Panera Bread, the go-to spot for many seeking a quick yet satisfying meal, has recently started shaking things up with a significant menu makeover. Starting April 4, a whopping 48 items were removed from Panera’s menu across all its outlets, stirring a mix of emotions among its faithful clientele. This menu revamp marks a new chapter for the restaurant, zeroing in on improving the fan-favorite classics that keep customers coming back for more: hearty soups, crisp salads, delicious sandwiches, and, of course, their famous mac & cheese.
Items Removed
Among the notable dishes removed were popular choices like turkey chili, green passion smoothie, and pepperoni mozzarella melt. Surprisingly, all three were ranked among the top 20 best Panera menu items by Tasting Table in 2023. So, the deletion of these fan favorites has led to significant backlash on social media, with customers expressing their frustration and disappointment.
New Additions & Updated Classics
Despite the cuts, Panera Bread is also introducing exciting new dishes to its menu, which include the toasted Italiano, bacon mac & cheese, chicken bacon rancher, and a delectable ciabatta cheesesteak. These additions aim to cater to a variety of tastes, from hearty sandwich lovers to those craving a luxurious twist on classic mac & cheese.
Not only are there new items making their debut, but Panera is also revamping some of its classic dishes. The Fuji apple chicken salad and the chipotle chicken avocado melt have both received recipe updates, promising enhanced flavors and a better dining experience.
Customer Reactions
As expected, the menu changes have not gone unnoticed on social media, where customers have been vocal about their discontent. Complaints range from the removal of beloved items, such as their iconic sourdough bread, to the perceived lack of creativity with the new options. Moreover, price concerns have been a hot topic, with some customers questioning the value for money Panera now offers.
Full List of Removed Items
Here’s a comprehensive list of what’s no longer available at Panera Bread:
Sandwiches
Deli ham sandwich
Deli turkey sandwich
Napa almond chicken salad sandwich
Roasted turkey & avocado BLT
Signature Take chicken sandwich
Southwest chicken melt
Spicy take chicken sandwich
Toasted steak & white cheddar
Baguettes
Black Forest ham & Gouda melt
Chicken cordon bleu melt
Chicken green goddess caprese melt
Chicken & pepperoni mozzarella melt
Pepperoni mozzarella melt
Bowls
Baja bowl
Baja bowl with chicken
Mediterranean bowl
Mediterranean bowl with chicken
Teriyaki chicken & broccoli bowl
Turkey chili
Vegetarian autumn squash soup
Pizza
Cheese flatbread pizza
Margherita flatbread pizza
Pepperoni flatbread pizza
Bread
Classic sourdough loaf
White whole grain
Salads
Asian sesame salad with chicken
Asiago cheese focaccia
Southwest Caesar salad with chicken
Soufflés:
Spinach & artichoke soufflé
Pastries
Blueberry bagel
Blueberry scone
Chocolate chip bagel
Cranberry orange muffin
Croissant
Lemon drop cookie
Pastry ring
Sesame bagel
Coffee
Chocolate latte
Cold brew
Frozen caramel cold brew
Frozen chocolate cold brew
Iced chocolate latte
Madagascar vanilla almond cold brew
Madagascar vanilla cream cold brew
Other Beverages
Green passion smoothie
Hot chocolate
Peach & blueberry smoothie with almond milk
Condiments
Reduced fat chive and onion cream cheese
Conclusion
As Panera Bread transitions into this new phase, one question remains: Will these changes enhance satisfaction or prompt further discourse? Only time will tell. In the meantime, both loyal customers and newcomers are encouraged to check out the refreshed menu options and see if they still capture the essence of Panera.