Panera Bread slashes dozens of popular menu items, including kids meals, from certain stores as the chain tries to simplify operations

• Panera Bread, which plans to go public, has axed dozens of menu items in select stores.
• Items on the chopping block include expensive menu items like the steak and white cheddar sandwich.

Panera Bread is testing a drastically smaller menu in less than 3% of its more than 2,000 stores as it tests simplifying operations to provide faster service for customers.

Nearly 50 menu items have been slashed in certain test markets including flatbread pizzas, kids meals, the steak and white cheddar sandwich, various baked goods, salads, four types of bagels, and the bistro French onion soup. The chain also axed all of its flatbreads, first introduced in 2020, in select stores. The list of items on the chopping block first appeared on a Panera subreddit.

Panera Bread said the simplified menu is a test.

"As part of our effort to continually improve our guest experience, we test different menu options in a small number of Panera bakery-cafes with the goal of providing a faster and more convenient guest experience while also simplifying operations for our associates," the company said in a statement. "We routinely run these tests to identify new ways to better serve our guests, whether that's through menu innovation, simplification or new technology. This program is being tested in less than 3% of our nationwide bakery-cafes."

The company, which has plans to go public, declined to comment any further.

Panera's move to test a smaller menu comes as restaurants continue to face labor challenges and high inflation. Some of the axed items appear among the most expensive meals within their category, such as the steak and cheddar sandwich. It's priced at $14.69 at a restaurant in Orange, California. Most other sandwiches on the menu range from $9.49 to $12.49. The citrus Asian crunch salad with chicken, priced at $14.69, has also been removed from test stores. It's about $4 more than the Greek and Caesar salads.

As consumers face inflation, they are looking for restaurant deals, according to a June 2023 Deloitte report.

More than one-third, or 37%, of dine-in guests and 40% of takeout guests want less-expensive options on menus, the survey said.

"In 2023, a paradox is emerging among restaurant consumers," according to the Deloitte report. "Although customers seem to have an insatiable taste for restaurants, many are feeling the pinch economically. Restaurants should find ways to provide high-quality food at reasonable prices."

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