September 9, 2021 by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com
Very few fast casual brands have been as successful as Panera Bread over the years, and that success is directly linked to its willingness to take risks when it comes to changing its operations model based on customer demand.
Known as one of the first major brands to embrace mobile ordering with the launch of Panera 2.0 nearly a decade ago, the brand has never stopped adapting. Over the past year, for example, it has continued to innovate, demonstrating its nimbleness by adapting to a marketplace steeped in COVID-19. Geofencing for curbside pickup, contactless delivery, Panera Grocery, family meal deals and new menu items like pizza as well as a coffee subscription were just a few of the ways Panera was able to thrive during a time where many others struggled.
Luckily, Panera is willing to share its strategies with the rest of the industry during a keynote address by Eduardo Luz, chief brand & concept officer, and Rob Sopkin, SVP and CDO, during the annual Fast Casual Executive Summit, Oct. 3-5.
In an interview-style type of format, "Growing Your Off-Premise Business While Enhancing Your On-Premise Guest Experience" will feature both executives revealing what went into some of Panera's operations and menu changes.
Register here to attend the Summit.