrived within minutes, escorted her outside, and arrested her without further resistance. She was charged with breach of peace in the second degree and threatening in the second degree, both misdemeanors under Connecticut law. She was issued a summons and released, with a court date set for next week in Manchester Superior Court.
No one was hurt and no weapon was found. Panera did not comment on the specific incident, but the company notes publicly that it provides allergy-friendly menu options including gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, soy-free, and vegan choices, with detailed allergen information available online and in-store. 
The Deming Street café, which normally serves breakfast through dinner daily, reopened the line about 20 minutes later. Police said the case is a reminder that supply issues at fast-casual chains do not excuse threats toward workers. 👌
