Orange County Restaurants

30 years ago, at a time when quick service meant low quality, Panera set out to challenge this expectation. They believed that food that was good and that you could feel good about, served in a warm and welcoming environment by people who cared, could bring out the best in all of us. To them, that is food as it should be and that is why they exist.

So they began with a simple commitment: to bake fresh bread from fresh dough in every bakery-cafe, every day. No artificial preservatives or short cuts, just bakers with simple ingredients and hot ovens. Each night, any unsold bread and baked goods were shared with neighbors in need.

These traditions carry on today, as they have continued to find ways to be an ally to their guests. That means crafting a menu of soups, salads and sandwiches that they are proud to feed their families. Like poultry and pork raised without antibiotics on their salads and sandwiches. A commitment to transparency and options that empower their guests to eat the way they want. Seasonal flavors and whole grains. And a commitment to removing artificial additives (flavors, colors, sweeteners and preservatives) from the food in their bakery-cafes. Why? Because they think that simpler is better and they believe in serving food as it should be. Because when you don’t have to compromise to eat well, all that is left is the joy of eating.

We’re also focused on improving quality and convenience. With investments in technology and operations, we now offer new ways to enjoy your Panera favorites - like mobile ordering and Rapid Pick-Up for to-go orders - all designed to make things easier for our guests. As of December 27, 2016, there were 2,036 bakery-cafes in 46 states and in Ontario, Canada operating under the Panera Bread®, Saint Louis Bread Co.® or Paradise Bakery & Cafe® names.