Panera Bread Menu Prices

Last Updated on December 23, 2022
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

Panera Bread is a popular casual fast food chain from the US that puts an emphasis on freshly baked food. Their fast-food locations make sure that all of their baked goods are freshly baked whenever they are served. Their restaurants are also known for donating all of the unsold food items to organizations that make hunger relief efforts. Their menus contain several food items you can choose from. You can order anything from green salads to cheesy breads. You can choose between chocolate cookies, gluten-free foods, and more.

Below you will find the latest prices you will find on the Panera Bread menu:

Brand History

Panera started out as a different restaurant altogether, known as St. Louis Bread. This restaurant was opened by Ken Rosenthal around the year 1987. He opened the first location of this chain in Kirkwood Missouri. This initial location was followed by 20 more in a short time span. When this franchise was bought by Au Bon Pain Co. Inc, an important change in management was made, which lead the restaurant chain on a new path.

Au Bon Pain Co. Inc. noticed the growing popularity of St. Louis Bread and understood its huge potential. This is why this chain underwent some major changes. These changes made it possible for the restaurant to see a 75% volume size increase. Along with these changes also came the restaurant’s name change to Panera. This name had roots in Latin and Spanish, where it means “time for bread”, or “breadbasket”. Although the chain changed its name, the original restaurants in St. Louis insisted to keep their names.

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The thought process behind Au Bon Pain Co., Inc.’s decision was that it had to sell off all of its resources to help the franchise reach its full potential. It was at this point that the company became what we know today to be the Panera brand. Along with the name change also came rapid growth. Stock prices grew so fast that the fast-food chain was able to open a new location every 5 days. It reached a point where the company actually bought a stake in the newer chain called Paradise Bakery and Cafe.

The franchise made all the right steps and continued to grow, going on to do some very interesting things. It was actually the first national chain to alert its customers about the calorie numbers in their food. It slowly became a road opener for other chains, also being the first fast-food chain to offer free Wi-Fi in its locations. Nowadays this franchise continues to grow and expand its menu.

Panera Menu

Most people seem to really enjoy the items on this restaurant’s menu. Several menu items are the most popular among the chain’s customers. For example, when you order their grilled cheese, it will come with a bread of your choice. Regardless of whether you’re on a diet or not, you will always find a salad for you at this restaurant. You will also find whole loaves, souffles, pastries, breakfast items, and even soups at Panera. The taste of their meals is often called bold and fresh.

Panera is known to have prices considerably higher than most other fast-food items and their prices will differ slightly from one location to another. You will spend around $8.00 on their Sierra Turkey sandwich. The Soba Noodle Bowl with Edamame will also cost around $8.00. You should be prepared to spend around $9.00 on a whole Chicken Cobb Salad with Avocado. The whole loaves that you will find at Panera are among their most-ordered menu items. The Loaf of Cinnamon Raisin Swirl is priced at around $5.00. You will also spend around $4.00 on a Sourdough loaf.

You will find a private and calm ambiance in all Panera locations. Customers will usually be able to either sit at tables, booths, or on a patio outside. This means that you will find a seating type that suits you regardless. Most locations will play only classical music. This will keep you relaxed even during hectic lunch hours or on busy or stressful days. All restaurants are kept very clean and their general hygiene is impeccable.

Their service is impeccable as well. Customers can be sure that they will be treated as well as humanly possible. Most of the time you will be faced with a low waiting time. Even during the busiest hours and despite how busy they get from time to time, the wait times are kept inside normal intervals. You will find at least one Panera location in most US states. The only states that still don’t have a Panera restaurant, are Wyoming, North Dakota, Idaho, Montana, and Utah.

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Panera also offers a delivery service. You can even take advantage of a coupon worth 50% off on delivery orders. This coupon has been made for possible customers to test out their delivery services. Depending on the distance from you to their location, the delivery fee can be anywhere between $3 and $6.

It is very easy and straightforward to place an order on their website, especially if you’re an older client of Panera and know exactly what you like. But how is the actual food? It comes packed well when ordered as delivery and it has a delicious taste. You can usually eat it right out of the wrapper without making a lot of mess. You will usually get it at home still warm, most deliveries getting fulfilled in less than 30 minutes.

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