Overview
- CEO Paul Carbone introduced Panera RISE, a four‑pillar plan to refresh the menu, sharpen value, elevate service and expand the restaurant network.
- Early changes reverse prior cost cuts, including a return to romaine‑only salads, larger portions, more salad ingredients, and sliced cherry tomatoes and avocados starting next year.
- Panera will add front‑of‑house staff, upgrade decade‑old self‑order kiosks, and refresh dining rooms to improve the in‑cafe experience.
- The chain is testing barista‑made Frescas and lower‑caffeine Energy Refreshers in about 65 cafes through Jan. 6 following the discontinuation of Charged Lemonade and related lawsuits.
- The overhaul targets more than $7 billion in systemwide sales by 2028 after Technomic estimated a 5% sales decline to $6.1 billion last year, while Panera continues closing fresh‑dough facilities over the next two years.