Panera Bread undergoes major menu revamp

Panera Bread is making its "largest menu transformation ever," moving away from its dinner offerings and returning its focus to its core menu items such as sandwiches and salads.

Beginning on April 4th, customers can expect to see nine new menu items and improvements to 12 existing salads and sandwiches, signaling a "new era" for the chain. This shift comes as Panera Bread has seen its menu become overwhelming in recent years as it attempted to appeal to dinner customers.

Panera has not disclosed a comprehensive list of menu items being removed, but they have confirmed that the flatbreads introduced in 2019 will be eliminated. The changes announced on Thursday are aimed at drawing in more breakfast and lunch customers, rather than targeting the evening diner, as the company reportedly seeks to go public again.

Alicia Mowder, senior vice president of product strategy and insights for Panera, stated in a press release, "We are refocusing on Panera's core strengths with these menu updates, which are entirely centered on our guests and what they appreciate about us."

A spokesperson confirmed to CNN that the recent updates are distinct from a previous major change tested at select restaurants last year, where a significant portion of menu items were removed. Panera has verified that the kitchen sink cookie, kids menu, and soufflés will remain on the menu.

Panera's "Toasted Italiano" sandwich and "Balsamic Bliss Chicken Grains" salad.

Panera's "Toasted Italiano" sandwich and "Balsamic Bliss Chicken Grains" salad.

courtesy Panera Bread

Some new items on the menu at Panera include a “Toasted Italiano” with ham, soppressata, and provolone, a “Chicken Bacon Rancher” sandwich with chicken, bacon, and white cheddar, a “Ciabatta Cheesesteak,” and a “Ranch Cobb” salad. Additionally, Panera is introducing a new macaroni and cheese topped with bacon.

Classics like the “Bravo Club” sandwich and “Fuji Apple” salad, which have been staples on the menu, are receiving upgrades, though the specifics were not disclosed by the chain. Panera has hinted that more details about these menu changes will be revealed in March.

Panera is focusing on attracting budget-conscious customers by offering new menu items priced below $10. The chain has stated that the revamped menu will also help simplify operations for bakery-café teams.

Despite ongoing scrutiny, Panera has not removed one particular menu item: the “Charged Lemonade.” Experts have warned that removing the highly caffeinated drink could be perceived as an acknowledgment of a previous issue with the product.

Editor's P/S:

Panera Bread's menu transformation appears to be a strategic move to streamline operations and cater to its core customer base. By eliminating the dinner offerings and focusing on breakfast and lunch, the chain is aiming to enhance its appeal to budget-conscious customers. The addition of new menu items, such as the "Toasted Italiano" sandwich and "Chicken Bacon Rancher" sandwich, suggests a commitment to offering flavorful and affordable options.

While the removal of flatbreads and other dinner items may disappoint some customers, it aligns with Panera's goal of simplifying operations and improving efficiency. The chain's decision to retain popular menu items like the "Bravo Club" sandwich and "Fuji Apple" salad, while upgrading them, indicates an understanding of customer preferences. Overall, the menu changes reflect Panera's efforts to stay competitive and evolve in response to market trends.