The fast-casual company is moving its in-store bakery ovens centre stage within its next-gen restaurant design.
The new style-store features enhanced digital capabilities and increased drive-thru access with an inviting in-store environment that positions Panera as a friendly neighbourhood bakery. The first location to feature the design will open in November in Ballwin, Missouri close to Panera’s St Louis hometown. Panera worked with ChangeUp to design the new concept, which will be featured in new builds and remodels.
The new layout moves the restaurant’s ovens out into the open so that customers “can fully immerse themselves in the experience of baking happening throughout the day,” the company said. The updated environment maintains the brand’s comfortable seating, indoor and outdoor, and signature fireplace.
In other changes, the new concept features a double-lane drive-thru, with one lane dedicated to Panera’s “Rapid Pick-Up” service. It also boasts new digital innovations including contactless dine-in and delivery services, updated ordering kiosks, automatic loyalty identification and a fully digitised menu both in-cafe and in drive-thru.
“Innovation is core to who we are and with our new next-generation Panera concept, we are doing what we’ve always done – keeping a personalised experience for the guest at the heart of everything we do,” said Eduardo Luz, Chief Brand and Concept Officer, Panera Bread, which is owned by restaurant conglomerate JAB Holding. “We’re doubling down on what has always made Panera unique—creating human connection through caring associates and a warm, inviting environment filled with the smell of freshly-baked bread—while continuing to be a leader in digital access for the off-premise world.”
