Panera used to dominate fast casual. Now traffic is falling and leadership is scrambling to turn it around.
In this episode, we unpack:
- How cost cutting changed salads, sides, and the in-store experience
- Why menu complexity and pricing confuse customers
- The barbell strategy Panera is betting on for its comeback
- What we’d do differently on pricing, testing, and customer research
A practical breakdown of what happens when spreadsheets win over the customer experience.
Partner Links:
- Learn more about NordStellar's Threat Exposure Management Program; unlock 20% off with code BLACKFRIDAY20 until Dec. 10, 2025
Episode Links
- Panera lost diners by cutting portions and staff. It’s reversing course to win them back (CNBC)
- Jewelry business that implemented updated pricing strategy
Chapters
- 03:16 Personal Experiences with Panera
- 06:11 Panera's Business Challenges
- 08:50 Consumer Trends and Market Forces
- 11:46 Menu Complexity and Customer Experience
- 14:48 Cost-Cutting Measures and Their Impact
- 18:38 The Role of Younger Consumers
- 21:28 Panera's Turnaround Strategy
- 24:05 Operational Challenges and Brand Management
- 27:00 Pricing Strategies and Customer Perception
- 29:56 Lessons from Other Brands
- 32:52 Thoughts on Panera's Future
- 37:13 The Barbell Pricing Strategy
- 37:55 Consumer Sentiment and Market Positioning
- Listen to the Market Outsiders podcast, the new daily show with the Management Consulted team
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