Panera updates its menu with 20 new and enhanced food items
In the quick service restaurant world, guests want it all. Flavorful food at a great value needs to be front and center across the entire menu. Panera is giving its guests what they want and the wide-sweeping menu revitalization shows that putting flavor first will enhance the guest experience.
While new menu items bring excitement for that first taste, the food needs to fit into a restaurant brand’s concept. Even though many consumers are willing to trust a company to try a new food or an unusual combination, people do not want to venture too far off course. No one wants a smoothie from a pizza joint.
At Panera, the restaurant brand has found its niche. Fresh, flavorful, balanced meals at a reasonable price have been a cornerstone of the brand’s concept. Whether it is a soup and sandwich or unlimited beverages to enjoy with that morning bagel, people have come to expect they can feel satisfied without having emptied their wallet.
The Panera menu revamp balances that value conversation with flavorful menu options. From the person who wants a hearty, comforting bowl of mac and cheese to the person who wants a robust salad, there is something for every craving. More importantly, the menu variety invites people back to try something new every visit.
As Alicia Mowder, SVP of Product Strategy & Insights, Panera Bread said, “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. 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.”
What are the new Panera menu items?
Beginning on April 4, Panera will launch nine new menu items. They are sandwiches: Toasted Italiano, Chicken Bacon Rancher, Ciabatta Cheesesteak, Tomato Basil BLT, salads: Mediterranean Chicken Greens with Grains, Southwest Chicken Ranch, Balsamic Chicken Greens with Grains, and Ranch Cobb Salad and Bacon Mac and Cheese. In addition, Panera is revitalizing 12 classic menu items, including Bravo Club Sandwich, Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt, the Fuji Apple Chicken Salad and others.
Although the new and revitalized menu items cover a wide range of flavors, the core characteristics across all the offerings is the focus on classic flavors with a little twist. From the spice blends to the combination of hearty grains, each food item has thought and care. It is clear that Panera’s culinary team has listened to guest feedback and put their wants front and center.
In addition, value continues to be part of the conversation. With more menu choices $10 and less, guests appreciate that cost consciousness. Even though there are many people who would rather order than cook, the cost needs to be worth the purchase. Panera has become that go to restaurant to satisfy any craving while still staying within the food budget.
As guests have the opportunity to try the new Panera menu, it will be interesting to hear their feedback. Some items seem destined to be a big success, like the Bacon Mac and Cheese. But, others, like the Mediterranean Chicken Greens with Grains, might be a surprise hit.
The new Panera menu will be here soon. It might be time to make plans for a meal at Panera on April 4.