Panera Bread Announces Menu Shake-Up

Published: Thursday, November 20, 2025 at 5:45 pm

Panera Bread Unveils Strategic Overhaul to Revitalize Sales

Panera Bread is embarking on a comprehensive strategy, dubbed "Panera RISE," aimed at boosting sales and reclaiming its position in the fast-casual dining sector. The company, which has set a target of $7 billion in sales by 2028, is responding to a recent sales decline of 5 percent, as reported by CNBC. This initiative follows a period where Panera has reportedly fallen behind competitors like Chipotle Mexican Grill and Panda Express.

The "Panera RISE" plan is built on four key pillars: refreshing the menu, igniting value, serving guests with excellence, and expanding its network. The menu refresh includes several significant changes. Panera will restore romaine lettuce as the base for its salads, replacing iceberg lettuce. Salads will also feature eight ingredients, up from the previous five, and will now include sliced cherry tomatoes. Additionally, the company is introducing new drink options, such as Frescas and energy refreshers, which will have lower caffeine levels than the previously offered Charged Lemonade. The company is also planning to increase staffing levels and upgrade its self-ordering kiosks.

CEO Paul Carbone has expressed confidence in the new strategy, stating that it is a "momentum driver" that will help the company reclaim its position as an industry leader. He emphasized the company's commitment to putting the guest at the center of its operations. The changes are expected to be rolled out across Panera Bread locations as the company works towards its sales goals.

BNN's Perspective:

Panera's strategic shift appears to be a necessary move to address recent performance challenges. While the menu changes and service upgrades seem promising, the company will need to execute these plans effectively to regain consumer trust and market share. The focus on lower-caffeine beverages is a prudent step, given the previous controversies surrounding its caffeinated drinks. The success of "Panera RISE" will ultimately depend on its ability to deliver a compelling customer experience and differentiate itself in a competitive market.

Keywords: Panera Bread, menu changes, sales target, fast-casual dining, Paul Carbone, Panera RISE, romaine lettuce, salads, new drinks, energy refreshers, customer experience, sales decline, Chipotle, Panda Express, strategic overhaul

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