A New Era at Panera? Company Promises "Largest Menu Transformation Ever"

(Photo : Panera) Panera’s New Sandwiches Debuting April 4.

Late last week, Panera Bread announced that it's revamping its menu to focus on the expansion of menu categories that have made the brand successful - sandwiches, salads, soups, and mac and cheese. Am I the only one who thought that was pretty much the whole Panera menu? There are 20 new menu updates in all, but I'm less enthused to learn about the new Chicken Bacon Rancher sandwich or Bacon Mac & Cheese and more relieved to know that the company is putting more of an emphasis on affordability and value.

More Bang for Your Buck

The company notes that it "added more new menu options below $10, like the Tomato Basil BLT, Ranch Cobb Salad, and Mediterranean Greens with Grains. Plus, there will be more to each bite with more chicken and steak on many salads and sandwiches."

The hitch is that you may not see more menu items under $10 if your local café isn't participating in the suggested pricing.

The company also says that new entrees focus on "guest-inspired, widely loved new flavors, done the Panera way, with new salad dressings, meats & cheeses, spice blends and hearty grains."

(Photo : Panera) A splashy photo of Panera’s controversial Charged Lemonades.

Panera's Stance Remains Unchanged On Charged Lemonade

It's interesting to note that this overhaul doesn't include any changes to drink items. We've talked a lot recently about the hot water that Panera is swimming in, with multiple lawsuits made against the company allegedly connecting its highly caffeinated Charged Lemonade to serious physical harm and even death to customers to drank them. In statements made to USA Today, Panera says it stands by the safety of its products.

Still, if you're a die-hard Panera fan and can't wait to get your hands on these new menu items, you'll have to wait until April 4. They include: