Panera Bread - External Environments of Organization

Panera Bread

Panera Bread is a chain of bakery– cafe quick casual restaurants in the United States and Canada which sells breads, sandwiches, soups, salads, and other bakery items. It is headquartered in Sunset Hills, Missouri, a suburb of St. Louis. The Panera Bread legacy began in 1981 as Au Bon Pain Co., Inc. Founded by Louis Kane and Ron Shaich, the company prospered along the east coast of the United States and internationally throughout the 1980s and 1990s and became the dominant operator within the bakery-cafe category. In 1993, Au Bon Pain Co., Inc. purchased Saint Louis Bread Company, a chain of 20 bakery-cafes located in the St. Louis area. In May 1999, all of Au Bon Pain Co., Inc.'s business units were sold, with the exception of Panera Bread, and the company was renamed Panera Bread. In 2007, Panera Bread purchased a majority stake in Paradise Bakery & Café, a Phoenix-based concept with over 70 locations in 10 states. The Company purchased the balance of Paradise in June 2009. As of December 28, 2010, there are 1,453 bakery-cafes in 40 states and in Ontario Canada operating under the Panera Bread, Saint Louis Bread Co. and Paradise Bakery & Café names.

A. External Environments of Organization

As a part of their technological environment they provide internet access for their customers. Socialculutral they offer a comprehensive menu of healthy choices for every meal. They are considered one of the healthiest places to eat in the US. Panera Bread has begun to incorporate some responsible purchasing into its business practices. For example, a large portion of the coffee Panera serves comes from responsible sources. Panera also has some organic and natural options available on its menu. Finally, Panera uses washable flatware for patrons who eat on the premises which is more eco-friendly than what most fast food chains do.