Panera Bread Reveals Major Menu Revamp, Adds More Affordable Food Items

Panera Bread is overhauling its menu, which is said to be the most extensive brand transformation so far. This makeover will include adding new food items and freshening its favorite classics.

Additionally, Panera Bread will introduce new budget-friendly menus to attract a wider audience while reinvigorating the brand. The bakery-cafe will launch the full update in its stores on April 4.

Strategic "New Era" Menu

The Missouri-headquartered chain store of bakery-café fast food restaurants will present new culinary selections and improve its classic offerings. This is said to be a strategic move for the company to match the preferences of various customers and their dietary needs.

Panera Breads is calling its major overhaul its biggest menu transformation yet, and this has been dubbed the "New Era" menu. The restaurant will see the changes next month as it returns to its roots with improved classics and several new food offerings.

It was noted that the changes would mark Panera Bread's departure from its previous diversification efforts focused on dinner. BNN Breaking further reported the revamp is part of the brand's broader scheme to simplify its operations and possibly a preparation for a public offering, too.

Updated Food Options

The restaurant said its stores will have nine new meals, and 12 of its original items are set to be reworked to make them better. It will also eliminate an entire category and may include scrapping flatbread pizzas and more. CNN Business reported that Panera Bread tried to increase its sales by adding high-end food items, but since this is not working, the new set of menus will be more affordable and focused on lunch and breakfast.

"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," Panera's senior vice president of product strategy and insights, Alicia Mowder, said in a press release. "We have 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."

Panera Bread's chief operating officer, Debbie Roberts, added, "Panera's New Era is incredibly exciting, not only for our guests but also our associates, who will be able to renew their focus on our core menu and serve our guests more efficiently with enhanced portions and better value."

Photo by: Panera Bread Press Release