Panera Bread Company (Nasdaq: PNRA) today reported that system-wide comparable bakery-cafe sales increased 7.9% for the four weeks ended March 24, 2001. System-wide comparable bakery-cafe sales have increased 8.3% for the twelve weeks ended March 24, 2001.

Panera Bread Company owns and franchises bakery-cafes under the Panera Bread and Saint Louis Bread Co. names. The company is a leader in the emerging specialty bread/cafe category due to its unique bread combined with a quick, casual dining experience. Additional information is available on the company's website, www.panerabread.com .