What Does Panera Bread Do?

Total employees40026
HeadquartersSt. Louis
Founded1987

Panera Bread is an American chain of fast-casual bakery-cafes in the United States and Canada. Founded in 1987 as the St. Louis Bread Company, Panera offers a wide variety of freshly baked goods, including bagels, pastries, and artisan breads, alongside a menu of soups, salads, sandwiches, pasta, and coffee. The company is known for its commitment to 'clean' ingredients, removing artificial preservatives, sweeteners, flavors, and colors from its food. Panera focuses on providing a warm, welcoming atmosphere for guests to enjoy good food with good company.

Where Is Panera Bread's Headquarters?

HQ Function

The headquarters houses key corporate functions including executive leadership, strategic planning, marketing, finance, human resources, supply chain management, IT, and product innovation for the Panera Bread brand.

Notable Features:

The St. Louis headquarters likely features modern office spaces designed for collaboration, potentially including test kitchens for culinary innovation and mock-cafe setups for training and concept development.

Work Culture:

Panera's headquarters fosters a work culture centered around its 'Food as It Should Be' philosophy, emphasizing quality, customer satisfaction, and innovation in the fast-casual dining sector. It promotes a collaborative environment aiming to support its vast network of bakery-cafes.

HQ Significance:

The headquarters is significant as the nerve center for one of North America's largest bakery-cafe chains, driving brand strategy, menu development, and operational standards for over 2,000 locations.

Values Reflected in HQ: The headquarters operations aim to reflect Panera's core values of quality food, customer warmth, respect for people, and community contribution. The focus on innovation and efficient support for cafes underscores these commitments.

Location:

Panera Bread primarily operates in the United States and Canada, with over 2,000 bakery-cafes. While its retail footprint is concentrated in North America, its corporate functions, supply chain (including Fresh Dough Facilities), and brand management support these operations. There is no significant operational presence outside of the US and Canada reported for its bakery-cafe business.

Street Address:

3630 S Geyer Rd, Suite 100

City:

St. Louis

State/Province:

MO

Country:

USA

Where Else Does Panera Bread Operate Around the World?

Chandler, Arizona, USA

Address: 7100 W. Chandler Blvd, Chandler, AZ 85226

The Chandler FDF produces and distributes fresh dough daily to Panera Bread bakery-cafes across the Southwest region, ensuring the consistent quality and freshness that are hallmarks of the Panera brand.

Various (Regional Support)

Address: N/A

These regional teams provide localized operational support, training, marketing assistance, and ensure brand consistency for bakery-cafes within their respective territories.

Buying Intent Signals for Panera Bread

Highperformr Signals uncover buying intent and give you clear insights to target the right accounts at the right time — helping your sales, marketing, and GTM teams close more deals, faster.

Notable news
Hiring actively
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
*Example signal, not calculated in real time

Who's Leading Panera Bread? Meet the Executive Team

As of April 2025, Panera Bread' leadership includes:

José Alberto Dueñas - Chief Executive Officer, Panera Brands (Parent Company)
Conrad L. Thornton IV - Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Panera Bread
Eduardo Luz - Chief Brand & Concept Officer, Panera Bread
Michael Tattersfield - Chairman, Panera Brands

Who's Investing in Panera Bread?

Panera Bread has been backed by several prominent investors over the years, including:

JAB Holding Company (Parent Company since 2017)

What Leadership Changes Has Panera Bread Seen Recently?

Hire1
Exits2

The last 12-18 months have seen significant leadership changes at Panera Brands, including a new CEO appointment, reflecting ongoing strategic adjustments within the competitive fast-casual industry.

Departures

Niren Chaudhary, Niren Chaudhary transitioned from CEO of Panera Brands to Chairman.
Debbie Roberts, Debbie Roberts departed from her role as EVP and COO of Panera Bread.

New Appointments:

José Alberto Dueñas, José Alberto Dueñas was appointed as the new CEO of Panera Brands, succeeding Niren Chaudhary.

What Technology (Tech Stack) Is Used byPanera Bread?

Discover the tools Panera Bread uses. Highperformr reveals the technologies powering your target accounts — helping your sales, marketing, and GTM teams prioritize smarter and close faster.

Panera Bread Email Formats and Examples

Panera Bread likely utilizes common corporate email formats, typically combining an employee's first and last name with the company domain '@panerabread.com'. While specific patterns can vary internally, standard conventions are usually followed.

first.last@panerabread.com

Format

jane.doe@panerabread.com

Example

80%

Success rate

What's the Latest News About Panera Bread?

CNN Business • April 17, 2024

Panera Bread announces its biggest menu change ever

Panera Bread has announced its 'new era' menu, featuring more than 20 updates including new sandwiches, salads, and enhanced classics. The changes focus on value, with many new items priced under $10, and aim to streamline operations and improve guest experience....more

Restaurant Dive • February 28, 2024

Panera tests generative AI voice ordering in New York drive-thrus

Panera Bread is piloting generative AI-powered voice ordering technology, 'Tori,' from OpenCity at two drive-thrus in upstate New York. The test aims to improve order accuracy, speed of service, and allow staff to focus on other tasks....more

Nation's Restaurant News • October 12, 2023

Panera Bread revamps its Unlimited Sip Club as it looks to grow its subscription program

Panera Bread updated its Unlimited Sip Club beverage subscription, adding more beverage options like new Charged Sips and other drinks. The program continues to be a key part of Panera's strategy to drive loyalty and frequency....more

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