Panera Bread customers are upset after the restaurant removed many popular items from its menu.
The company says it's starting a "new era," but many loyal patrons are disappointed to lose their favorite dishes.
Panera's Major Menu Overhaul Disappoints Fans
Panera Bread has launched its largest menu shakeup, discontinuing dozens of popular items.
The fast-casual chain has removed a variety of baguettes, soups, bowls, pizzas, desserts, and coffees from its offerings. When customers attempt to order these items through the Panera app, they find them labeled as "retired."
Panera has introduced nine new dishes, including the toasted Italiano sandwich, bacon Mac and cheese, and a ranch cobb salad despite the cuts.
Panera Bread is introducing new menu items priced under $10, such as the tomato basil BLT, ranch cobb salad, and Mediterranean greens with grains.
In addition to these new dishes, classic favorites like the chipotle chicken avocado melt and bravo club sandwich are being revamped. Panera also promises larger portions of chicken and steak in its popular sandwiches and salads.
When Panera first revealed its plans for a menu overhaul, the chain told "Eat This, Not That!" that it would cut some menu categories to concentrate more on its main dishes, such as soups, salads, sandwiches, and mac & cheese. Panera confirmed that its range of flatbread pizzas would be discontinued but did not specify which other items would be removed.
In what has been called the "biggest menu transformation" in its history, Panera Bread has removed 48 items.
Also Read: Maverik Grocery Chain Announces Sudden Shutdown of Eight Stores in Single State
Panera's Menu Revamp Sparks Mixed Reactions
Panera Bread has announced changes to its menu, claiming these adjustments will provide better value through bigger portions and lower prices, making it easier for customers to choose.
Despite these intentions, many Panera regulars struggle to accept the loss of their favorite dishes. On the social media platform X, a disappointed customer shared their frustration, writing, "This 'era' sucks.
They got rid of everything good on the menu. This is going to be a masterclass on how to lose customers."
Others have shared similar sentiments. One person expressed dismay upon finding their staple order gone: "I only ate the Asian sesame salad with chicken and was DISTRAUGHT when I went into a Panera yesterday and couldn't find it."
The sentiment of loss is widespread among the Panera community, with another customer lamenting, "Wow, Panera Bread just gutted loads of good menu items," and another adding, "Can't even get a damn chocolate chip bagel anymore."
Panera Cuts Numerous Menu Items
Panera Bread has significantly reduced its menu, discontinuing various dishes across different categories. Among the removed items are several toasted baguettes like the Black Forest Ham & Gouda Melt, the Pepperoni Mozzarella Melt, and stacked versions featuring combinations like chicken, pepperoni, and mozzarella.
Popular sandwiches such as The Signature Take Chicken Sandwich, Roasted Turkey & Avocado BLT, and the Toasted Steak & White Cheddar have also been cut. Both specialty salads and bowls, including the Asian Sesame Salad with Chicken and the Baja Bowl with Chicken, are no longer available.
Panera has also removed a selection of bagels and baked goods, such as the Blueberry Bagel and the Cranberry Orange Muffin, alongside various coffee and smoothie options, including the Madagascar Vanilla Cream Cold Brew and the Peach & Blueberry Smoothie with Almond Milk.
This is not the first instance of Panera reducing its menu options.
In September 2023, a pilot program at 3% of its locations tested a smaller menu, eliminating all flatbread pizzas, children's menu items, and several salads and sandwiches. Panera is among several chains known for periodically trimming menu favorites to streamline operations.
Related Article: Sonic's Sweet Surprise: New Oreo Desserts Spark Fan Debate
