Panera Readjusts Its Menu To Boost Sales

Panera’s recent attempt to spice up its menu with fancier options has fallen flat. In response to the current wave of high inflation, the company is scaling back to focus on wallet-friendly fare.

In a strategic move to attract more breakfast and lunch patrons, Panera is bidding adieu to some of its dinner offerings. Starting April 4, customers can expect nine new menu items alongside tweaks to a dozen salads and sandwiches. This overhaul aims to simplify its menu, which had grown unwieldy over the years.

While specifics about discontinued items remain under wraps, Panera has confirmed the departure of the flatbreads introduced in 2019. Alicia Mowder, Panera’s senior VP of product strategy and insights, frames these changes as a return to the company’s core principles, emphasizing customer satisfaction.

In a press release, Mowder 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.”

This menu shake-up stands apart from last year’s trial run, which saw a significant number of menu items being axed. However, beloved favorites like the kitchen sink cookie and kids’ menu will continue to grace Panera’s offerings.

Among the newcomers are the “Toasted Italiano,” “Chicken Bacon Rancher,” and a budget-friendly bacon-topped mac and cheese. Even longstanding classics like the “Bravo Club” sandwich are receiving updates, although the exact nature of these changes remains undisclosed.

Panera’s goal is to entice budget-conscious diners with items priced below the $10 mark. Additionally, the company asserts that these alterations will streamline operations for its bakery-café teams.

Despite facing scrutiny, Panera has opted to retain its “Charged Lemonade” on the menu. Experts suggest that removing it might imply acknowledgment of an underlying issue.

With these adjustments, Panera hopes to strike a balance between innovation and customer satisfaction, navigating the turbulent waters of today’s economic climate.