Operations

Panera cutting menu prices, increasing portions

Photo: Panera

March 1, 2024

Panera Bread is transforming its menu, adding or enhancing 20 soups, salads, sandwiches and mac 'n' Cheese. The changes, which include larger portions and lower prices, will be in place by April 4.

"We are getting back to Panera at its best with these menu updates that are centered completely on our guests and what they love about us," Alicia Mowder, SVP of Product Strategy & Insights, Panera Bread, said in a company press release. "We've listened to thousands of guests on our path to unveiling more than 20 new or enhanced menu items and are thrilled to bring these products to Panera bakery-cafes nationwide."

The chain is also adding more options below $10, including the Tomato Basil BLT, Ranch Cobb Salad and Mediterranean Greens with Grains. Plus, there will be more to each bite with more chicken and steak on many salads and sandwiches. The transformed menu will help streamline operations for employees, allowing them to more easily deliver food, Mowder said

Sandwich additions include:

• Toasted Italiano with Black Forest ham, soppressata and provolone, romaine, red onion, sliced pepperoncini peppers, garlic aioli, and Greek dressing on toasted French Baguette
• Chicken Bacon Rancher featuring grilled chicken, applewood smoked bacon, aged white cheddar and ranch dressing on Black Pepper Focaccia.
• Ciabatta Cheesesteak with marinated sliced steak, provolone, garlic aioli, caramelized onions and Peppadew peppers on Ciabatta.

Salad additions include:

• Mediterranean Chicken Greens with Grains, which has Romaine and mixed greens tossed in Greek Dressing, topped with farro and red rice, grilled chicken, hummus, feta, red onions, Peppadew peppers, sliced cucumbers and Mediterranean shawarma seasoning.
• Southwest Chicken Ranch featuring Romaine tossed in ranch dressing, with grilled chicken and drizzled with chipotle aioli, topped with avocado, grape tomatoes, fire-grilled corn, fresh cilantro and blue corn tortilla strips,
• Balsamic Chicken Greens with Romaine and mixed greens tossed in balsamic vinaigrette, with farro and red rice, sliced cucumbers, topped with sliced pepperoncini peppers, avocado, feta, pumpkin seeds and a drizzle of Green Goddess dressing
• Ranch Cobb Salad, which has Romaine and mixed greens tossed in ranch dressing, topped with grape tomatoes, pickled red onions, applewood smoked bacon, feta and a hard-boiled egg.

The chain is also offering Bacon Mac & Cheese, featuring shell pasta in a blend of cheeses including aged white cheddar sauce, topped with applewood smoked bacon. In addition to the new products, 12 classic favorites, including the Bravo Club Sandwich, Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt, the Fuji Apple Chicken Salad and more have received recipe enhancements.

"Panera's New Era is incredibly exciting, not only for our guests but also our associates, who will be able to renew their focus on our core menu and serve our guests more efficiently with enhanced portions and better value," COO Debbie Roberts said in the release. "We are eager to get back to our roots within these core categories and unveil these delicious new menu innovations, all while providing an exceptional guest experience."

Panera has 2,160 locations in 48 states and in Ontario, Canada, operating under the Panera Bread or Saint Louis Bread Co. brands.