Panera Launches Breakfast Delivery

After rolling out nationwide delivery in May 2018, fast-casual chain Panera Bread Co. has expanded its delivery program to include breakfast, according to a recent release.

The program launched at 381 Panera locations across 22 states and is set to expand to 30 additional restaurants by the end of the year. Delivery hours will typically fall between 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., though exact hours will vary based on location.

Nation’s Restaurant News noted Panera’s already impressive digital footprint will likely experience a boost from breakfast delivery. The company said it will close the year with a doubling its digital sales, to $2 billion in 2018 from $1 billion in 2017.

In the delivery arena, Panera has zigged where other franchise brands have zagged. The brand’s delivery program is entirely in-house, prompting Panera to call itself “the first national restaurant company to offer breakfast delivery using its own drivers.” The brand said that by using its own drivers, it has more control over the quality and speed of delivery.

Photo courtesy of Panera on Facebook.