Lobster rolls onto fast casual menus

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Lobster is catching on at fast casual menus as mentions of the fare have increased 4.5% on core menus over the past year, including 9.1% in appetizers and 100…

Will Panera's grocery rewards platform drive cafe traffic?

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Panera Grocery Rewards sits at the nexus of the company’s loyalty program, CPG business and in-cafe offerings.

Panera swimming into summer

June 21, 2023

Panera Bread has launched a line of swimwear inspired by the mixing and matching style trend to celebrate its "You Pick 2" menu item.

Panera rolls out nationwide 'Drive-Thru Pick-Up'

May 31, 2023

Panera's Drive-Thru Pick-Up, which combines the ease of the digital ordering experience with the comfort and convenience of the drive-thru window, is available…

Panera preparing for IPO under new president

May 23, 2023

In preparation for its IPO, Panera Brands CEO Niren Chaudhary is stepping down to become chairman and handing the CEO reins to José Alberto Dueñas, who is…

Panera launches 'carb couture-inspired' merch

April 27, 2023

In celebration of MyPanera Week, Panera Bread is launching its first-ever online merchandise storefront, The Panera Shop, where fans may score a variety of…

Caribou inks deals to open 300 franchise stores

April 25, 2023

Caribou Coffee, owned by Panera Brands, has signed several multi-unit agreements to add over 300 franchise locations over the next few years. Caribou expanded…

Executive perspectives: restaurant experts offer advice for operators

by Daniel Brown — Editor, Networld Media Group

Bryce Fluellen shows how Everytable's unique franchising model tackles food insecurity, builds communities and fuels growth/profits; Blaine Hurst of Blaine…

Panera Bread launches voice orders on Echo Show devices

March 29, 2023

Panera Bread, a self-serve kiosk pioneer, has announced that MyPanera members can now order via Alexa on Echo Show devices, according to a press release.

Panera Bread launches Amazon One in St. Louis locations

March 22, 2023

Panera Bread, a self-serve kiosk pioneer, is rolling out Amazon One, a palm identify and payments technology, at select bakery-cafes in the brand's hometown of…

Panera Bread offering annual unlimited Sip Club membership

February 22, 2023

Panera Bread is offering an annual unlimited Sip Club membership for $119.99 per year, which offers a year's worth of unlimited beverages for the price of 1…

Experts explore NFTs, digital innovation, labor shortages, food insecurity needs

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Attendees will become mini experts in all-things NFT, digital innovation, fixing the labor shortages and meeting food insecurity needs. Speakers include Blaine…

Panera launches fashion-forward 'BAGuette'

February 7, 2023

In honor of New York Fashion week, and in an effort to woo the fashion aficionado and the foodie, Panera Bread has debuted the BAGuette, a 12-inch purse…

Panera launching toasted baguettes

January 6, 2023

Panera Bread has created a line of toasted baguettes — Green Goddess Caprese, Pepperoni Mozzarella and Smoky Buffalo Chicken.

Panera 'shaking' things up in Texas

November 22, 2022

Panera Bread locations in Texas are testing Bakery Shakes — frozen blended shakes inspired by bakery items, according to a company press release.

Chick N Max: From Perfect Pitch winners to up-and-coming franchisor

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Coming out of COVID-19 in 2021, Chick N Max sales grew 30% over 2020, generating two-year sales comps over 40%. In 2022, sales and transaction growth continue…

Panera debuts updated kiosks in newly designed stores

November 9, 2022

Panera Bread, a fast casual restaurant chain, announced the opening of its updated urban store format in New York that includes updated ordering kiosks, the…

Panera debuts digital-focused format in New York

As Panera hits 50% in digital sales, it's testing digital-focused formats.

Panera addPolls to grocery lineup

October 25, 2022

Panera Bread has elevated the packaging for its grocery products, along with the launch of several additions to its portfolio, according to a company press…

The Panera Bread Foundation accepting grant requests

October 20, 2022

The Panera Bread Foundation's application period for its grant program is open through Nov. 14 and will fund non-profit organizations providing access to…