Franchising with Panera is a smart move. We created the fast casual industry, and we’re leading the future of it with an exciting pipeline of craveable menu items and an elevated guest experience that delivers exceptional value, as well as fresh cafe designs to grow existing markets and propel us into new ones. 

Industry leaders like you will only strengthen our reputation for innovation and operational excellence. We know your expertise, drive, and vision will elevate our future. And, in turn, Panera can become the cornerstone of your portfolio.  

It’s so much more than a franchise opportunity – it’s a long-lasting relationship that’s built for success.

states with Panera cafes

traditional cafes

non-traditional cafes

AUV*

As a Panera franchisee, you can own entire markets. Your area development agreement will provide exclusive rights to your development territory, which may include some of the country’s most enviable metro areas. What we achieve together will fuel Panera’s growth nationwide. 

For this franchise offering, we’re giving you the opportunity to build a custom area development agreement. Depending on availability and the needs of your territory, your package may include a combination of traditional, small format, and non-traditional cafes. We’ll work with you to determine the best options for your market.  

Founded as St. Louis Bread Company

Acquired by JAB Holding Company

Surpassed 500 locations

Rebranded as Panera

Surpassed 2000 locations

Enhanced digital ordering experiences

Rolled out new small format design

Digital platforms, like Rapid Pick-Up^®,  make ordering simpler for guests

Small format cafes have lower investment costs and flexible footprints

Newly updated operating model to enhance speed and efficiency 

Franchise support infrastructure geared toward the multi-unit owner’s needs 

Panera’s commitment to scalability, innovation, and corporate support gives our franchisees the tools and resources needed for success. 

Site selection and market strategies informed by consumer habits and preferences.

Learn more about adding our warmth, bold flavors, and industry-leading business to your portfolio. Fill out the form below to get started.

Disclaimer: This information is not intended as an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, a franchise. It is for informational purposes only. U.S. residents: Please note that the states of California, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin regulate the offer and sale of franchises. If you are a resident of one of these states, or seeking a franchise in one of these states, we will not offer you a franchise unless and until we have qualified for an exemption, or have complied with applicable pre-sale registration and disclosure requirements in your state.

*$2.7 Million AUV. This figure reflects the $2,708,833 Average Net Sales results of 2,134 Panera Bread Bakery-Cafes (1,050 company-owned and 1,084 franchisee-owned) that were open and operating during the entire fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, as published in our April 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document (please refer to Item 19 of our FDD for all the relevant details).

“Net Sales” is the aggregate gross amount of all sales of food, beverages and other products and merchandise sold and services rendered in connection with the Panera Bread Bakery-Cafe, including monies derived from sales at or away from the Panera Bread Bakery-Cafe, whether for cash or credit, but excluding (1) all federal, state or municipal sales or service taxes collected from customers and paid to the appropriate taxing authorities; and (2) all customer refunds and adjustments and promotional discounts made by the Panera Bread Bakery-Cafe.

Of the 2,134 Panera Bread Bakery-Cafes used for calculating the Average Net Sales for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024, the median data is as follows: (i) the 1,050 company-owned Panera Bread Bakery-Cafes had Net Sales ranging between $511,464 and $5,649,165, of which 490 (46.7%) attained or surpassed $2,825,385 in Net Sales (the average Net Sales of company- owned Panera Bread Bakery-Cafes), and (ii) the 1,084 franchisee-owned Panera Bread Bakery-Cafes had Net Sales ranging between $435,863 and $6,133,228, of which 497 (45.8%) attained or surpassed $2,595,936 in Net Sales (the average Net Sales of franchisee-owned Panera Bread Bakery-Cafes).

A new franchisee’s results may differ from the represented performance. There is no assurance that you will do as well, and you must accept that risk.

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