Across the country, our team members are enjoying Associate Appreciation Week, April 29 –through May 5, – seven days of special snacks, games, and theme days to celebrate the people who make Panera special. Each cafe has its own festivities – from outrageous hats and tie-dye shirts to bowls of candy and playing Connect 4 with guests – and smiles all around. While the costumes might disappear until next Associate Appreciation Week, our team members are our superheroes every day. We are grateful for their dedication and limitless warmth toward our guests, our communities, and each other every week of the year.
Our culinary team takes you Behind The Counter® to learn about the inspiration behind our new menu and the new era at Panera. The new era at Panera will make it easier for Panera associates to deliver guests an outstanding and delicious experience.
We are incredibly proud to share that Panera Bread has received for the second year in a row the Employer of Choice award in the fast-casual restaurant segment from Black Box Intelligence, a leading provider of restaurant industry data and insights. The award recognizes our low hourly and management turnover rates, competitive compensation and commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. Thank you to all Panera leaders for their unwavering focus on always improving our associate value proposition and ensuring Panera is a place of warmth, belonging, growth and trust for all!
In celebration of International Women’s Day, Panera proudly recognizes the strength, resilience, and achievements of women around the globe. Within our company, we extend a heartfelt salute to our own Panera Women’s Network, our business resource group whose vision is to elevate and empower team members and drive business impact through development, education, connection, advocacy, recruitment, and retention. At Panera, we acknowledge and appreciate the significant contributions made by our women leaders, associates, and partners. This International Women’s Day, let’s stand united in fostering a world where difference is valued and celebrated, and women’s equality is a shared goal
Exciting times at Panera as we’re ushering into a new era this April, elevating our core menu with innovation, enhancements, and better value. The new era at Panera will make it easier for Panera associates to deliver guests an outstanding and delicious experience. Curious about the craveable delights coming your way? Dive into a sneak peek by clicking on the link
The Panera Bread Foundation envisions a world in which young people can unlock their full potential and dare to dream — a world in which opportunity and economic mobility are accessible and equitable for all. We will provide opportunities for children and youth to grow as leaders and gain access to education and career advancement. Our focus is to create opportunities for children and youth to gain skills and build relationships through programs that inspire and strengthen our communities. From leadership development, mentorship and skill-building to workforce development and college readiness, our focus is rooted in their future. Programs funded by the 2023 grant awards include: college readiness training including campus visits, application assistance, and financial aid planning; STEAM programs to inspire youth to become leaders in science, technology, engineering, art and math; career readiness including internship programs and community job placement; afterschool and summer programs focused on robotics and computer programming; one-to-one mentoring for students and their families on a post-high school plan, and more.
In February, we take a moment to honor and celebrate the remarkable contributions of Black individuals throughout history. At Panera, this month holds special significance as we reflect on and spotlight our own business resource group, BLAAC (Black, Latinx, African, American, African, Caribbean). Our BLAAC community is a source of strength, unity, and inspiration. The mission is to develop a network within Panera Bread to promote the cultural diversity and professional development of its members, thereby creating a supportive environment for Black, Latinx, African American, African, and Caribbean Panera associates while contributing to the success of Panera Bread. Panera is committed to cultivating an inclusive and belonging environment where every voice is heard and valued. Through BLAAC, we continue our journey towards greater diversity, understanding, and appreciation for the unique contributions of each team member.
