All articles tagged with #panera bread
Panera Bread is closing its remaining fresh dough facilities over the next 18-24 months to transition to a par-baked model, aiming to streamline operations while maintaining product quality, amidst recent store closures and franchise challenges.
Panera Bread has settled three lawsuits related to its highly caffeinated Charged Lemonade, which was linked to two deaths and serious health issues, after facing legal action over its safety and warning practices. The company made safety adjustments, including moving the drink behind the counter and adding warning signs, and eventually removed the beverage from all stores in May 2024.
A 64-year-old woman, Alexandra Szustakiewicz, has been charged with a hate crime after allegedly targeting a man wearing a "Palestine" sweatshirt at a Panera Bread in Downers Grove, Illinois. She reportedly confronted the man with expletives and attempted to hit a phone out of a woman's hand who was recording the incident. Szustakiewicz faces two counts of hate crime and one count of misdemeanor disorderly conduct, with her next court appearance scheduled for December 16.
A 64-year-old woman from Darien, Alexandra Szustakiewicz, has been charged with a hate crime and disorderly conduct after allegedly yelling expletives at a man wearing a "Palestine" sweatshirt at a Panera Bread in Downers Grove. She also reportedly attempted to hit a phone out of a woman's hand who was recording the incident. A judge has prohibited her from entering the restaurant, and her next court appearance is scheduled for December 16.
A 64-year-old woman from Darien, Alexandra Szustakiewicz, has been charged with a hate crime and disorderly conduct after allegedly confronting a man over his "Palestine" sweatshirt and attempting to hit a woman's phone at a Panera Bread in Downers Grove. The court has imposed conditions on her pre-trial release, including no contact with the victims and no entry to the Panera Bread. Her arraignment is scheduled for December 16, 2024.
A wealthy campaign donor of California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Greg Flynn, announced that his Panera Bread restaurants will start paying workers at least $20 an hour on April 1, following controversy over whether a new state minimum wage law for fast food workers applies to his businesses. Newsom and Flynn denied reports of special treatment, but Newsom's administration concluded that Panera Bread restaurants are likely not exempt from the law. The political implications of the issue could persist, with opponents potentially using the allegations against Newsom.
California Governor Gavin Newsom is facing scrutiny over allegations that he favored a campaign donor who owns Panera Bread franchises by pushing for an exemption in a new minimum wage law for fast-food workers. The controversy has sparked demands for an investigation from Republican leaders and drawn comparisons to a previous restaurant-related scandal involving the governor. Newsom's office has dismissed the accusations as "absurd," but questions remain about the drafting of the bill and the nature of the governor's involvement.
Panera Bread is set to debut nine new entrees and upgrade some current offerings as part of a major menu update starting April 4, aiming to provide better value, enhanced portions, and lower price points. The changes will include new sandwiches and salads, with some offerings priced under $10, and recipe enhancements to existing items. The company's "new era" will also focus on boosting efficiency and will bring over 20 changes to its restaurants, while details about the transformation are expected to be revealed closer to the launch.
California Governor Gavin Newsom is facing backlash over a news report that he pushed for an exception to the state’s new fast-food minimum wage law that benefits a wealthy campaign donor, Panera Bread franchisee Greg Flynn. Newsom's spokesman called the story "absurd" and stated that Panera Bread is not exempt from the law, but the exemption remains unexplained. Republican leaders criticized Newsom, stating that campaign contributions should not influence legislation. The law, which passed in 2023, raised the minimum wage to $20 per hour for most fast-food workers, but exempted restaurants with on-site bakeries. The issue has the potential to damage Newsom's reputation, similar to a previous controversy involving a dinner at the French Laundry during the pandemic.
Panera Bread is revamping its menu to focus on breakfast and lunch offerings, acknowledging the need for more budget-friendly options in a time of high inflation. The new menu will feature nine new items and enhancements to existing salads and sandwiches, with a focus on attracting budget-conscious customers. The chain is also aiming to streamline operations for its bakery-café teams and has yet to remove its "Charged Lemonade" despite scrutiny.
Panera Bread is set to launch its "largest menu transformation ever," adding nine new menu items and enhancing 12 existing classics, with a focus on budget-friendly options under $10 and a shift away from dinner offerings. The company's menu revamp comes as it prepares to go public again and includes keeping its controversial Charged Lemonade despite lawsuits alleging its high caffeine content caused fatal heart attacks. Additionally, Panera franchise owners in California, including those owned by billionaire CEO Greg Flynn, have been exempted from the state's new $20-an-hour minimum wage law.
A new report reveals that California's fast food law, which mandates a $20 minimum wage for major fast food chains, includes an exemption for Panera Bread and similar establishments due to Governor Newsom's relationship with billionaire Panera franchisee Greg Flynn. Flynn, who opposed the bill, reportedly influenced the exemption, having donated to Newsom's campaigns. Despite facing a referendum threat, the law was ultimately signed with the exemption intact, prompting questions about fairness and negotiation tactics.
California's new $20 minimum wage law for fast-food workers includes an exemption for chains that bake and sell bread as a standalone item, benefiting Panera Bread and its owner, billionaire Greg Flynn, who has close ties to Governor Gavin Newsom. The exemption has sparked controversy and confusion, with critics arguing that it unfairly favors certain businesses. While Panera and other qualifying establishments will benefit from lower labor costs, competitors are bracing for higher expenses when the law takes effect in April.
Panera Bread has moved its "Charged Lemonade" behind the counter in response to lawsuits alleging that the super-caffeinated drink led to fatal heart attacks and health issues. The move comes after the beverage was blamed for causing a fatal heart attack in a 21-year-old and health defects in a 28-year-old. The drink contains more caffeine than Red Bull and Monster energy drinks combined. Lawsuits have been filed by the families of those affected, and Panera Bread has stated that it believes the lawsuits are without merit and is committed to investigating the matter.
A woman in Rhode Island is suing Panera Bread, claiming that their "Charged Lemonade" caused permanent damage to her heart, leading to ongoing health issues and preventing her from exercising as she once did. Other lawsuits have been filed against the chain, alleging that the drink resulted in the deaths of loved ones. Panera has updated the drink's caffeine content and issued a statement denying responsibility for the deaths, while the plaintiffs' lawyer argues that the lemonade was improperly advertised and should have had adequate warnings.