"Panera last year started using the cheaper iceberg lettuce in its salads, for example, and customers weren't happy. "You know what guests told us?" said Paul Carbone, CEO of Panera Brands, the parent company of Panera Bread, Einstein Bros. Bagels, and Caribou Coffee. "No one likes iceberg, and no one gets that and says, 'Oh, my god, that white salad, it looks so appetizing.' Now, full romaine salads are making a comeback."
"In 2023, Panera's sales reached $6.5 billion, which is still about the highest it has been. The company said today that its goal is to clinch $7 billion in annual sales by 2028 from the roughly $6 billion it brings in currently. After surveying its customers, Panera found that they wanted better portions and improved cafés. The chain plans to increase portions and food variety."
Panera has stalled revenue growth since 2023 and is investing millions to improve ingredients, staff, and cafés to win back customers. The chain reverted from cheaper iceberg lettuce to full romaine and will expand salad toppings from five to eight, slice avocado halves and cherry tomatoes, and increase portions and food variety. New beverages include frescas and lower-caffeine energy refreshers. Panera's 2023 sales were $6.5 billion; current revenue is roughly $6 billion, and the company targets $7 billion by 2028. The brand will renovate cafés and reinvest in labor after kiosk-led service issues.
Read at Fast Company
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