Catering Lead

Pumpkin season arrives early: Panera drops NEW fall bakery and beverage lineup on August 19. Aug 10, 2026, 06:01 ET Skip the wait for fall. Guests can embrace the season with the return of the Pumpkin Spice Latte and a brand-new lineup of comforting baked goods and barista beverages BOSTON, Aug. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - It may still be summer, but pumpkin lovers won't have to wait much longer for the flavors of fall. On August 19, Panera Bread will launch a brand-new lineup of fall favorites, and the return of the Pumpkin Spice Latte, to bakery-cafes nationwide. For guests who have waited all year for pumpkin, Panera is introducing an array of new coffee drinks and bakery treats for every autumnal craving. The beverage lineup includes classic favorites as well as an addition to Panera's new Frozen Java platform: * Returning Favorite, Pumpkin Spice Latte: Freshly brewed espresso combined with foamed milk and pumpkin spice sauce, topped with whipped cream and pumpkin spice crumbles. * Returning Favorite, Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte: All the flavors and ingredients of the classic Pumpkin Spice Latte, served over ice. * NEW Pumpkin Spice Iced Coffee: Our dark roast coffee (now a richer brew!) with pumpkin sauce over ice, topped with sweet cream cold foam and pumpkin spice crumbles. * NEW Pumpkin Spice Frozen Java: A frozen blended coffee drink with dairy blend and pumpkin sauce, topped with whipped cream and pumpkin spice crumbles. These craveable beverage additions pair perfectly with two irresistible new additions to Panera's bakery case, crafted by Panera's chefs to deliver the taste of fall in every bite. * NEW Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll: A deliciously crafted roll made with sweet dough, stuffed with cinnamon and pumpkin filling, topped with decadent pumpkin spice icing. * NEW Caramel Pumpkin Slice: A flavorful slice of cake with pumpkin pie spices, brown sugar, vanilla, and salted caramel swirls, topped with pumpkin spice icing. * Returning Pumpkin Cookie: Deliciously crafted, pumpkin-shaped shortbread cookie decorated with icing. "Only Panera can offer guests the complete pumpkin spice experience, from beverages to baked goods," said Scott Uehlein, VP of Culinary, Panera Bread. "Our guests look forward to these fall flavors each year, and we are bringing them to our menu in more ways than ever. What sets our fall lineup apart are the details - from the decadent pumpkin spice icing and filling on our Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll to the spiced crumbles and creamy cold foam topping our coffee beverages. Whether it's a refreshing iced drink or a sweetly spiced bite, Panera is the ultimate fall destination." Panera's latest menu innovations are available for dine-in, delivery, Rapid Pick-Up(R), or drive-thru at Panera Bread bakery-cafes nationwide beginning August 19. Want to get rewarded for your fall favorites? Join MyPanera(R) today to begin earning rewards and for access to other exclusive perks. About Panera Bread Our first bakery-cafe opened in 1987, founded with a secret sourdough starter and the belief that the best part of bread is sharing it. That vision led to the invention of the Fast Casual category with Panera at the forefront, serving as America's kitchen table centered around our delicious menu of chef-curated recipes that are crafted with care by our team members. We make food that we are proud to serve our own families, from crave-worthy soups, salads and sandwiches to mac & cheese and sweets. Each recipe is filled with ingredients we feel good about and none of those we don't because we are committed to serving our guests food that feels good in the moment and long after. While our company is now about 2,200 bakery-cafes strong, our values and belief in the lasting power of a great meal remain as strong as ever. We spend each day elevating everyday meals into moments of comfort, connection and joy. Nothing beats breaking bread together. As of July 28, 2026, there were 2,251 bakery-cafes, company and franchise, in 48 states and Washington D.C., and in Ontario, Canada, operating under the Panera Bread(R) or Saint Louis Bread Co.(R) names. Panera Bread is part of Panera Brands, one of the largest fast casual restaurant companies in the U.S., comprised of Panera Bread(R), Caribou Coffee(R) and Einstein Bros.(R) Bagels. For more information, visit panerabread.com or find us on X (@panerabread), Facebook (facebook.com/panerabread) Instagram (@panerabread) or TikTok (@panerabread). SOURCE Panera Bread

New Panera Bread opens on Binghamton University campus. Second phase of major reconstruction at former Chenango Dining Room to finish by October. A new Panera Bread cafe has opened at Binghamton University, marking the completion of the first step of a two-year renovation project at the former Chenango Dining Room, located on the Spine and connected to Science I. Image Credit: Carmela Petruccelli. By Anthony Borrelli August 10, 2026 The wait is over - a new Panera Bread cafe has opened at Binghamton University, ready to serve its popular lineup, including sandwiches, soups, and salads, to members of the campus community. Its opening marks the completion of the first step of a two-year renovation project at the former Chenango Dining Room, located on the Spine and connected to Science I. The new 3,846-square-foot Panera space, situated on the ground floor near the old rotunda, is part of a broader construction project that began in June 2024. The second floor is being renovated to include a 2,000-square-foot event and dining space, and while that work continues, Panera customers can enter the restaurant through the Lecture Hall side of the building. So, what's on the menu? You can expect "straight-up Panera," promised Paola Mignone, assistant vice president for residential experiences and auxiliaries, who said bringing this popular fast-casual restaurant chain to campus is an important step in creating an even more inviting atmosphere at Binghamton University. "We identified Panera for a number of reasons; it has good brand name recognition, and since there's already such a high demand for sandwich offerings on campus, adding Panera creates even more grab-and-go options for everyone to enjoy," she said. Panera customers can also pay for mobile ordering using the Grubhub app, which can be linked to students' meal plans. Inside, Mignone added, Panera was explicitly designed not to feel too much like a cafeteria. It includes nooks for more private or social seating options, as well as outdoor patios on the lower and upper decks - allowing the space to also serve as an informal study, meeting, and hangout area. "I've been talking to new students and families since Admitted Students Day about Panera coming online this year, and the reaction and the feedback were overwhelmingly positive," said Cindy Cowden, senior associate director of strategic operations. "This has become an added attraction, elevating our campus community. We're so excited that we can finally bring them this new dining experience." Here are some key facts about the new Panera: What are Panera's hours? * Monday-Thursday: 7:30 to 4 p.m. * Friday: 7:30 to 3 p.m. * Saturday, Sunday: Closed Will the full Panera menu be available? * Yes, the new Panera Bread on Binghamton University's main campus will offer a full menu, including sandwiches, soups, salads, bread, and other baked goods. How many people can fit in the new Panera? * The new Panera offers seating for just over 100 people. Does Panera accept mobile ordering? * Mobile ordering at Panera Bread is available through the Grubhub app, which can be linked to a student's meal plan. Chenango Room renovation: what happens next. The second phase of construction for the former Chenango Room building project is expected to be completed by October. Renovations on the second floor will include a redesigned dining space that seats approximately 50 people and primarily serves lunch. Adjacent to that space, an event venue complete with seating and a retractable stage will accommodate nearly 200 people. Cowden said every aspect of this new venue - the color scheme, lighting, and atmosphere - was intentionally designed to create a versatile space that allows faculty and staff to conduct business meetings, interviews, collegial conversations, conferences, and presentations. "The genesis of this whole project was that faculty wanted a space where they could have meetings and a sit-down lunch," Cowden said. "Students are also craving more places to gather, to practice, to have meetings, and this is our contribution to filling that need as well." In addition, the event space features a full-sized glass wall overlooking the Spine and a patio with outdoor seating that overlooks the academic quad. The new venue's design will also help it distinguish itself from other popular spaces, such as Old Union Hall and the Mandela Room, leaving those spaces more available for larger crowds. "This project is going to elevate what campus is able to offer," Mignone said, "and by freeing up the Mandela Room and the Old Union Hall for larger-based events, it also feels like we're sort of 'giving them back' to campus to create more flexible opportunities to hold alternate programs."

Panera names Andy Rebhun CMO. Aug 7 2026 Panera Bread announced that Andrew Rebhun has joined the company as Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). Mr. Rebhun will lead all aspects of marketing at Panera, including Brand & Creative, Digital & Loyalty, Menu Innovation and Media. Rebhun will be based out of Panera's current support center in Newton, MA and report to Chief Executive Officer Paul Carbone. He joins the company's executive leadership team on August 17. "I am thrilled to welcome Andy to my leadership team at Panera. His extensive expertise in the restaurant industry and focus on brand building, customer engagement, loyalty and growth strategy will be invaluable as we continue to transform our business," said Paul Carbone, Chief Executive Officer, Panera Bread. "Andrew brings a strong track record of delivering impact and I look forward to the vision and energy he will bring to our business as we work to deepen our relevance and drive demand with our guests." Mr. Rebhun brings extensive restaurant and consumer marketing experience, having led growth, brand transformation, digital commerce, loyalty, and customer experience initiatives for leading restaurant brands. Most recently, as Chief Marketing & Experience Officer at CAVA, he oversaw Brand, Marketing, Digital, Loyalty, Communications, Catering and Guest Experience during a period of rapid growth and national expansion. Previously, as CMO of El Pollo Loco, he led the company's marketing and digital transformation, accelerating loyalty and e-commerce growth. He also held several marketing leadership roles at McDonald's, where he helped scale key digital and delivery initiatives. Rebhun succeeds current CMO Mark Shambura in the role, who departs the company this month. Shambura played a significant role in shaping the company's brand evolution and rapid menu innovation. "Mark has been instrumental in helping launch our Panera RISE strategy and leading his team to set the foundation for Refreshing Our Menu and Igniting Value," Carbone said. "We are grateful for his leadership, his partnership across the organization and the many contributions he has made to strengthening our brand, advancing our strategy and supporting our people."