Panera Bread Company (Nasdaq: PNRA – News), today announced availability of Via Panera, an innovative service that provides bakery fresh carry-out for group settings. Via Panera is offered nationwide at all Panera Bread and Saint Louis Bread Co. bakery-cafes.
Via Panera is designed for customers who need to provide breakfast, lunch or dessert for five or more people.. It brings the Panera Bread bakery-cafe experience into any office or group setting. Unlike traditional take-out, Via Panera emphasizes service and unique packaging design to deliver the experience of fresh, handcrafted, quality meals with accuracy and efficiency. Each Panera location has a dedicated Via Panera coordinator who manages Via Panera meals from order to pick-up and follows up with every customer to verify satisfaction.
“Bringing the full bakery-cafe experience into offsite locations represents a significant business opportunity for Via Panera,” says Ron Shaich, Panera Bread chairman and chief executive officer. “Via Panera provides a premium customer experience uniquely customized for groups, which sets us apart from typical carry-out options.”
The Via Panera menu offers a range of breakfast, lunch and dessert assortments to simplify the ordering process. Breakfast options include several assortments of freshly baked bagels, pastries and spreads, as well as juice, coffee and tea. Lunch offerings include assortments of Panera’s most popular signature and cafe sandwiches, as well as soups, salads, and beverages. Options for dessert include assortments of freshly baked cookies and brownies. For even more customization, Via Panera offers individually boxed breakfasts and lunches.
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he unique packaging defines the convenience of the Via Panera experience. Via Panera orders are packaged in specially designed, easy-to-carry boxes with compartments to make items easy to display and select. The sandwiches and chips and cookies can be lifted from the outer box via their convenient carrying trays. Panera has taken the extra steps to wrap and label each sandwich individually to ensure freshness and remove the guesswork of its contents. Condiments, utensils and napkins are arranged neatly in dedicated compartments for quick set-up.
“The focus on service and organization, combined with the high quality, freshly made food that is the hallmark of Panera Bread’s success, provides a professional, yet comfortable dining experience where our customers need it most,” says Shaich.
