Panera Bread

'Tis the season to plan to circle back later, says Panera

By Lisa Jennings on Dec. 16, 2025

Partnering with social media influencers who skewer corporate America, the fast-casual chain hopes to tap into our shared desire to push work responsibilities into 2026.

Financing

How Panera Bread plans to rise again

By Joe Guszkowski and Lisa Jennings on Nov. 21, 2025

The Week in Restaurants: This week’s episode of the restaurant news discussion podcast looks at Panera’s new turnaround strategy, the latest in Cracker Barrel’s logo saga, and Sweetgreen’s pivot to protein.

Operations

Panera Bread vows to invest in its stores

By Jonathan Maze on Nov. 18, 2025

The fast-casual bakery/café chain announced a broad transformation that features investments in its menu and in store operations after years of traffic and sales declines.

Beverage

Panera Bread tests a return of new caffeinated energy drinks

By Lisa Jennings on Oct. 14, 2025

Panera Bread is testing new caffeinated energy drinks again. Last year the company faced multiple lawsuits alleging its Charged Lemonades killed or injured guests. But the Charged Lemonades were much higher in caffeine than the new energy drinks in test in several markets.

Marketing

Panera cuddles up with the Gilmore Girls to promote new menu

By Patricia Cobe on Sep. 24, 2025

Fans of the popular TV series tend to rewatch the show as a cozy activity during the fall/winter season. The fast casual is capitalizing on that trend with nostalgic, comforting foods and a digital campaign featuring two of its stars.

Workforce

Panera agrees to $2.5M settlement in data breach class action

By Lisa Jennings on Aug. 18, 2025

The fast-casual chain suffered a cyberattack last year but workers weren't notified their personal data was vulnerable until months later. Nearly 150,000 could be eligible so share in the settlement.

Financing

A terminated Panera Bread franchisee declares bankruptcy

By Jonathan Maze on Aug. 04, 2025

EYM Café, whose owner has also sold or closed Pizza Hut, Burger King and KFC restaurants, has declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy after their agreements were ended over payment and quality issues.

Operations

Panera resolves litigation tied to energy drinks

By Lisa Jennings on Jul. 10, 2025

Multiple lawsuits alleged the brand's caffeinated Charged Lemonades killed or harmed guests. The fast-casual chain phased out the drinks last year and denied wrongdoing.

Leadership

Panera Bread brings in a transformation strategist to aid its turnaround

By Lisa Jennings on Jun. 25, 2025

Nikka Copeland has been named senior vice president of a newly created office of transformation & strategy at the fast-casual bakery-cafe chain.

Leadership

Panera Brands announces almost complete board shakeup

By Lisa Jennings on May 16, 2025

Former Restaurant Brands International CEO Jose Cil will chair a board with six other new members, as leading brand Panera Bread prepares for a turnaround effort.

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