Panera sets new climate positive target restaurant goals

As consumers look to align with restaurants and brands that share their beliefs, Panera announces new climate positive target restaurant goals. While the company has long followed its Food Beliefs, this latest commitment drives the conversation forward in a new way. Will other restaurants follow their lead?

Looking at restaurant news, the announcements are often filled with new menu items, free food offers and other limited time deals. While these items drive guests to place another order, there is a finite duration to the impact.

With today’s Panera announcement, the concept looks at the bigger picture. As restaurants appreciate that their business is more than an open seat at a table and a plate of food served, the decisions beyond the kitchen are just as important as the menu inside those four walls.

What is the Panera climate positive target restaurant goal?

Although the phrase seems vague, Panera defines the goal as “removing more carbon from the atmosphere than it emits – by 2050.” While that target date is far in the future, it is not a quick fix. Even though the brand has push the conversation forward with its Cool Food Meals, it is just one aspect of the changes.

Niren Chaudhary, CEO, Panera Bread said, “Climate change is one of the greatest humanitarian crises of our time, and we must act now for our planet. We embrace the responsibility to take immediate and relentless action to create positive change and hope that our industry will follow us. We are sharing our vision for a climate positive future to inspire both our industry and our supply chain partners to take urgent, decisive and clear action.”

Continuing its commitment to conscious choices, the new commitment focuses on three areas. Those areas are increasing Cool Food Meals to at least 60% of restaurant entrees, using 100% reusable, recyclable and compostable packaging, and using green, “renewable electricity for at least 50% of Panera Bread owned operations.”

Given the aspirations, it will take time to implement all the changes. Still, the commitment needs to be applauded. As guests look to “eat with the planet in mind,” the hows and whys food is on the plate matters. Beyond food trends, creative flavors and menu innovations, people are more conscious of their choices. When all things are equal, the story behind the brand is important.

It will be interesting to see how other quick service restaurants respond to Panera’s commitment. Even if some simple changes happened, like changing plastic straws or changing packaging choices, the impact could be significant.

What do you think of the Panera climate positive target restaurant goal? Do you think that more restaurants should focus on fostering positive change on their environment impacts?