With the clock ticking on summer, many people are squeezing in those final beach trips or mountain getaways. Upon returning, the reality of impending work deadlines, school schedules, and extracurricular activities sets in. The transition from summer to fall is exciting — but stressful — for many families.
Because finding time to prepare satisfying meals can fall by the wayside, Panera Bread provides delicious solutions for the return to routine autumn can bring. With numerous locations across the country, finding a “Panera near me” is easier than ever, providing a convenient solution for busy families on the go. The bakery-cafe’s commitment to using premium ingredients means you can feel good about what you’re eating.
Whether you’re rushing between back-to-school shopping trips or need a quick, satisfying nosh between soccer practice and marching band rehearsal, the bakery-cafe’s extensive menu offers something for everyone. The eatery is a one-stop destination for anyone navigating the hustle of fall, from hearty sandwiches to fresh salads and soothing soups.
Panera Bread’s Menu Makeover: Reflecting the Changing Tastes of Guests
The bakery-cafe debuted the beginning of its extensive menu makeover in April 2024. The transformation of its food lineup, the largest in the company’s history, is a direct response to evolving guest preferences and the desire for more value, abundance, and flavor-packed options.
The revamped menu features new and enhanced items across its bakery, breakfast, sandwich, soup, and salad categories, carefully crafted based on extensive feedback from those who’ve eaten at Panera. The company interviewed over 30,000 guests during this process, ensuring the new offerings truly reflect what the brand’s guests love most.
Ranch dressing is more popular than ever, with worldmetrics.org confirming it as the No. 1 salad dressing in the United States. In fact, sales of bottled ranch in the U.S. totaled $1.3 billion in 2023. The bakery-cafe’s new menu shines with the addition of ranch-themed dishes:
- The Chicken Bacon Rancher sandwich is a mouthwatering meal featuring grilled chicken, applewood-smoked bacon, aged white cheddar, and ranch dressing on Panera’s signature black pepper focaccia.
- The Southwest Chicken Ranch Salad features a crunchy romaine and lettuce blend, tender grilled chicken, ripe avocado, juicy grape tomatoes, and roasted corn. It’s topped with blue corn tortilla strips and finished with smoky chipotle aioli and creamy ranch dressing.
- The Ranch Cobb Salad, a fresh twist on a classic, joins the Panera Bread lineup with a romaine and lettuce blend, all dressed in ranch and topped with juicy grape tomatoes, tangy pickled red onions, applewood-smoked bacon, creamy feta, and a hard-boiled egg — making it a good source of protein for hectic days.
Beyond Ranch: New Flavors To Explore
Panera Bread’s menu expansion goes far beyond ranch-inspired dishes. The Toasted Italiano combines Black Forest ham and soppressata with provolone, romaine and lettuce blend, red onions, and tangy peperoncini peppers. It’s finished with a flavorful garlic aioli and Greek dressing, all nestled in a toasted French baguette.
The Mediterranean Chicken Greens With Grains starts with a romaine and lettuce blend tossed in Greek dressing, topped with a wholesome blend of farro and red rice, grilled chicken, hummus, feta, red onions, zesty Peppadew peppers, and sliced cucumbers, finished with a dash of shawarma seasoning.
The Balsamic Chicken Greens With Grains features a crunchy romaine and lettuce blend tossed in balsamic vinaigrette. It’s topped with a hearty grain blend, grilled chicken, sliced cucumbers, tangy peperoncini peppers, fresh avocado, feta, and pumpkin seeds, and finished with a drizzle of green goddess dressing.
Panera Bread’s Bacon Mac & Cheese features tender shell pasta enveloped in a rich blend of melty cheeses, highlighted by a tangy aged white cheddar sauce, and finished with crispy applewood-smoked bacon.
The bakery-cafe’s Ciabatta Cheesesteak features succulent marinated steak slices paired with provolone, creamy garlic aioli, caramelized onions, and flavorful, zesty, sweet peppers, all served on ciabatta.
The Tomato Basil BLT features applewood-smoked bacon, mixed greens, and vine-ripened tomatoes layered on tomato basil miche bread. It’s topped with garlic aioli and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
Panera Bread’s numerous locations serve as welcoming havens as families navigate the back to routine rush. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast before a day of school shopping, a leisurely lunch during a weekend outing, or a hassle-free dinner solution on a busy weeknight, there’s likely a Panera location nearby ready to serve you.
Each bakery-cafe is designed to provide a warm, inviting atmosphere where guests can relax, recharge, and enjoy high-quality food. With free Wi-Fi and comfortable seating, Panera locations often become impromptu workspaces or meeting spots for students, professionals, and families alike.
