Bakery-cafe franchise offering a menu of soups, salads, sandwiches, and bakery items made with fresh and wholesome ingredients, emphasizing healthier and quality food choices.
KEY FRANCHISE STATS
Franchisees
?
1105
+
1%
1%
Franchise fee
?
$35,000
Investment
?
$1,267,000 - $4,651,000
Revenue (AUV)
?
Undisclosed
$2,596,000
+
-7.4%
-7.4%
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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.
Initial investment
The initial investment required for a Panera Bread franchise is
$1,267,000 - $4,651,000.
That is the total cost you would need to finance 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:
Type of Expenditure
Amount
Panera Bread Bakery-Cafe as a “Core” format
$1,434,566 to $4,651,324
Panera Bread Bakery-Cafe as a “Small Box” format
$1,266,805 to $2,567,601
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).
Type of Expenditure
Amount
Small Box Core Franchise Fee
$35,000
Leasehold Improvements
$643,300 to $2,899,506
Equipment
$375,459 to $506,706
Optional Technology Systems
$100,000 to $132,000
Fixtures
$72,170 to $124,254
Furniture
$25,643 to $94,617
Consultant Fees
$47,000 to $328,000
Supplies & Inventory
$21,500 to $29,500
Smallwares
$9,600 to $48,000
Signage
$19,089 to $101,856
Additional Funds (3 months)
$85,805 to $351,885
Total Estimated Initial Investment
$1,434,566 to $4,651,324
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Panera Bread offers 2 types of franchises:
Type of Expenditure
Amount
Panera Bread Bakery-Cafe as a “Core” format
$1,434,566 to $4,651,324
Panera Bread Bakery-Cafe as a “Small Box” format
$1,266,805 to $2,567,601
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).
Type of Expenditure
Amount
Small Box Core Franchise Fee
$35,000
Leasehold Improvements
$643,300 to $2,899,506
Equipment
$375,459 to $506,706
Optional Technology Systems
$100,000 to $132,000
Fixtures
$72,170 to $124,254
Furniture
$25,643 to $94,617
Consultant Fees
$47,000 to $328,000
Supplies & Inventory
$21,500 to $29,500
Smallwares
$9,600 to $48,000
Signage
$19,089 to $101,856
Additional Funds (3 months)
$85,805 to $351,885
Total Estimated Initial Investment
$1,434,566 to $4,651,324
Franchise Disclosure Document
Below is Panera Bread's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document. Upgrade to Pro or purchase the FDD to view and download the document.
Number of units
Panera Bread had 2206 total units in 2025, of which 1105 were franchised-owned and 1101 company-owned.
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:
Initial Training:
The franchisor provides initial training to the franchisee, their Operating Partner, and personnel. This includes classroom and on-the-job training tailored to various roles, such as bakers and managers.
Specialized Programs:
Programs include baker training facilitated by certified trainers and market-specific specialists. These programs emphasize hands-on learning and role-specific skills development.
Ongoing Training and Guidance:
Franchisees and personnel are required to attend periodic and additional training sessions as deemed necessary by the franchisor. These cover updates to the operating system, quality assurance, and health and safety standards.
Owner and Marketing Orientations:
An “Owner’s Orientation” is designed to familiarize the Operating Partner with the Panera system. Additionally, a “Marketing Orientation” is mandatory for designated personnel to align with the brand’s marketing strategies.
Territory Protection
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.
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