Panera Bread has announced that this April will see the company’s largest menu transformation ever, refocusing on innovating and enhancing the core Panera items such as soups, salads, sandwiches and mac & cheese. With more than 20 menu updates – 9 new menu items and 12 enhanced classics – the new menu offers guests better value through enhanced portions and lower price points, while also being easier for guests to navigate.
New menu items launching Thursday, April 4 include:
Four outstanding new sandwiches at a variety of price points
- Toasted Italiano - Black Forest ham, soppressata and provolone, romaine, red onion, sliced pepperoncini peppers, garlic aioli, and Greek dressing on Panera’s toasted French Baguette
- Chicken Bacon Rancher - Grilled chicken, applewood smoked bacon, aged white cheddar, and ranch dressing on our Black Pepper Focaccia
- Ciabatta Cheesesteak – Tender marinated sliced steak, provolone, garlic aioli, caramelized onions, and zesty sweet Peppadew peppers on Ciabatta
- Tomato Basil BLT - Applewood smoked bacon, crisp mixed greens, vine-ripened tomatoes, garlic aioli, salt and pepper on Tomato Basil Miche
Four flavor-packed, hearty salads
- Mediterranean Chicken Greens with Grains - Romaine and crisp mixed greens tossed in Greek Dressing, topped with hearty whole grain blend of farro & red rice, grilled chicken, hummus, feta, red onions, zesty sweet Peppadew™ peppers, sliced cucumbers, and a sprinkle of Panera’s Mediterranean shawarma seasoning
- Southwest Chicken Ranch - Romaine tossed in ranch dressing, with grilled chicken and drizzled with chipotle aioli, topped with fresh avocado, grape tomatoes, fire-grilled corn, fresh cilantro, and blue corn tortilla strips
- Balsamic Chicken Greens with Grains - Romaine and crisp mixed greens tossed in balsamic vinaigrette, with hearty whole grain blend of farro & red rice, sliced cucumbers, topped with sliced pepperoncini peppers, fresh avocado, feta, pumpkin seeds, and a drizzle of Green Goddess dressing
- Ranch Cobb Salad - Romaine and crisp mixed greens tossed in ranch dressing, topped with grape tomatoes, pickled red onions, applewood smoked bacon, feta, and a hard-boiled egg
Also new is the Bacon Mac & Cheese, featuring tender shell pasta in a blend of rich cheeses including tangy aged white cheddar sauce, topped with applewood smoked bacon.
In addition to the new products, 12 classic favorites – including the Bravo Club Sandwich, Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt, the Fuji Apple Chicken Salad and more – have received recipe enhancements.
Throughout the month of March, Panera will be sharing more information on the new menu updates and MyPanera members will get exclusive sneak peeks ahead of launch in April.
“We are getting back to Panera at its best with these menu updates that are centered completely on our guests and what they love about us,” says Alicia Mowder, senior vice president of product strategy & insights, Panera Bread, “We’ve listened to thousands of guests on our path to unveiling more than 20 new or enhanced menu items and are thrilled to bring these products to Panera bakery-cafes nationwide.”
The addition of these new menu items will also streamline and simplify operations for Panera’s cafe teams, ensuring they can deliver food to guests efficiently, accurately and at a good value.
“Panera’s New Era is incredibly exciting, not only for our guests, but also our associates, who will be able to renew their focus on our core menu and serve our guests more efficiently with enhanced portions and better value,” says Debbie Roberts, chief operating officer, Panera Bread. “We are eager to get back to our roots within these core categories and unveil these delicious new menu innovations, all while providing an exceptional guest experience.”
