
Take our Fit Score survey to see if Panera Bread is a good match for you.

- Founded in 1987
- Franchising Since 1997
- 1112 US Franchises
- $633,000 - $4,906,000 Investment Range
- $2,803,161 Average Gross Revenue
- 5% Royalty Fee
- $35,000 Franchise Fee
Use the Pre-qualification tool to see how much funding you could qualify for and see if you can affor a Panera Bread franchise.
Get pre-qualified for financingTake our Fit Score survey to see if Panera Bread is a good match for you.

Panera Bread stands as a pioneer in the fast-casual dining sector, revolutionizing the way Americans think about quick-service restaurants. Since its founding in 1987, Panera has established itself as a premium bakery-café brand that masterfully bridges the gap between fast food convenience and casual dining quality.
At the heart of Panera's success is their commitment to 'clean eating' – serving food without artificial preservatives, sweeteners, flavors, or colors. Their menu features an artisanal selection of freshly baked breads, pastries, breakfast items, hand-crafted sandwiches, hearty soups in bread bowls, crisp salads, and grain bowls. The brand is particularly renowned for its warm, inviting atmosphere that encourages customers to linger, work, or meet with friends.
What sets Panera apart is their innovative approach to customer service and technology integration. Their digital ordering platform, rapid pick-up system, and delivery services have set industry standards. The MyPanera rewards program has become one of the most successful loyalty programs in the restaurant industry, creating a devoted customer base that returns for both the food quality and the experience.
Panera's business model emphasizes both dine-in and off-premise sales, with many locations featuring drive-thrus, dedicated pickup areas, and catering services. Their commitment to sustainability and community involvement, coupled with their adaptability to changing consumer preferences, has helped them maintain a strong market position. The brand continues to evolve, regularly introducing new menu items while maintaining the core offerings that have made them a beloved name in American dining.
- Franchise Fee
- $35,000
- Investment Range
- $633,000 - $4,906,000
- Investment Midpoint
- $2,769,500
- Minimum Cash Required
- $633,000
- Royalty Fees
- 5%
- Brand Fund
- 3.26%
Franzy's financial analysis tools are designed to guide users every step of the way, ensuring they have all the information needed to invest wisely and succeed in the franchise market. Learn More
Understand What It Takes to Get Started!
Discover the financial commitment required to launch this franchise. Knowing the investment range helps you plan confidently and ensure you're fully prepared to make the leap.
Answer a few quick questions - just 15 seconds - to reveal this detail and take the first step toward your dream business!
See the Revenue Potential!
Curious about how much you could earn? The average gross sales data gives you a realistic view of the franchise's earning potential and success stories from existing franchisees.
Provide a little information about yourself (it only takes 15 seconds) to access this valuable insight and start planning your future success!
Financing Details
Franzy connects you with top-tier financing partners to help secure the funds to invest in a franchise like Panera Bread. Whether you're looking for a loan or exploring other financial products, our partners provide expert guidance to ensure you obtain the necessary capital. They specialize in offering solutions tailored to the needs of franchisees, making the process of securing financing smooth and straightforward.
Why Financing with Franzy Partners?
Choosing to finance through Franzy's partners ensures you get the best terms and support for your franchise investment. Our partners have extensive experience in the franchising industry and offer specialized financial solutions tailored to your needs. With competitive interest rates and flexible repayment options, you can find the right financing plan that fits your budget and goals. Our partners are committed to providing personalized guidance throughout the financing process, making it easier for you to secure the necessary funds and confidently move forward with your franchise venture.
Finance Partners
Location Summary
Explore Franzy's Location Analysis to get a comprehensive overview of franchise and corporate locations. With detailed metrics, including total US locations, open franchises, corporate sites, and average square footage, this section provides valuable insights into the geographical footprint and operational scale of each brand. Whether you're looking for the density of franchises or specific regional presence, our location analysis helps you make informed decisions.
Access the detailed territory map to find prime locations and see where this franchise operates. This information is vital for understanding your market potential and exclusivity rights.
Complete a short questionnaire in just a minute to uncover this map and identify the perfect territory for your business!
Track Growth to Gauge Success!
See how this franchise is expanding over time. The net unit growth reveals the health and popularity of the brand—key indicators for a promising investment.
Answer a few brief questions to access this growth data and make an informed decision about your future! It only takes 15 seconds and is completely free.
Executive Team
Get to know the leadership behind Panera Bread. Learn about the experience and expertise of the executive team guiding Panera Bread's success. For more details, refer to Item 2 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).
Litigation
Review any legal actions or pending litigation involving Panera Bread. Understanding the legal history helps assess potential risks and the brand's business practices. For more details, refer to Item 3 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).
Bankruptcy
Review Panera Bread's bankruptcy history and any filings by key personnel or affiliates. This critical information provides transparency about the brand's financial stability and management. For more details, refer to Item 4 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).
Franchisor Assistance
Learn about Panera Bread's comprehensive support system for franchisees, including initial training programs and continuous operational assistance. Understanding the available resources and support structure is crucial for franchise success. For more details, refer to Item 11 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).
The information provided on this page is based on the latest Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) that is publicly available and that we have on record, which was issued in 2024. This information is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal, financial, or business advice. We make no guarantees or claims regarding the completeness or accuracy. For the most current and detailed information, we recommend consulting the franchisor directly for the most recent FDD and regarding any questions that you may have about the information provided.
- Founded in 1987
- Franchising Since 1997
- 1112 US Franchises
- $633,000 - $4,906,000 Investment Range
- $2,803,161 Average Gross Revenue
- 5% Royalty Fee
- $35,000 Franchise Fee
Use the Pre-qualification tool to see how much funding you could qualify for and see if you can affor a Panera Bread franchise.
Get pre-qualified for financingTake our Fit Score survey to see if Panera Bread is a good match for you.

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