...1. What is Panera Bread’s strategy? Which of the five generic competitive strategies discussed in Chapter 5 most closely fit the competitive approach that Panera Bread is taking? What type of competitive advantage is Panera Bread trying to achieve? Strategy was to aggressively expand its market presence across North America and improve the quality of the dining experience it provided to customers. From the five competitive strategies discussed in chapter 5 I would Best-Cost Provider strategy. Panera Bread provides common café beverages around the country. They do however manage to offer products at lower cost to it rivals and still give their customers more value for their money by incorporating good to excellent product qualities. Panera is striving for to achieve a type of competitive advantage that is a lower cost then its rivals with a market that targets a broad cross-section of buyers. 2. What does a SWOT analysis of Panera Bread reveal about the overall attractiveness of its situation? Does the company have any core competencies or distinctive competencies? Strengths: • Attractive & appealing menu • Bread-baking expertise • Artisan breads are Panera’s signature product. • Nationwide leader in the bakery-café segment • High ratings in customer satisfaction • Solid brand name • Initial success in catering • Good franchisees higher sales in franchised stores compared to company-owned • Financial strength of the company able to grow without taking on...
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... Panera’s success is based upon those competitive advantages, such as providing high quality products at reasonable prices to its customers, consistent products, dependability, brand loyalty and offering a great casual dining experience. In addition, the culture plays a critical factor in the Panera family, meaning that employees share common values and beliefs. They are empowered by management which contributes to the team atmosphere. Such culture provides a competitive advantage for the company in terms of transferring satisfaction from the employee to the loyal customer. Panera Bread was established in 1981 by Ron Shaich and as of September 2011 was operating 1,504 company-owned and franchised-operated bakery-cafes in 40 states and Ontario Canada. Originally known as Au bon Pain Company, a competitor was purchased in 1993, Saint Louis Bread, and the name was ultimately renamed Panera Bread in 1999. Their Mission was “A loaf of bread in every arm. Panera Bread’s success spread from East to West with another acquisition. In 2007, Paradise Bakery & Café, a Phoenix based bakery-café concept that added an additional 70 stores and 10 states (1). The core competency of Panera Bread is the quality of its bread offerings. This is at the root of many of their strengths including the customer satisfaction and repeat customer loyalty. This combined with the conservatively operated...
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...case Exhibit 3, which fast-casual and full-service restaurant chains appear to be Panera’s closest rivals? Competition “Third Place” segment * Panera has huge competitors such as, Einstein, Starbucks, Atlanta Bread Co and Panera’s Menus are quite similar. They all sell a similar combination of products. e.g: Menu of Einstein and Panera are quite similar. Both menus for breakfast include; bagels, scones, cinnamon twists, coffee cake, cookies, and muffins. Lunch menus include; soups, salads, and sandwiches. They also both offer hot and cold beverages. * Starbucks which has more than ten times more locations and around eight times more revenue. Like Starbucks, Panera Bread hopes to convey a casual, friendly atmosphere for people to “chill out” and enjoy the Wi-Fi and good times with friends. * While these are the closest rivals, Panera must also compete with casual dining restaurants, fast food places and any number of other locally- owned establishments. Dinner segment Applebee's has a strong position; it has the double of locations and a weak presence abroad. Its revenues are a 70% higher than Panera and also it has a good reputation. Specific bakery segment Au Bon Pain represents a serious competitor; with the 40% of location in USA and abroad than PBC, also has reached around of the 40% in revenues than Panera. Comfort, family customers and customer acceptance segment Cracker Barrel represents a risk; the business development is different for a fair comparison...
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...Running head: PANERA BREAD CASE ANALYSIS Panera Bread Case Analysis LaToya Melvin Davenport University BUSN 520 Table of Contents INTRODUCTION 3 LITERATURE REVIEW Synopsis of the Situation 4 Key Issues 4 Define the Problem & the Opportunity 6 Alternative Solutions 6 Selected Solution 7 Implementation/Recommendations 7 CONCLUSIONS 7 WORKS CITED 8 Abstract This case study focuses on the market analysis for the Panera Bread Company. The case will examine five components; the synopsis, key issues, problem and opportunity, alternative solutions, selected solution, and implementation/recommendations. Throughout the case, questions will arise as Panera faces challenges in the growth and the operation of the business that will include such issues as marketing, pricing and factors within its consumer base. Literature Review Synopsis Panera Bread is a company founded in 1982, named Au Bon Pain at that time by Louis Kane and Ron Shaich. Panera Bread goal was to offer the best quality product and to be nationally recognized by its bakery-café specialty. Panera Bread’s strategy is to make great bread and to make it broadly available, being the bread experts in the industry. They service consumers-on-the-go, who...
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...Panera Bread Case Study Paper August 16, 2013 Introduction Panera Bread Company got its start in 1981 known as Au Bon Pain Co. Inc. Since that time it has gone through several changes until it eventually became the Panera Bread Company in 1999. They have forged forward through the recession and a weak economy to become a well-respected restaurant known for its quality food. This review will take you through the beginnings of Panera Bread to where they are now. It will also cover their main competition and how they compare to each other, and the different charitable organizations that Panera sponsors. Founded by Louis Kane and Ron Shaich, Au Bon Pain Co was established in 1981. Their stores were mainly along the east coast of the United States and internationally where they prospered throughout the 1980’s and 1990’s. “In 1993, Au Bon Pain Co., Inc. purchased Saint Louis Bread Company, a chain of 20 bakery-cafes located in the St. Louis area” (Panera Bread, 2013). During that time the St. Louis Bread Company was in the process of renovating its bakery-cafes in the St. Louis area. Between 1993 and 1997 average unit volumes increased by 75% after completing a comprehensive re-staging of Saint Louis Bread Company. Eventually the name was changed to Panera Bread. Panera is a word that has roots in “breadbasket” in Latin. Panera Bread knew that they had the potential of becoming one of the leading brands in the nation. In order for Panera Bread to reach its potential...
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...vision. Ultimately, in 1997, all bakery-cafes were titled Panera Bread outside of their St. Louis markets. Fast-forwarding to recent years, Panera Bread has received numerous awards, such as the Harris Poll EquiTrend, which ranked Panera as the Casual Dining Restaurant...
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...Panera Bread Case 1. What is Panera’s Strategy? Which of the five generic competitive strategies most closely fits the competitive approach that Panera is taking? What type of competitive advantage is Panera trying to achieve? Panera Bread’s strategy is to provide a premium specialty bakery and café experience to urban workers and suburban dwellers. As well as to create a specialty café anchored by an authentic, fresh-dough artisan bakery and upscale quick-service menu selections. Broad Differentiation is the competitive approach Panera Bread has taken. They compete on the basis of providing an entire dining experience they call “Panera Warmth” .Their environments are distinctive and engaging, have an alluring and hospitable atmosphere, free Wi-Fi , real china & stainless silverware. Also regular changes in menu offerings to adapt to consumer wants and needs are points of emphasis to differentiate themselves from the competition. The type of competitive advantage they’re striving to build is based on the triple combination of Product, Environment, and Great Service (PEGS). Prior to Panera Bread going nationwide, the management performed cross-country market research and concluded that consumers could get excited about a fast and high quality dining experience, called fast casual. Panera Bread is attempting to achieve competitive advantage with offerings that rivals don’t have and can’t afford to match. In this case, delicious handcrafted bread arriving fresh daily, served...
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...Heather Abramovic @02380550 Case Analysis of Panera Bread Company What does a SWOT Analysis reveal about the overall attractiveness of its situation? A SWOT analysis sizes up a company’s strengths and weaknesses; it’s market opportunities, and any external threats to the company’s well being. It identifies its strengths and weaknesses and provides the basis for crafting the best strategy for the company. Panera Bread’s most competitively valuable strengths have to be their attractive menu and aesthetically pleasing environment in each bakery-café. Panera also has a compliment see customer service they have won many awards and honors such as the prestigious Business Week’s 2010 list of the 25 “Customer Service Champs”. They have achieved these along with market success by providing courteous, capable, and efficient customer service. I believe a distinctive competence that Panera has is their fresh in-house baked pastries and bread that encompass top quality and detail that in return differentiate Panera from it’s competitors. With a strong strategic vision, proven competitively superior competencies, superior attention to customer needs, and a strong brand, Panera Bread appears to have a very attractive future and continued success in their industry. As long as they continue with their strategic vision they have in place, I believe Panera Bread will have no problem continuing their success in the market. Which rival chains appear to be Panera’s closest rivals? The threat...
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...September 25, 2012, they have over 1,600 locations in over 44 states and Canada. More than 776 of its locations are company-operated, while the rest are run by franchisees. Its locations operate under the names Panera Bread, Saint Louis Bread Company, and Paradise Bakery & Café. Panera offers the projection of an inviting atmosphere in all of its establishments. The stores are located mostly in suburban areas with their target consumers being the urban workers and local community. Panera Bread Company has the mission statement of “a loaf of bread in every arm”. The main goal of Panera Bread is to change America’s eating habits. They produce more bread each day than and other bakery-café in the country. The menu at Panera ranges from muffins and bagels to soups, made-to-order sandwiches, and salads. They also have multiple coffees, frozen drinks, teas, and soft drinks. Panera is recognized for leading the nationwide trend for specialty breads. The Wall Street Journal reported that according to research conducted by TNS Intersearch, Panera Bread scored the highest level of consumer loyalty among quick-casual restaurants. It also ranked #2 among the Excellent Large Fast-Food Chains (500 of more units) in the Sandelman & Associates 2011 Quick-Track ® Study. Panera has earned several awards for growth and customer service in nearly every market in which it resides. The 2012 Harris...
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...Panera Bread Company Panera Bread began way back in 1981 as Au Bon Pain co. Inc. It was founded by Louis Kane and Ron Shaich. It operated along the east coast and internationally throughout the 1980s and 1990s. It quickly became the dominant leader within the bakery-café category. By 1997, it was clear the Panera Bread had the potential to become one of the best brands in the nation. Because the brand took off so quickly and is well known around the world. We as investors and consultants we need to look at what can make the company even better and continue to grow even more. In order to do so we will need to look at a SWOT analysis of the company, determine if the company possess core or distinctive competencies, and recommendations regarding actions the company needs to take to strengthen its competitive position. SWOT analysis is a planning method used to evaluate the strengthens, weaknesses, opportunities and threats involved in running a successful business. First we will discuss Panera Bread's strengthens. One of the very best thing about Panera Bread is that there is always fresh baked bread daily. Most restaurants offer free wifi for their guest. Another strong point is that Panera offers a menu for every time of the day and the menu also lets you decided what is healthy for you to eat. The menu lets the customer know exactly how many calories they are taking in with ordering that particular meal. The main strengthen in...
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...Panera Bread Co. Have you ever wondered how to start a bakery chain? Well, Ron Shaich, co-founder of Panera Bread Co., started the business while in college. Based on an interview conducted by Colleen Debaise, Shaich was thrown out of a convenience store in the 1970s. He opened a rival shop on the campus of Clark University, where he attended college. After college, Shaich opened a cookie shop in downtown Boston, Massachusetts. (Debaise, 2011) Shaich has thousands of bakers who help make Panera what it is today. “The strategic management process is a sequential set of analyses and choices that increase the likelihood that a firm will choose a strategy that enable it to perform well” (Barney, 2007). According to Chapter 1 of Pearce and Robinson’s Strategic Management, the strategic management process is made up of many critical tasks. These tasks include formulating the company’s mission to include broad statements, conduct analysis that reflects the company’s internal conditions and capabilities, and finally to perform an assessment of the company’s external environment. The mission is fairly short and sweet; “a loaf of bread in every arm’ (Panera, 2011). The goal leadership goal of Panera is very similar to a vision statement, “With the single goal of making great bread broadly available to consumers across America, Panera Bread freshly bakes more bread each day than any bakery-café concept in the country.” (Panera, 2011). Panera has been become a “chill out” spot...
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...Finding of Fact #2: The Panera Bread Organization does not have a forceful promoting system and expects to give clients a chance to find Panera all alone. Panera's administration is not as quick as other fast-food organizations and charges higher costs. Panera has higher costs than opponents, which could be because of their working expenses. Panera has extended in the previous years; however, the areas are thought topographically. Recommendation #2: Panera had chances to proceed with their achievement in the quick easygoing industry. They can attempt to control working costs that may be crazy or pointless. The organization ought to consider venturing into new markets and growing topographically, even globally. Items can ceaselessly be made...
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...Panera Bread Company (2010): Still Rising Fortunes? Synopsis At the time when Panera was built, the fast-food industry was characterized as highlighting low-grade burgers, greasy fries, and sugared colas. Shaich chose to create an informal but comfortable place where consumers could eat fresh-baked artisan breads, sandwiches, and salads without bothering about either it was healthy or not. Panera Bread Company assists as a retail bakery/café restaurant. In 1993, Au Bon Pain Company acquired St. Louis Bread Company. Earlier this, the St. Louis Company was contained of 20 bakery/cafes in the St. Louis area. From 1993 to 1997, Au Bon Pain altered all their bakery café names to Panera Bread. By 1999, Au Bon Pain sold all sales except for Panera Bread Company. Panera Bread Company has maintained growth everywhere their quarters. Panera currently has 429 franchise operations and 173 company-owned bakery/cafes. By growing their sales of franchises, Panera is progressing in other areas as well. The CEO and chairperson of Panera Bread Company is Ronald Shaich. Then Shaich has been the CEO, Panera’s revenue has rose from S350.8 million in 2000 to S1353.5 million in 2009. The key actions of Panera’s growth strategy concentrated on raising store profit, gross profit per transaction and increasing transactions using its capital smartly. The company contributed precise assistances to the expansion of new markets and further penetration of existing markets by controlled franchised bakery-cafés...
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...Panera Bread Case Study MGMT 1/30/16 Synopsis Panera Bread is a company well known for their healthy, sophisticated, all natural breads and sandwiches. The restaurant focused on the consumer that was tired of the everyday burger and fries that other fast food restaurants relied upon for majority of their sales. Customers gladly paid well over five dollars a sandwich for that homemade taste that Panera was known for and built their reputation upon. Panera Bread strives for excellence in their operations as well as their menu. Ronald Shaich’s vision was to have a profitable company without cutting corners on quality. He focused the company’s strategy on consumers that could afford to pay more for a healthy meal instead of unemployed customers that wanted discounted unhealthy food that Panera’s competitors focused on such as Burger King. This strategy paid off because even during the recession of 2008, Panera continued to grow while there competitors sales declined. Throughout the 2000s, Panera continued to grow through new franchise agreements as well as acquisitions of other bakery cafes. This led Panera to become a national bakery-café that owned/operated over 1,400 stores in over forty different states, as well as in Canada. Panera in its early years grew from a small sixty customers a day, to an astonishing six million customers a week in present day. The company is now one of the largest food service companies in the United States, while continuing...
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...daily in the store artisan bread, as a main staple on the menu. The menu initially consisted of breakfast breads and pastries, sandwiches, salads and soups and was served on-site. Through the years the restaurant expanded their menu to include a variety of seasonal items, fruit smoothies, Espresso bars, etc. By offering a unique high quality menu options paired with its ambience Panera has been successfully gaining ground on some of its main rivals such as McDonalds, Chili’s, Applebee’s and California Pizza Kitchen, to name a few. Furthermore, management expanded the concept to incorporate catering, which has become a significant addition to the revenue stream. Yet even with the rapid growth, product line-up and service options expansions, the company never lost sight of its roots or waivered from the original concept of offering high-quality food, great customer service and “feels like home” atmosphere. “Panera was founded on the belief that quick food could be quality food,” said Ron Shaich, founder, Chairman and CEO . Being able to establish and gain market share in the fast casual” industry Panera Bread Co competes in didn’t come overnight was a result of carefully crafted and executed strategy, which was a product of many years of experience and great...
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