Panera Promotes New Sandwiches, Salads Due April 4

POTTSTOWN PA – Panera Bread, the fast-casual restaurant chain that offers locations in Pottstown, Collegeville, and Audubon, plans to debut the “biggest menu transformation” in its history on April 4 (2024; Thursday).

The new menu refocuses “on guest-favorite soups, salads, sandwiches, and mac and cheese,” it said in a media release. Twenty-one menu items will be updated, it claimed, accompanied by what it said were “enhanced portions and better value.” Nine items will be new; 12 others represent “classics,” and some will carry “lower price points,” it added.

New sandwiches include:

• Toasted Italiano (above): Black Forest ham, soppressata and provolone, romaine, red onion, sliced pepperoncini peppers, garlic aioli, and Greek dressing on a toasted French baguette;
• Chicken Bacon Rancher: grilled chicken, applewood smoked bacon, aged white cheddar, and ranch dressing on black pepper focaccia; and
• Ciabatta Cheesesteak: marinated sliced steak, provolone, garlic aioli, caramelized onions, and Peppadew peppers on ciabatta.

New salads include:

• Mediterranean Chicken Greens with Grains: romaine and crisp mixed greens tossed in Greek dressing, topped with whole grain farro and red rice, grilled chicken, hummus, feta, red onions, Peppadew peppers, sliced cucumbers, and a sprinkle of Mediterranean shawarma seasoning;
• Southwest Chicken Ranch: romaine tossed in ranch dressing, with grilled chicken and a drizzle of chipotle aioli, topped with avocado, grape tomatoes, fire-grilled corn, fresh cilantro, and blue corn tortilla strips;
• Balsamic Chicken Greens with Grains (above): romaine and crisp mixed greens tossed in balsamic vinaigrette, with whole grain farro and red rice, sliced cucumbers, sliced pepperoncini peppers, avocado, feta, pumpkin seeds, and a drizzle of Green Goddess dressing; and
• Ranch Cobb Salad: romaine and crisp mixed greens tossed in ranch dressing, topped with grape tomatoes, pickled red onions, applewood smoked bacon, feta, and a hard-boiled egg.

The nationwide launch, announced Thursday (Feb. 29), reportedly adds more menu options below $10 at participating cafes. They include choices with “widely loved new flavors” in salad dressings, meats and cheeses, spice blends, and hearty grains. An extra benefit for franchise owners, it noted, is that the menu also “streamline(s) operations for bakery-cafe teams.”

“We are eager to get back to our roots within these core categories, and unveil these delicious new menu innovations,” Panera Chief Operating Officer Debbie Roberts said.

Sandwich photo provided by Panera Bread;
Pottstown location photo by Travels With The Post