News

Panera flying high with airport deal

July 25, 2019

Panera Bread will soon be in airports across the country thanks to a partnership with global restaurateur HMSHost.

The companies have signed an exclusive, multi-unit development agreement to expand the fast casual chain's presence within major U.S. airports and travel plazas, according to a press release.

The first two Panera airport locations will open next year in Charlotte Douglas International Airport's Concourse E and Salt Lake City International Airport's Concourse. Additional airport and travel plaza locations are slated to open throughout 2020 and beyond.

"Traveling consumers have been clamoring for Panera Bread to expand into airports and motorways," HMSHost President and CEO Steve Johnson said in the release. "With this agreement, we are answering that demand for travelers seeking craveable, better-for-you food, delivered fast and efficiently."

Dan Wegiel, Panera's EVP and chief growth and strategy officer, said the chain was uniquely positioned to fill the void between quality and convenience for hungry travelers.

"The HMSHost partnership expands consumers' access to the brand, delivering on our vision to bring Panera closer to those who hunger for our food wherever, whenever and however they choose," he said in the release.