Panera Bread Is Merging With Einstein Bros. Bagels and Caribou Coffee
If you’re looking for a tasty but healthy meal on the go, you can’t go wrong with Panera Bread. Founded in 1980, this beloved bakery-cafe chain has grown into a multibillion-dollar empire and is now one of the top-10 quick-service and fast-casual dining options in America (via QSR), a list where fast-food chains like McDonald’s, Starbucks, and Subway have commonly reigned.
Known for its “clean” food and upscale dining options, Panera Bread has created a winning combination by blending the convenience of old-school fast-food chains with the high-quality food and cozy aesthetic of casual eateries. “The original concept was designed to give the customer a feeling as though they were at home,” stated Anthony Coleman, the designing and branding expert behind Panera’s iconic interior (via Eater). Plus, there are those iconic bread bowls!
Now, Panera Bread is about to become even bigger and better, thanks to its just announced merger with these two popular chains.
It was announced on August 5 that the St. Louis-based chain will be merging with Caribou Coffee and Einstein Bros. Bagels to form the overarching company Panera Brands, according to Restaurant Business. More coffee and bagels? Yes, please! With the three companies joining forces, Panera Brands will have approximately 4,100 locations and 110,000 employees spanning across 10 countries, practically doubling Panera Breads’ current 2,100 restaurants across the nation. The triple threat will be “a new powerhouse platform in fast-casual,” according to the company.
