Panera is cutting back on their menu, and fans are not happy. Nearly 50 of their menu items are being removed including some fan favorite kids’ meals and flatbread pizzas. Panera explained that the shift was a test to see if it would make the service quicker and more convenient, and to “simplify operations” for their employees. While they assure customers that it may not be permanent, many people are worried. 

Luckily, the shift will only be happening at select Panera locations. There are over 2,000 Panera locations, and it looks like only about 3% will be cutting their menu down. This comes as a relief to many because on a viral Tik Tok posted on August 29, the video shows an internal document about major cuts to Panera’s menu with over 50 items being taken away. The TikToker later mentions that Panera gave a statement to Restaurant Business News about how the cut is a test for a streamlined menu, but it sent the comment section into full panic mode thinking that all locations would be affected. 

Many people are also tying the shift to current labor challenges and high inflation. Many of the items removed from the menu were among the most expensive, including their famous steak and cheddar sandwich. There has been more of a demand for less-expensive options on the menus. “Although customers seem to have an insatiable taste for restaurants, many are feeling the pinch economically,” explained the Deloitte Report, “Restaurants should find ways to provide high-quality food at reasonable prices.” While Panera is not the only restaurant to face major changes recently, we just hope we will not lose any of our favorite dishes!