When you buy something through one of the links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Panera Bread is shaking things up with its biggest menu overhaul yet, promising a “new era at Panera” starting April 4th, 2024. The nationwide update features over 20 changes, including brand new items, and more.
The recent news unveiled the details of their huge menu overhaul which features a total of 9 new items added, 12 enhanced recipes for familiar favorites, new dressings & salads, spice blends, and bigger portions.
Alicia Mowder, SVP of Product Strategy & Insights, Panera Bread said in a press release: “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.”
New Menu Highlights:
- Nine brand new dishes: This includes sandwiches like the “Chicken Bacon Rancher” and “Ciabatta Cheesesteak,” salads like the “Mediterranean Chicken Greens with Grains” and “Ranch Cobb Salad,” and the highly anticipated “Bacon Mac & Cheese.”
- Enhanced classics: Twelve existing menu items are getting an upgrade, with Panera focusing on their core offerings like soups, salads, and sandwiches. Popular choices like the “Bravo Club Sandwich,” “Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt,” and “Fuji Apple Chicken Salad” are all receiving menu enhancements.
- Bigger portions: Panera promises “better value” through increased portion sizes on many of their menu items. This aligns with their goal of providing a more satisfying dining experience for customers.
New Sandwiches
- Chicken Bacon Rancher – Grilled chicken, applewood smoked bacon, aged white cheddar, and ranch dressing on Black Pepper Focaccia bread.
- Ciabatta Cheesesteak – Tender marinated sliced steak, provolone, garlic aioli, caramelized onions, and zesty sweet Peppadew™ peppers on Ciabatta bread.
- Tomato Basil BLT – Applewood smoked bacon, crisp mixed greens, vine-ripened tomatoes, garlic aioli, salt and pepper on Tomato Basil Miche
- Toasted Italiano – Black Forest ham, soppressata and provolone, romaine, red onion, sliced pepperoncini peppers, garlic aioli, and Greek dressing on Panera’s toasted French Baguette.
New Salads
- Mediterranean Chicken Greens with Grains
- Southwest Chicken Ranch
- Balsamic Chicken Greens with Grains
- Ranch Cobb Salad
Under $10 Menu Additions
- Tomato Basil BLT
- Ranch Cobb Salad
- Mediterranean Greens with Grains
After testing dinner options like flatbreads and mac & cheese, the company decided to refine their existing menu and emphasize their popular items. The addition of new dishes aims to attract customers seeking variety and flavor, while the portion size increase and classic enhancements cater to existing fans.
MyPanera members will be teased throughout March with more information on the “new Panera era” ahead of the nationwide April rollout. There will be announcements to come with additional details on what’s in store. So keep an eye out for more exclusive news…
