Panera Bread has announced significant updates to its menu, coinciding with the summer season. After a decade-long absence, the restaurant is reintroducing shrimp, a long-awaited return for fans who have missed this popular ingredient. Starting from Wednesday, June 17, diners will have access to a range of new options, situated within the framework of the brand’s broader strategy to enhance customer experience.
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As part of this seasonal revamp, Panera will introduce market bowls, available in half or full sizes, catering to those seeking healthier meal alternatives starting at £9.99. Customers can savour three new chef-curated bowls: Sesame Ginger Chicken, Carnitas Elote, and All-In Veggie. With a focus on quality, the bowls will feature satisfying ingredients, including seasoned diced chicken, slow-roasted pork, and a selection of enticing dressings.
In addition to the market bowls, Panera is refreshing its salad offerings by launching three new premium salads: the Ultimate Garden Steak, Shrimply Baja, and Farmhouse Crunch. These salads will include protein-rich options like steak and shrimp, as well as an array of exciting toppings and dressings. This reinvigoration of the salad menu aims to provide a diverse range of choices for health-conscious diners.
Breakfast offerings are also getting an upgrade, with the arrival of two new frittatas inspired by popular dishes. Among these is a frittata inspired by the beloved Broccoli Cheddar soup, alongside one filled with Five Cheese & Bacon, promising robust flavours in a convenient, easy-to-eat format.
Moreover, a new premium side will be added for just £1: the Asiago Croissant Twist. This addition aims to provide customers with a delightful choice to complement their meals. More broadly, the improvements extend to the drink menu, which will see an expansion of coffee and tea options, following the successful launch of frescas and energy refreshers earlier in the spring.
Diners can look forward to the introduction of blended iced coffees and iced teas, which will include exciting flavours like snickerdoodle, hazelnut mocha, and rocky road for frozen javas and café blend iced coffees. Tantalising drink options will also feature the new island mango energy refresher and blackberry hibiscus herbal iced tea.
These menu enhancements come in the wake of the company’s announcement seven months ago regarding its ambitious transformation initiative, dubbed “Panera RISE.” This strategy reflects the 40-year-old brand’s commitment to modernising its restaurants, improving menu offerings, and enhancing the overall guest experience.
CEO Paul Carbone expressed his confidence in the Panera RISE initiative, describing it as a crucial roadmap for the company’s long-term growth and value creation. The strategy involves substantial investments aimed at boosting ingredient quality and variety, modernising operations, and rekindling a sense of “Panera Warmth” throughout every aspect of the customer experience.
With these exciting updates to the menu, Panera aims to reclaim its position as a leader in the fast-casual dining sector, catering to evolving consumer tastes while enhancing the overall dining experience. As the summer heats up, so too does Panera’s commitment to providing customers with fresh, flavourful options designed to meet their dietary preferences and boost satisfaction. With the reintroduction of shrimp and a host of new offerings, Panera patrons can anticipate a delightful dining experience this season.