ST. LOUIS — Panera Bread has unveiled a new restaurant design featuring increased drive-thru and pick-up access, technological offerings including contactless meal pick-up and an updated dine-in experience in response to COVID-19. The company is the latest chain to announce a refreshed design adapted to the changing needs of consumers during the pandemic. The first next-generation Panera Bread is set to open in the St. Louis suburb of Ballwin this November and will include: An open kitchen with ovens in full view of restaurant guests; dual drive-thru and dedicated rapid pick-up lanes in order to enhance the dine-out process; the addition of contactless dine-in and delivery options with mobile notifications to guests when their meals are prepared; updated ordering kiosks and automated loyalty identification; a fully-digitized menu; the introduction of an updated Panera Bread logo; and an enhanced interior design with increased wayfinding to exterior seating at the cafe. “We’re doubling down on what has always made Panera unique — creating human connection through caring associates and a warm, inviting environment filled with the smell of freshly-baked bread — while continuing to be a leader in digital access for the off-premise world,” says Eduardo Luz, chief brand and concept officer at …
