Franchising

Panera launching toasted baguettes

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January 6, 2023

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

"At Panera, our chefs and bakers know that our iconic Panera baguette is beloved by our guests as a side to our many soups, salads and entrees — so, what better way to deliver a new craveable innovation than by using it for a sandwich filled with bold and fresh flavors" Claes Petersson, head chef and chief food innovation officer, said in a company press release. "Toasting our baguette sandwiches gives the perfect blend of crunchy crust with a pillowy-soft center that makes it easy to take the perfect bite, and we're excited to offer our guest three delicious flavors to enjoy."

The Green Goddess Caprese Melt features Peppadew peppers, mozzarella, grated parmesan, basil, arugula, green goddess dressing, garlic aioli and salt on pepper. The Pepperoni Mozzarella Melt has pepperoni, mozzarella, fontina/mozzarella blend and market sauce, and the Smoky Buffalo Chicken Melt features chicken, American cheese, red onions and Buffalo sauce.

To celebrate the offerings, Panera wants to keep customers toasty by giving away toasted baguettes sandwiches in some of the coldest U.S. cities. From Jan. 17 to Jan. 22, if temperatures hit 32 degrees or below in New York City, Boston, Denver, Washington, D.C. or Chicago, Panera will drop a code for a free Toasted Baguette sandwich on local digital billboards including New York City's famous Time Square marquee. Plus, in Chicago, Panera will create the promo code drop in the actual snow.

"Following last year's extremely successful launch of Chef's Chicken Sandwich, the launch of Toasted Baguettes is the next phase of our sandwich strategy," Eduardo Luz, chief brand and concept officer, said in the release. "Our Toasted Baguettes take inspiration from the best cafes in Europe, with fresh and Clean ingredients that define Panera's food with a heavy emphasis on both abundance and value for our guests."