Panera unveils comeback plan to reverse years of traffic declines

Company Performance & Strategy - Panera's ranking dropped to number three in the US fast casual market [1] - Panera's traffic has been declining due to shrinking sandwiches and skimping on salads [1] - Panera is implementing "Panera Rise," a strategy to refresh the menu, focus on value, improve service, and build new restaurants [2] - Panera is reverting to using only Roma lettuce in its salads after consumer dissatisfaction with a Roma/iceberg mix [3][4] - Panera will start slicing tomatoes and avocados again to improve food quality [5] Menu & Product Changes - Panera is exploring new menu items, including a fresh take on energy drinks and refreshers [5] - Panera discontinued its highly caffeinated energy drinks after lawsuits related to its charge lemonade [5] - Panera will be leaning into a barbell menu strategy, offering both low and high price options [6] Legal & Ethical Considerations - Panera settled two wrongful death lawsuits related to its charge lemonade, denying wrongdoing [6]