It’s no secret that fast casual restaurants have struggled in recent years, with some companies turning to cheaper options as a way to lure customers back.
The latest chain to do so is Panera Bread, which just announced its first-ever value menu. It includes 10 items that are each $4.99.
Customers must pick at least two items to use the menu and will get the typical free side of an apple, chips or bread.
Anyone who has been to Panera will recognize it as a scaled-down version of the long-standing You Pick Two deal.
There are four half sandwiches, three half salads, and three cups of soup. There will be a rotating seasonal item, but to start Panera’s value menu will include:
Sandwiches
- Toasted Italiano
- Toasted Caprese Focaccia
- Bacon Turkey Bravo
- Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad
Salads
- Fuji Apple Chicken
- Ranch Parm BLT
- Caesar
Soups
- Creamy Tomato
- Homestyle Chicken Noodle
- Bistro French Onion
Panera’s value menu follows similar offerings that have popped up from restaurant chains like Taco Bell, McDonald’s, and more.
They’ve come as high inflation caused fast food menu prices to shoot up and customers to revolt. In 2024, McDonald’s released its $5 value meal, a move that has proved successful in increasing sales, The New York Times reported earlier this month.
Panera has also faced controversies and layoffs of late
Alongside changing spending trends, Panera has also been rocked by controversies.
In 2023, the company faced multiple lawsuits over deaths allegedly related to its high-caffeine Charged Lemonade drinks. Two deaths were due to cardiac arrest. Panera has since settled the lawsuits and removed the Charged Lemonade drink from its menu, NBC reported.
Panera also laid off 72 employees last year after shutting down a production facility in Missouri, USA Today reported. It follows the shutdown of four other facilities in the United States.