Starbucks, Panera Bread, McDonald’s winning the digital game

November 12, 2020

Digital sales will make up over 50% of limited-service restaurants' business by 2025, according to a study by Incisiv, which also predicted that although…

Kansas City-area Panera locations testing booze

November 2, 2020

Five Kansas City-area Panera Bread locations added beer and wine to the menu last month, according to a company press release from Pan American Group, a…

Panera slices into pizza category with flatbread pies

by S.A. Whitehead — Food Editor, Net World Media Group

Panera is launching a pizza category nationally this week with three takes on flatbread pies.

Will Panera customers care about carbon transparency?

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

October 14, 2020

In a move to make it easier for consumers to understand how their food orders affect the environment, Panera Bread is adding the carbon footprint of meals to…

Former McDonald's exec joins Panera as chief of staff

September 30, 2020

Panera Bread has hired Lauren Cody, a former McDonald's executive, as chief of staff and chief customer officer.

Panera powering up customers

September 9, 2020

The first 2,020 consumers who sign up Thursday for the Panera Coffee Subscription (typically $8.99) will earn a month of free coffee and Wi-Fi. For those who…

Panera names former McDonald's exec as COO

September 8, 2020

Panera Bread has named a former McDonald's president, Debbie Roberts, as EVP and COO.

Panera customers using Google to place digital orders

August 25, 2020

Panera has integrated with Google Search, Google Maps and Google Assistant to make it easier for customers to place digital orders. Available at participating…

Panera expands contactless rewards with Apple Card

August 5, 2020

Panera guests may now earn 3% daily cashback on Apple Card when they use Apple Pay in the Panera app or website, according to a press release. They can use…

Panera exec reveals the strategy behind free coffee subscription

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Panera's free coffee subscription has been a catalyst driving growth and revenue, said Eduardo Luz, chief brand and concept officer.

Panera launches 'Under $10 menu'

July 24, 2020

Panera has rolled out six menu items this week that cost less than $10, according to a company press release. They include the:

Panera coffee is 'free for the summer'

June 24, 2020

Panera's coffee is free for the summer; anyone signed up for the MyPanera+Coffee subscription now has access to unlimited premium hot coffee, hot tea and iced…

Judge requiring Panera franchisee to pay $4.6M to managers

June 3, 2020

Panera Bread's largest franchisee, Covelli Enterprises, must pay $4.6 million to more than 900 assistant managers who alleged Fair Labor Standards Act and Ohio…

Panera hires chief concept officer

May 28, 2020

Eduardo Luz has joined Panera Bread as chief brand and concept officer and will be overseeing marketing, digital, strategy/insights and culinary teams…

Panera adds geofencing for frictionless pickup

May 18, 2020

Panera Bread is transforming its curbside experience with Panera Curbside, a geofence-enabled service that delivers orders to guests in their cars. Employees…

Panera launches family feast deal

April 14, 2020

With all meals now taking place at home, Panera has launched the Panera Family Feast, an affordable way to get some of its most popular menu items on the…

Panera launches grocery service

April 8, 2020

Panera customers may now add a few groceries to their coffee orders thanks to the launch of Panera Grocery. Leveraging the Panera supply network, the program…

Panera launches coffee subscription plan

February 27, 2020

Subscription services have gained popularity with customers with companies like Birch Box and Dollar Shave Club leading the way to disrupt their industries…

Panera SVP: Why having a diverse team grows companies

Karen Kelley, Panera Bread SVP and chief restaurant operations officer, discusses how Panera's investments in talent have made it a brand that attracts both…

Panera SVP giving behind-the-scenes look at innovation strategy

October 7, 2019

Karen Kelley, Panera SVP and chief restaurant operations officer, will keynote the Fast Casual Executive Summit, Oct. 13-15 in Austin.