Panera Bread is a bakery-café chain with locations across the United States and Canada

Panera Bread operates as both a bakery and a restaurant, meaning you can buy baked goods to take home or sit down for a meal. The chain bakes bread, pastries, and other items fresh daily at most locations. You can order at the counter, through their mobile app, or online for pickup or delivery depending on your location.

The company was founded in 1987 and is now owned by JAB Holding Company. As of 2024, there are over 2,100 Panera locations in North America. Each location typically operates from early morning (around 6 a.m.) through evening, though hours vary by location.

Key Takeaways

  • Panera sells fresh-baked bread, pastries, and sandwiches, with most locations baking throughout the day.
  • You can order in-person, through the Panera app, or on their website for pickup or delivery in most areas.
  • Panera's MyPanera membership program offers rewards on purchases, though membership is optional.
  • Prices vary by location and menu item, with sandwiches typically ranging from $8 to $12 and pastries from $3 to $6.
  • Panera publishes nutrition information and ingredient lists online, including allergen details for dietary concerns.

What you can order at Panera

Panera's menu includes sandwiches, salads, soups, and bakery items. Sandwiches come on their own bread — ciabatta, focaccia, or sourdough — and are made to order. Salads and soups are available in cup or bowl sizes. The bakery section includes croissants, muffins, bagels, cookies, and cinnamon rolls, plus loaves of bread you can buy whole.

Panera also serves coffee, tea, and other beverages. Drinks can be customized with different milk options, syrups, and temperatures. Breakfast items like egg sandwiches and oatmeal are available in the morning hours.

Menu items and availability differ by location. Some Panera locations are smaller and may not carry the full range of items. You can check what your nearest location offers by entering your address on Panera's website or app.

How to order and pay

At most Panera locations, you can order three ways: walk up to the counter and order in person, use the Panera mobile app, or order on their website. Counter ordering is when ready — you pay and receive your order. App and website orders let you choose pickup or delivery, depending on your location.

Panera accepts credit cards, debit cards, and mobile payment methods like Apple Pay and Google Pay. Some locations may accept cash, but this varies. When you order through the app or website, you pay upfront before pickup or delivery.

Delivery is available in many areas through Panera's own delivery service or third-party apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats. Delivery fees and minimum order amounts depend on the service and your location. Pickup orders are usually ready within 15 to 30 minutes of placing them.

MyPanera membership and rewards

Panera's MyPanera program is a free membership that earns points on purchases. You create an account through the app or website using your email address. Every dollar you spend earns points, and points can be redeemed for free items once you reach certain thresholds.

Members also receive personalized offers and early access to new menu items. The program is optional — you can order without joining, but you won't earn rewards. There is no annual fee or cost to join.

Points earned through MyPanera do not expire as long as your account remains active. If you have not used your account for an extended period, Panera may close it, though they typically send a notice before doing so.

Nutrition information and dietary options

Panera publishes complete nutrition facts and ingredient lists on their website for every menu item. This includes calories, sodium, fat, protein, and carbohydrates. Allergen information is also available — Panera lists which items contain or may contain common allergens like nuts, dairy, gluten, and soy.

Panera offers several options for people with dietary restrictions. Vegetarian and vegan items are marked on the menu. Gluten-free bread is available at most locations for an additional charge. You can request modifications to sandwiches and salads, such as removing cheese or dressing on the side.

Because items are prepared in shared kitchens, cross-contamination is possible. If you have a severe allergy, inform the staff when ordering, and ask about preparation methods. Panera's website includes detailed allergen statements for each item.

Pricing and what affects the cost

Panera's prices vary by location and region. A typical sandwich costs between $8 and $12, a salad between $7 and $11, and a pastry between $3 and $6. Beverages range from $2 to $5 depending on size and type. Whole loaves of bread cost between $4 and $7.

Prices are higher in urban areas and lower in suburban or rural locations. Seasonal items and limited-time offerings may cost more than regular menu items. Delivery orders include a delivery fee on top of the food price, which varies by location and service.

MyPanera members sometimes receive discounts on specific items or free items after earning enough points. These offers are personalized and sent through the app or email.

Finding your nearest Panera and checking hours

You can find a Panera location near you using the store locator on Panera's website or mobile app. Enter your address or zip code, and the tool shows nearby locations with their addresses, phone numbers, and hours. Most locations are open from around 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., but hours vary.

Some Panera locations are inside grocery stores, airports, or universities and may have different hours than standalone cafés. The store locator shows which locations offer delivery, pickup, or dine-in service. You can also call a location directly to confirm hours or ask about specific items.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order Panera online for delivery?

Yes, Panera offers delivery through their website and app in most areas. You can also order through third-party delivery services like DoorDash and Uber Eats. Delivery availability depends on your location and the nearest Panera. Check the app or website to see if delivery is available at your address.

Does Panera have gluten-free options?

Most Panera locations offer gluten-free bread for sandwiches at an additional charge. Salads and soups can also be ordered without bread. Check Panera's website for the full list of gluten-free items, and inform staff of your dietary needs when ordering to avoid cross-contamination.

How do I earn rewards with MyPanera?

Join MyPanera for free through the app or website using your email. You earn one point per dollar spent on any purchase. Points can be redeemed for free items once you reach certain thresholds. Membership is optional and has no annual fee.

What time does Panera open and close?

Most Panera locations open around 6 a.m. and close around 9 p.m., but hours vary by location. Use the store locator on Panera's website or app to check the exact hours for your nearest location. Some locations inside airports or grocery stores may have different hours.

Can I see the nutrition information for menu items?

Yes, Panera publishes complete nutrition facts, ingredients, and allergen information on their website for every menu item. You can view this information before ordering online or in-person. Allergen details are especially important if you have food sensitivities or allergies.