Panera Bread Slashes Dozens of Popular Menu Items, Including Kids Meals, From Certain Stores as the Chain Tries To Simplify Operations

Panera Bread is simplifying its menu by slashing nearly 50 items in select test market stores, including flatbread pizzas, kids' meals, the steak and white cheddar sandwich, baked goods, and salads. The move, aimed at providing faster service and streamlining operations, is being tested in less than 3% of Panera's nationwide bakery-cafes. This decision comes as the restaurant industry grapples with labor challenges and rising inflation, with consumers increasingly seeking more affordable dining options, according to a Deloitte report.