Panera Launches A Digital-Only To-Go Model To Meet Changing Consumer DemandsIt’s not news that
consumer behaviors changed for good from the Covid-19 pandemic. In the restaurant space, that essentially means off-premise habits like delivery and takeout are here to stay.
This shift in behavior has driven several chains to rethink their real estate strategy, for instance experimenting with
smaller formats, delivery-only kitchens and off-premise only locations. Panera has now joined the ranks, introducing a new format, called
“Panera To Go,” which is 100% digitally enabled and services just delivery, pickup and catering orders.
The model is significantly smaller than a traditional Panera bakery-café –
2,500 square feet versus 4,500 square feet. Much of that square footage is taken up by the kitchen, with an additional space for pickup shelves. There is no seating or even cashiers.
Panera’s first such location opened in Chicago in May, with two more planned this year in Southern California and Washington, DC.
