

Founded in 1993 in Kirkwood, Missouri, Panera Bread has evolved into a leading fast-casual restaurant chain renowned for its freshly baked breads, sandwiches, soups, salads, and specialty beverages.
Headquartered in Sunset Hills, Missouri, the company began franchising in 1993, expanding its presence across the United States and Canada.
Panera Bread distinguishes itself by emphasizing high-quality, clean ingredients and a warm, welcoming dining atmosphere. The brand's commitment to transparency is evident in its clear menu labeling and dedication to removing artificial additives from its offerings.
Here's what you would need to invest if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.
Panera Bread offers 2 types of franchises:
We are summarizing below the main costs associated with opening a Panera Bread Bakery-Cafe as a “Core” format.
For more information on the various types of franchises and its costs, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7).
Panera Bread offers 2 types of franchises:
We are summarizing below the main costs associated with opening a Panera Bread Bakery-Cafe as a “Core” format.
For more information on the various types of franchises and its costs, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7).
The training provided by Panera Bread's franchisor includes a structured and detailed approach to ensure franchisee and personnel readiness. Below are the key aspects of the training program:
Panera Bread provides limited territory protection to its franchisees. Franchisees are granted a "Protected Area," within which no other franchisee or franchisor-owned outlet will be established without their consent.
However, this protection does not guarantee exclusivity in all operational channels, as the franchisor retains rights to distribute products or services through other means, such as catering or delivery, within designated boundaries.
Despite this, competition from the franchisor or other franchisees may still occur within the broader region. The Protected Area's boundaries can only be adjusted with mutual agreement, ensuring some level of operational security for the franchisee.
Below are some of
Panera Bread
key competitors in the
Baked Goods
sector.

1105
$35,000
$1,267,000
$4,651,000
n.a.
$2,596,000
$xxx,xxx
68.7%
n.a.
12.1%
n.a.

Al Manakeesh is a Middle Eastern bakery-restaurant brand offering manakeesh flatbreads, shawarma, and Lebanese specialties, serving neighborhood diners and families, and known for freshly baked dough, traditional flavors, and casual, counter-service settings that highlight Levantine comfort food.
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Golden Krust Caribbean Restaurant is a quick‐service franchise offering Caribbean-style patties, rotis, rice dishes and meals, serving diaspora communities and casual diners, and known for signature flavors, cultural brand heritage and growing franchise network.
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MidnighTreats is a late-night food-truck or small-format franchise offering waffles, desserts and sweet-snacks on-demand, serving late-night crowds, event patrons, and dessert lovers, and known for mobile flexibility, viral menu appeal and lean startup model.
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Schmackary’s is a gourmet cookie-and‐dessert franchise offering handmade cookies, ice cream sandwiches, and specialty treats, serving dessert lovers and gift buyers, and known for bold flavors, urban brand presence and experiential retail-tainment.
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BAGEL BOSS is a bagel-and-deli franchise offering New York–style bagels, breakfast sandwiches, deli items and coffee, serving morning commuters and families, and known for authentic bagel craft, strong local presence and franchise scalability.
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House of Bread is a bakery-café franchise offering freshly baked artisan breads, pastries, sandwiches and café meals, serving families and casual diners, and known for hand-crafted baking, community-driven brand and multi-stream revenue.
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