Panera Updates Menu with New, Enhanced Items
WARREN, Ohio – Panera Bread has launched a new era with its largest menu transformation, the company announced Tuesday.
The new menu has more than 20 updates, including nine new items and 12 enhanced classics, the company said in a news release.
“Our cafe teams are incredibly excited about the new era at Panera,” said Sam Covelli, CEO of Covelli Enterprises, the largest franchisee of Panera Bread. “The launch has allowed our teams to focus on our core menu items that guests love most about Panera.
“The menu transformation has both our guests and hardworking associates in mind, as it is centered on enhanced portions and better value for our customers while also streamlining and simplifying operations for our café teams, ensuring they can deliver our delicious food to guests efficiently and accurately. We look forward to continuing to deliver Panera warmth with over 20 new or enhanced menu items,” Covelli said.
The updated menu includes four new sandwiches:
- 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.
- Chicken Bacon Rancher: Grilled chicken, applewood smoked bacon, aged white cheddar and ranch dressing on Panera’s Black Pepper Focaccia.
- Ciabatta Cheesesteak: Tender marinated sliced steak, provolone, garlic aioli, caramelized onions and zesty sweet Peppadew peppers on Ciabatta.
- Tomato Basil BLT: Applewood smoked bacon, crisp mixed greens, vine-ripened tomatoes, garlic aioli, salt and pepper on Tomato Basil Miche.
The updated menu also includes four new salads:
- Mediterranean Chicken Greens with Grains: Romaine and crisp mixed greens tossed in Greek dressing, topped with a whole grain blend of farro and red rice, grilled chicken, hummus, feta, red onions, Peppadew peppers, sliced cucumbers and a sprinkle of Panera’s Mediterranean shawarma seasoning.
- Southwest Chicken Ranch: Romaine tossed in ranch dressing, with grilled chicken and drizzled with chipotle aioli, topped with fresh avocado, grape tomatoes, fire-grilled corn, fresh cilantro and blue corn tortilla strips.
- Balsamic Chicken Greens with Grains: Romaine and crisp mixed greens tossed in balsamic vinaigrette, with a whole grain blend of farro and red rice, sliced cucumbers, topped with sliced pepperoncini peppers, fresh avocado, feta, pumpkin seeds and a drizzle of Green Goddess dressing.
- Ranch Cobb Salad: Romaine and crisp mixed greens tossed in ranch dressing, topped with grape tomatoes, pickled red onions, applewood smoked bacon, feta and a hard-boiled egg.
Also new to the menu is Bacon Mac & Cheese, tender shell pasta in a blend of rich cheeses including Panera’s tangy, aged white cheddar sauce, topped with applewood smoked bacon.
Twelve Panera classics – including the Bravo Club Sandwich, Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt and the Fuji Apple Chicken Salad – have received recipe enhancements.
In addition to new and enhanced entrees, Panera has added more new menu options below $10 at participating cafes, such as the Tomato Basil BLT, Ranch Cobb Salad and Mediterranean Greens with Grains.
Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
