Our Story - Panera Bread

Our Humble Beginnings

Founded in 1987 as the St. Louis Bread Company, Panera Bread started with a simple mission: to create freshly baked bread and delicious food made with clean ingredients. What began as a single bakery-cafe in Kirkwood, Missouri, has grown into a beloved brand with over 2,000 locations across North America.

From the very beginning, we believed that food should be both delicious and wholesome. Our commitment to baking fresh bread daily and using high-quality ingredients has remained unchanged through decades of growth and evolution.

Today, we continue to honor our roots while innovating to meet the changing needs of our guests, always staying true to our founding principles of quality, transparency, and community.

Our Mission & Vision

At Panera Bread, our mission is simple yet profound: to serve food as it should be. We believe that food should not only taste good but should also be good for you, made with clean ingredients you can feel good about eating.

We're committed to transparency in everything we do, from our kitchen to your table. That's why we've removed artificial preservatives, sweeteners, flavors, and colors from our food. We believe you deserve to know exactly what you're eating.

Our vision extends beyond our bakery-cafe walls. We strive to be a positive force in our communities, supporting local organizations and initiatives that align with our values of nourishment, sustainability, and connection.

Our Values

The principles that guide everything we do at Panera Bread

Clean Ingredients

We're committed to using clean ingredients without artificial preservatives, sweeteners, flavors, or colors. Our food is made with transparency and integrity.

Freshness First

Our bread is baked fresh daily in our bakery-cafes. We believe that freshness isn't just a standard—it's a promise to our guests.

Community Focus

We're more than just a restaurant—we're part of the community. Through donations, partnerships, and Day-End Dough-Nation, we give back.

Sustainability

We're committed to reducing our environmental impact through responsible sourcing, waste reduction, and sustainable practices.

Inclusion

We believe in creating an environment where everyone feels welcome, valued, and respected—both our team members and our guests.

Excellence

We strive for excellence in everything we do, from the quality of our ingredients to the service we provide to our guests.

Our Journey

Key milestones in Panera Bread's history

1987

The Beginning

St. Louis Bread Company founded in Kirkwood, Missouri with a focus on fresh-baked bread and quality ingredients.

1993

Expansion & Rebranding

Acquired by Au Bon Pain Co. and began expansion beyond St. Louis, eventually rebranding as Panera Bread.

1999

Going Public

Panera Bread Company becomes a publicly traded company, accelerating growth and national expansion.

2005

1000 Locations

Panera Bread reaches 1,000 bakery-cafe locations across the United States, becoming a nationally recognized brand.

2010

Food Policy

Introduction of our formal food policy, committing to clean ingredients and transparent labeling.

2017

Clean Food Promise

Announcement that 100% of our food would be clean—free of artificial preservatives, sweeteners, flavors, and colors.

2023

Innovation & Growth

Continued expansion with new menu innovations, digital ordering capabilities, and enhanced guest experiences.

Join Our Story

Experience the Panera Bread difference for yourself. Visit one of our bakery-cafes and taste the commitment to quality, freshness, and clean ingredients that has defined our story for over three decades.

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