Some chains partner with athletes, movies or even The Grinch to attract attention and drive traffic through the holidays.
Panera Bread is partnering with “corporate-culture creators,” two popular social media influencers who skewer the corporate jargon and general bureaucratic goofiness that defines the American workplace.
On Tuesday, Panera launched its new Circle Back Meal, named for a phrase many in the workplace love to hate because it captures what the fast-casual chain refers to as “the cultural truth that defines every office in December—procrastinating work until the new year,” according to press materials.
In other words, at this point most of us are probably hoping we can push all work responsibilities into 2026. Then, and only then, will we circle back.
But the Circle Back Meals are available this week, through Dec. 23, exclusively on the Panera app.
It’s not clear whether there are any deals involved. The Circle Back Meal will feature the to-go picks from influencers like @corporate.bro (with more than 1 million followers on Instagram) and @roxycouse (more than 317,000 followers), who have a broad fan base. Among the options are the Toasted Frontega Chicken Sandwich, the Green Goddess Chicken Cobb Salad and the Cinnamon Crunch Bagel.
But, of course, we’re likely to procrastinate. So, on Jan. 5 guests can also use the code CIRCLEBACK on orders to receive a free sweet treat then.
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