Panera’s new menu: Bigger portions, lower costs, restaurant chain says
A new era is coming to Panera.
Earlier this week, the bakery-café chain announced its largest “menu transformation ever,” focusing on innovating the core Panera items customers love the most: soups, salads, sandwiches and mac and cheese.
The new menu, which launches April 4, will have more than 20 items, Panera said in a press release. The focus, the company said, will be on “better value through enhanced portions and lower price points,” meaning a switch to larger servings for less money.
“In addition to new and enhanced entrees, Panera has 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 chain’s announcement said.
Here’s a look at some of the menu updates:
SANDWICHES
- Toasted Italiano – Black Forest ham, soppressata and provolone, romaine, red onion, sliced pepperoncini peppers, garlic aioli, and Greek dressing on Panera’s toasted French Baguette.
- Chicken Bacon Rancher – Grilled chicken, applewood smoked bacon, aged white cheddar, and ranch dressing on Black Pepper Focaccia.
- Ciabatta Cheesesteak – Marinated sliced steak, provolone, garlic aioli, caramelized onions, and sweet Peppadew peppers on Ciabatta.
SALADS
- Mediterranean Chicken Greens with Grains – Romaine and mixed greens tossed in Greek Dressing, topped with whole grain blend of farro and red rice, grilled chicken, hummus, feta, red onions, sweet Peppadew peppers, sliced cucumbers, and a sprinkle of Panera’s Mediterranean shawarma seasoning.
- Southwest Chicken Ranch – Romaine tossed in ranch dressing, with grilled chicken and drizzled with chipotle aioli, topped with avocado, grape tomatoes, fire-grilled corn, cilantro, and blue corn tortilla strips
- Balsamic Chicken Greens with Grains – Romaine and mixed greens tossed in balsamic vinaigrette, with a whole grain blend of farro and red rice, sliced cucumbers, topped with sliced pepperoncini peppers, avocado, feta, pumpkin seeds, and a drizzle of Green Goddess dressing
- Ranch Cobb Salad – Romaine and mixed greens tossed in ranch dressing, topped with grape tomatoes, pickled red onions, applewood smoked bacon, feta, and a hard-boiled egg