Panera Bread Aims for $7 Billion in Sales with Turnaround Strategy
Dubai – Qahwa World
US-based fast-casual and coffee chain Panera Bread has announced a comprehensive plan to raise its sales to $7 billion by 2028, under a new initiative called Panera RISE.
Backed by JAB Holding, the strategy focuses on updating menus, enhancing store efficiency, modernizing café interiors, and investing in staff training. The initiative is designed to address several years of slow sales growth and strengthen the chain’s market position.
According to Panera, the programme will target growth across all dayparts by emphasising fresh ingredients, flavour variety, and a robust beverage offering. The chain also plans to introduce more flexible pricing options to attract price-conscious consumers.
Expansion is another key aspect of Panera RISE, with plans to open new outlets while refurbishing existing bakery-cafés. Currently, Panera operates over 2,200 locations across the US, ranking it as the third-largest branded coffee chain in the country behind Starbucks and Dunkin’.
“Over the past year, we have reinforced our foundation to better serve our customers,” said Paul Carbone, CEO of Panera Bread. “Panera RISE builds on the strengths that have made our brand recognizable for nearly 40 years.”
Founded in 1987, Panera was a pioneer of the fast-casual concept in the US. After peaking at an estimated $6.5 billion in sales in 2023, the chain experienced a modest decline over the past two years due to increased competition from rivals such as Chipotle and Cava, as well as weaker consumer spending.
Since being taken private by JAB Holding for $7.5 billion in 2017, Panera has seen several leadership changes, including three CEOs in five years. Carbone, appointed permanent CEO in March 2025, confirmed that plans for an IPO for Panera Brands will remain on hold until operational improvements and sales growth are achieved.
Panera Brands, established by JAB in August 2021, also includes Caribou Coffee and Einstein Bros. Bagels, forming a fast-casual café group alongside Panera Bread.
