We’re on tour – our beverage tour, that is! This spring, we’re taking the Panera cafe experience on the road, popping up across the U.S. and connecting with our guests – including dusting off our boots to join country music’s hottest party, Stagecoach Festival. Team members from our La Quinta, CA, cafe served our delicious Frescas and energizing Refreshers from a brightly colored Airstream trailer, drawing hundreds of fans, including actor Robbie G.K. from HBO’s hit show Heated Rivalry. The stop was one of several during a multi-month tour bringing Panera to communities and events nationwide.
We are excited to announce the launch of “Panera RISE,” our transformation strategy designed to guide the next phase of Panera’s growth. We are making significant investments to elevate ingredient quality, variety and abundance across the menu, while also reimagining our operating model to invest in a guest experience built for today’s consumer and defined by Panera Warmth. Panera RISE is focused on four strategic pillars: Refreshing the menu, Igniting value, Serving our guests with excellence, and Expanding our network.
Last month, Panera Bread LLC celebrated our top-performing General Managers and Directors of Regional Operations during our third annual Upper Crust incentive trip in beautiful Puerto Rico. These outstanding leaders enjoyed several days of fun in the sun, exclusive learning opportunities with executive leadership, an awards dinner, and a chance to hear from six-time Olympic medalist, and Sports Illustrated's ‘Greatest Female Athlete of the 20th Century,’ Jackie Joyner-Kersee. Congrats again to these amazing leaders!
We’re pleased to announce that Paul Carbone has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer of Panera Bread, effective immediately. Paul previously served as Chief Financial Officer and was appointed to the role of Interim CEO in January 2025. Paul has spent his career driving change across the restaurant, consumer goods and retail industries. During his time as CFO, Paul played a significant role in strengthening Panera's business by identifying and executing improvements in key areas, including menu transformation, value and guest experience.
On this Veterans Day, we honor the courage, sacrifice, and selflessness of our nation's Veterans. At Panera, we are proud to support and recognize the contributions of our Veteran employees, whose skills, leadership, and commitment continue to enrich our organization. We remain committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for our Veteran community, ensuring they have the resources and opportunities they need to thrive in their post-military careers. Panera Salute is a Business Resource Group committed to elevating awareness and advocacy for our Veterans inside and outside of Panera. Today and every day, we express our heartfelt appreciation to all Veterans for their bravery, resilience, and devotion to our country. Thank you for your service
Panera Take Breakfast Into Its New Era With Savory and Sweet New Breakfast Menu From savory to sweet, Panera Bread is bringing the “Cinna-mmm” this June as it continues its menu transformation with a suite of new and limited-edition breakfast items sure to wake up any morning meal. Now available at bakery-cafes nationwide, the new breakfast responds to guest preferences, bringing more bacon, new proteins and offering creative spins on popular bakery items. For all the New Era Breakfast Details, click on the link!
Panera Bread recently held our second Upper Crust event, an annual incentive trip designed to celebrate and reward top-performing General Managers (GMs), Operating Partners (OPs), and Directors of Retail Operations (DROs) while continuing their growth trajectory as company leaders. Upper Crust recognizes individuals within Panera's company-owned bakery-cafes who have not only achieved the highest levels of performance, but who also consistently embody an unwavering commitment to warmth, hospitality, and genuine brand passion that is uniquely Panera. Nearly half of last year's winners achieved this distinction for a second time in 2023.
At Panera, supporting our associates is a shared responsibility that extends beyond pay and traditional benefits. Since 2011, our Friends in Knead program has connected associates to each other during times of need by creating a central fund associates can donate to directly out of their paycheck.
As we reflect on this past Memorial Day, Panera’s Salute business resource group is paying tribute to our fallen heroes with a solemn gesture. Throughout May, select bakery-cafes and St. Louis Support Center teams have set up Fallen Soldier Tables — a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those who serve our country. Each item is carefully placed, representing the emotions and feelings reserved for those who did not return home. Each table is a powerful symbol, reminding us that though they may be gone, those who make the ultimate sacrifice are forever with us in spirit.
Panera Bread's Day-End Dough-Nation® At Panera, we care for our communities by donating to charities dedicated to feeding our neighbors in need. That’s why our bakery-cafes donate their unsold bread, bagels, and baked goods to local non-profits at the end of the night through our Day-End Dough-Nation program. Our Panera bakery-cafes partner with thousands of organizations nationwide. The charities we work with distribute the donations to people in need through diverse types of programs and services. https://www.panerabread.com/en-us/food-values/community.html
