Catering Lead

Panera to relocate headquarters from St. Louis County to Boston area. St. Louis Public Radio | By Rob Edwards Published July 28, 2026 at 3:20 p.m. CDT Panera is moving its headquarters from St. Louis County to the Boston area, according to an internal memo shared with employees this week. The move, scheduled to take place in July 2027, marks the end of an era for Panera in the St. Louis region, where the company has maintained its corporate roots for decades. In the memo, CEO Paul Carbone said the company plans to maintain a support center in St. Louis. However, many employees currently based in St. Louis, along with some remote workers, will be asked to relocate to the new headquarters in Weston, Massachusetts. Panera opened its first bakery-cafe in Kirkwood in 1987 under the name St. Louis Bread Co. In 1997, the name officially changed to Panera and stores began to expand across the country. There are now more than 2,200 Panera locations in the United States and Canada. Panera has maintained several corporate headquarters in the region, most recently moving from Sunset Hills to Fenton in 2023.

The rise of fast food self service kiosks: A convenient and efficient way to order. In recent years, fast food restaurants have been evolving to keep up with the fast-paced demands of modern consumers. One prominent change that has been gaining popularity is the introduction of self service kiosks. These kiosks allow customers to place their orders and pay for their meals without the need for interaction with a cashier. The convenience and efficiency of these kiosks have revolutionized the way people order and enjoy their fast food meals. The concept of self service kiosks is not entirely new in the fast food industry. It all began with the introduction of ATM-like machines that allowed customers to place their orders and pay without the need for human intervention. However, these machines were often limited in terms of menu options and customization. With advancements in technology, fast food self service kiosks have evolved to become more sophisticated and user-friendly. These kiosks now offer a wide range of menu options, customization features, and payment methods to cater to the diverse preferences of customers. One of the key benefits of fast food self service kiosks is the convenience they offer to customers. Instead of waiting in long lines or struggling to communicate with busy cashiers, customers can simply walk up to a kiosk, select their desired items, customize their order, and pay with ease. This self-service approach not only saves time but also allows customers to take their time browsing through the menu and making informed choices. Another major advantage of fast food self service kiosks is the efficiency they bring to the ordering process. By eliminating the need for face-to-face interaction with a cashier, kiosks help reduce the chances of errors in taking orders and processing payments. This not only streamlines the entire ordering process but also ensures greater accuracy in fulfilling orders. Furthermore, self service kiosks have been found to enhance the overall dining experience for customers. With the ability to customize their orders to their liking, customers can have more control over their meals and ensure that they are getting exactly what they want. Additionally, the digital interface of the kiosks provides a more interactive and engaging way for customers to browse through the menu and explore different options. From the perspective of fast food restaurants, self service kiosks offer numerous benefits as well. By automating the order-taking process, restaurants can reduce the need for a large number of cashiers, thereby cutting down on labor costs. This cost-saving measure allows restaurants to reallocate resources to other areas of their operations, ultimately increasing efficiency and profitability. In addition, self service kiosks can help boost sales for fast food restaurants. The interactive nature of the kiosks encourages customers to explore new menu items, try out different combinations, and potentially spend more on their meals. Furthermore, the convenience and speed of the kiosks can attract more customers, particularly those who value efficiency and convenience in their dining experience. As the demand for fast food self service kiosks continues to grow, many fast food chains are now investing in these technologies to stay competitive in the industry. McDonald's, for example, has been rolling out self service kiosks in many of its locations as part of its "Experience of the Future" initiative. Other chains such as Panera Bread and Taco Bell have also introduced self service kiosks to enhance the ordering process for their customers. Overall, fast food self service kiosks are revolutionizing the way people order and enjoy their meals. With their convenience, efficiency, and customization features, these kiosks offer a modern and streamlined approach to fast food dining. Whether you're in a rush or looking to try something new, self service kiosks provide a convenient and enjoyable way to satisfy your fast food cravings.

Panera Bread returns to Spring and Conroe as new franchise operator begins Texas expansion. July 20, 2026 North Houston / North Houston July 14 2026 For residents who watched several Panera Bread cafés across the Spring area go dark with little warning last summer, the reopening of two north Houston-area locations represents more than the return of bread bowls and morning coffee. It restores familiar places where neighbors met for lunch, students studied after school and remote workers settled in for the afternoon. Hamra Enterprises, a family-owned restaurant operator and longtime Panera Bread franchisee, plans to open cafés at 3548 Rayford Road in Spring and 1302 West Davis Street, Suite F, in Conroe by the end of 2026. The Rayford Road Panera will lead the company's Texas expansion when it opens Thursday, July 16. The two cafés are among seven former Panera Bread locations across Greater Houston being brought back under new ownership. Hamra purchased the seven restaurant properties through a November 2025 bankruptcy sale and expects its Houston-area expansion to create approximately 280 jobs. Rayford Road Panera reopens after nearly a year. The Rayford Road café's return will be especially noticeable for residents of Imperial Oaks, Benders Landing, Harmony, Legends Ranch and nearby communities along the rapidly growing Rayford Road corridor. The location was one of three Spring-area Panera Bread cafés that closed in August 2025 after former franchise operator EYM Café of Texas LLC lost the right to operate under the Panera name and filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The closings also affected restaurants on Kuykendahl Road and Louetta Road, leaving many residents without a nearby Panera for coffee, lunch, takeout and informal meetings. EYM operated 15 Panera cafés in the Houston area before the business collapsed amid a federal lawsuit and mounting financial problems. Court and bankruptcy reporting indicated that the company carried between $10 million and $50 million in liabilities while reporting less than $50,000 in assets. Panera accused EYM of failing to pay royalties and other obligations, falling short of required food-safety and cleanliness standards and continuing to use Panera trademarks after franchise agreements had been terminated. The locations have remained dark since August 2025. Their return under a different franchise operator marks a new chapter rather than a continuation of the former operation. What Spring and Conroe customers can expect. Guests can expect Panera Bread's standard menu of freshly baked breads, bagels, pastries, soups, salads and sandwiches, along with Rapid Pick-Up, drive-thru service where available and participation in the MyPanera loyalty program. Hamra Enterprises has operated Panera Bread restaurants since 1998 and currently oversees 88 Panera cafés across eight states. With the addition of the seven Greater Houston locations, the company will operate 190 restaurants under the Panera Bread, Wendy's and Noodles & Company brands and employ more than 6,000 people across 12 states. "We have spent 50 years earning the trust of guests across 11 states, and we do not take lightly what it means to serve in a new market. Houston is one of the most dynamic, diverse, and food-forward cities in the country, and we are committed to being an operator this community is proud to have. We are here to serve, we are here to give back, and we are here to stay," Hamra Enterprises CEO Mike Hamra said. For the July 16 grand opening on Rayford Road, the first 100 dine-in guests who make a purchase will receive a certificate for one free You Pick Two meal each month for a year. The first 50 drive-thru guests who make a purchase will receive a freshly baked French baguette. Both offers are available while supplies last, with the drive-thru giveaway limited to one per vehicle. New Panera operator announces local Make-A-Wish partnership. Hamra is also entering the Houston market with a charitable partnership benefiting Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana. The nonprofit works to grant wishes for children with critical illnesses, including families throughout the Greater Houston region. "At Make-A-Wish, we believe life-changing wishes are made possible when our community comes together to support our mission. We are incredibly grateful to partner with Hamra Enterprises, a Panera Bread franchisee that empowers customers across Houston to make a meaningful difference for local children with critical illnesses. This partnership helps create hope, joy, and renewed strength for wish children and their families," said Shelly Millwee, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana. Founded by the Hamra family in 1975 and headquartered in Springfield, Missouri, Hamra Enterprises reports contributing more than $7.2 million to nonprofit organizations since 1976. Its national community partners have included St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, Boston Children's Hospital and the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. For Spring and Conroe residents, the reopenings bring back two recognizable dining options while returning vacant restaurant spaces to active use and creating new local jobs. The Rayford Road opening will provide the first look at how Hamra plans to rebuild customer confidence following the abrupt closures that disrupted Panera's presence across Greater Houston. The remaining Panera Bread cafés in Hamra's Houston-area portfolio are expected to open in phases through the end of 2026.