Panera Bread is testing a store menu with reduced offerings.  The objective is to increase speed of service and to enhance efficiency.  It is anticipated that fifty items including some sandwiches, soups, bagels and desserts will be dropped from the current summer menu that contains 100 items.

The intended reduction follows the appointment of CEO Jose Duenas who moved from affiliate at Einstein Bros. Bagels.  Simplifying the menu and increasing efficiency contributed to enhanced operating margins during his tenure.

Panera will evaluate customer response to menu reductions before finalizing the range of offerings.

It is anticipated that Panera Bread will file for an IPO late in 2023 depending on market conditions.