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."
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:
Toasted Italiano sandwich
Chicken Bacon Rancher sandwich
Ciabatta Cheesesteak sandwich
Tomato Basil BLT sandwich
Mediterranean Chicken Greens with Grains salad
Southwest Chicken Ranch salad
Balsamic Chicken Greens with Grains salad
Ranch Cobb Salad salad
Bacon Mac & Cheese tender shell pasta
MyPanera rewards members will receive more info on the menu updates later this month.
