Panera Bread … There’s an App for That  

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Panera Bread … There’s an App for That  

Remember when ordering food meant standing in line or making a phone call? Those days are fading fast. Digital ordering has transformed the restaurant industry. It isn’t just a trend — it’s the new normal for hungry people everywhere. Panera Bread spotted this shift early and jumped into action. Thanks to a powerful mobile app, guests can skip the wait and get straight to enjoying their favorite meals. The beloved bakery-cafe chain has built something special: a dining experience that’s as quick as it is delicious. 

“As a single dad juggling work and my kids’ schedules, the rapid pickup option has been a game changer. I can order while waiting in the school pickup line, grab our food without waiting, and still make it to my son’s baseball practice on time,” explains a guest. “Plus, the app remembers that my youngest needs the kids’ menu gluten-free, which saves me from having to check those boxes every time.”  

Modern Ordering Solutions  

Panera Bread has doubled down on delivery and pickup options through its digital platforms. These channels are an extension of Panera’s commitment to providing its guests with convenient and adaptable dining experiences. The Panera app and website enable users to order from anywhere, easily tailoring their meals and opting for delivery, in-store pickup, or drive-thru collection. This system has proven effective, with off-site orders — including those through drive-thru, catering, and delivery — now making up 81% of Panera’s sales. 

 The Panera Bread app Rapid Pick-Up is an all-in-one tool for ordering, customizing meals, and earning MyPanera rewards. Available on both iOS and Android, the app is designed with simplicity in mind, but is packed with features to offer a favorable digital experience.  

Guests can now order via the app or website in many locations and collect their meals through designated drive-thru lanes, reducing waiting time. The bakery-cafe chain’s app also offers delivery options, expanding the reach of its menu to those who prefer the comfort of enjoying a meal from home or the office.  

Panera Bread Makes Mealtime Simple With Smart Technology 

 In September 2023, Panera introduced the Crunch Time Ordering feature in response to its guests’ fast-paced lifestyles. This option caters to anyone who knows exactly what they want without needing to reselect items every time. With Crunch Time Ordering, guests can preselect their favorite meals and schedule orders with a single swipe, making the app an indispensable tool for anyone on a tight schedule.  

This innovation highlights Panera’s understanding that a streamlined ordering process can sometimes be just as valuable as the meal itself. This one-swipe solution has quickly become a favorite, particularly among frequent guests who prioritize speed and ease in their ordering experiences.  

“Our guests lead busy lives and need convenience more than ever. They have always been able to rely on Panera for delicious food made with great ingredients, and now we have their backs when they need to quickly and easily have dinner handled between meetings, practices, or recitals, or other moments of crunch time in their lives,” stated Meenakshi Nagarajan, chief digital officer.  

Easier To Satisfy Cold Weather Cravings

The bakery-cafe chain’s fall lineup features three standout options perfect for chilly days: the new Hearty Fireside Chili, packed with beef and kidney beans in a rich, spiced broth; the creamy Rustic Baked Potato Soup, loaded with bacon, chives, and Monterey Jack cheese; and the returning fan-favorite Autumn Squash Soup, a velvety blend of butternut squash and pumpkin with hints of curry and cinnamon, topped with roasted, salted pumpkin seeds. 

“It’s everything — creamy, warming, and those roasted pumpkin seeds add the perfect protein boost. I split my time between campus and my internship, so having something reliable and delicious that I can grab quickly is everything,” says a college-age Panera Bread guest. “I save up my rewards points specifically for soup season. My Rapid Pick-Up order is already saved in the app: soup in a bread bowl, extra seeds, and an apple. The pumpkin seeds on top give it this fantastic crunch that’s chef’s kiss. My study group knows Thursday is officially soup day.”  

With these comforting choices, along with classics like Creamy Tomato, Bistro French Onion, and savory Cream of Chicken and Wild Rice, getting a perfect bowl of soup is just a few taps away. Guests can schedule a pickup during their morning commute, grab lunch from a designated shelf, or have dinner delivered piping hot: no more waiting in line while that Broccoli Cheddar craving grows stronger. Whether paired with a salad or sandwich or enjoyed solo, these soups are ready when and where guests want them at any of the nearly 2,200 locations across 48 states and Ontario, Canada.