Panera Bread has long been a favorite among those looking for a quick and easy way to make freshly prepared meals. The bakery and cafe chain is making a bold move with its most significant menu overhaul yet. This new era is focused on delivering greater value by offering larger portion sizes and lower prices, ensuring diners can enjoy their favorite meals without breaking the bank.
The massive menu overhaul, launching in April 2024, introduces new or improved dishes at Panera’s nearly 2,200 locations. The most anticipated change is the addition of portions, designed to satisfy heartier appetites while maintaining the high-quality ingredients customers have come to expect. This shift is in response to growing consumer demand for meals that provide both nutrition and value.
Panera Bread chief marketing officer Mark Shambura shared his enthusiasm for the company’s direction. “We know our guests want food that not only tastes great, but also offers great value for money. This menu shift is all about giving them more of what they love at less cost.
Bigger portions, just as tasty
Panera Bread’s signature dishes are always a highlight, from warm, comforting soups to crisp, vibrant salads. In this new era, these beloved products are taking a step up. Many of Panera’s classic menu items have been increased in portion sizes to ensure a more substantial dining experience.
Menu new content
Panera Bread’s menu revamp is also designed to offer exciting options to suit a variety of tastes. One of the most noteworthy is the Croissant Breakfast Sandwich, a delicious fusion of traditional breakfast staples wrapped in a lightly buttered croissant.
Egg and Cheese Croissant is a simple and delicious option that features scrambled eggs and melted aged white cheddar cheese in a warm, golden croissant. For those looking for something heartier, the Croissant Bacon, Egg and Cheese pairs smoked applewood bacon, scrambled eggs and melted white cheddar cheese, all served in the same puff pastry middle. Another highlight is the Sausage, Egg and Cheese Croissant, which combines the goodness of seasoned sausage, egg and cheddar in every bite.
Panera Bread’s goal is to make high-quality food products accessible to a wider audience without sacrificing the signature taste and freshness that bakery cafes are known for. For example, the new pricing structure allows for more affordable sandwich, salad and soup combinations, making it easier for guests to enjoy a full meal without feeling a pinch on the wallet. This move is a win for families, busy professionals, and anyone looking for a quick, nutritious meal without splurging.
The company also highlights special offers such as the “Swicy” promotion. For a limited time, customers can enjoy Panera’s Spicy Fiesta Chicken Sandwich at 50% off, as well as one of the bakery’s mouth-watering new pastries. This creative pairing of heat and sweetness has received critical acclaim, providing guests with an exciting and affordable way to explore Panera’s newest menu.
A new take on baked goods
Panera Bread’s bakeries have been the cornerstone of its success, and the menu revamp has brought some exciting new additions to the lineup. This bakery café specializes in delicious baked goods, but now offers even more tempting options.
Panera customers are obsessed with the new almond pastry. This delicate pastry is filled with almond filling and finished with a frosting. Cherry pastries are another new option. It’s light on the outside, has tangy sweet cherries on the inside, and has a frosting on the inside.
Panera Bread is adding coconut macaroons to its line of cookies. This chewy coconut-filled treat is dipped in chocolate for a classic and irresistible combination. For a richer option, the Chocolate Coconut Macaroons take it to the next level, covering a base of cocoa and coconut with a thick layer of chocolate for an extra treat.
Cranberry Orange Slices are the last of the bakery updates. This treat has a velvety texture and combines the tartness of cranberries with the umami of citrus for the perfect amount of sweetness and tangy texture. A splash of sour cream adds a rich texture, while a crunchy sugar topping adds a finishing touch. It’s ideal for a quick snack or a delicious dessert.
The bakery cafe is focused on revamping its menu and lowering prices to differentiate itself in the fast-casual dining space.
“At Panera, we believe in giving our guests food they feel good about, with portions and prices that meet their expectations,” explained Shambura. With this bold new menu, Panera Bread is once again setting the standard for fast-casual dining.
