PANERA BREAD BAKERY-CAFÉ
Panera Bread Bakery-Café franchises operate fast-casual restaurants specializing in the retail sale of fresh bakery goods like bagels, breads, muffins, sandwiches, soups, salads, mac & cheese, custom roasted coffees, cafe beverages, and related merchandise in a warm, inviting environment. The business model involves franchising single-unit or area development agreements for multiple bakery-cafes, requiring on-site baking facilities, adherence to the Panera system, and use of designated technology platforms, with options for catering and delivery. They target the general public seeking wholesome, high-quality meals for breakfast, lunch, dinner, chill periods, dine-in, takeout, and off-site services across the US (and Canada via affiliate).
Disclaimer: This information was extracted using AI from public Franchise Disclosure Documents and should be independently verified. This is not financial or legal advice. Always review official FDD filings before making investment decisions.
Overview
Financial Requirements
5% royalty + 3.26% NAF + 2% LAF + 0.4% MAF
Franchise Stats
Financial Performance
Item 19 Financial Performance
Data Based On: 1,077 Franchisee-owned Bakery-Cafes open during the entire fiscal year ending December 26, 2023.
* Franchisee average gross revenue (Net Sales) of $2,803,161 is from Page 1, 'AVERAGE NET SALES' table. Best guess profit range is estimated by applying company-owned unit profit margins to the franchisee average gross revenue. From Page 2 (company-owned data), Net Profit as a percentage of Net Sales was 13.90% ($431,656 / $3,105,144). This was used for the low estimate: $2,803,161 * 0.1390 = $389,676. Company-owned EBITDA as a percentage of Net Sales was 17.37% ($539,332 / $3,105,144). This was used for the high estimate: $2,803,161 * 0.1737 = $486,881.
Extracted Item 19 Section
How PANERA BREAD BAKERY-CAFÉ Compares to Other Coffee & Bakery Franchises
Key Insights
- #1 largest franchise system in Coffee & Bakery
| Franchise | Investment Range | Franchise Fee | Royalty | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
PANERA BREAD BAKERY-CAFÉ Current | $633K - $4.9M | $35K | 5.0% | 1,112 |
| SCOOTER'S COFFEE | $955K - $1.5M | $40K | 6.0% | 825 |
| NOTHING BUNDT CAKES | $667K - $1.0M | $45K | 6.0% | 643 |
| GREAT AMERICAN COOKIES | $341K - $463K | $25K | 6.0% | 395 |
| 7 BREW | $894K - $2.2M | $35K | 4.5% | 297 |
| GREAT HARVEST BREAD CO. | $298K - $980K | $35K | 5.0% | 159 |
Coffee & Bakery Average 37 franchises | $498K - $1.1M | $40K | 5.5% | - |
* Comparison based on latest FDD filings. Investment ranges from Item 7, fees from Item 5. Showing top 5 of 37 Coffee & Bakery franchises by location count.
Locations & Growth
Outlet Growth Over Time
Total outlets at end of each year
Geographic Distribution (2023)
Outlets by state across the United States
+26 more states
Franchisee Contacts
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Due Diligence
Litigation (Item 3)
No litigation involving franchisees reported in the FDD.
Bankruptcy (Item 4)
No bankruptcy history reported in the FDD.
System Health (Item 20)
Franchise system changes reported in the most recent fiscal year
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to open a PANERA BREAD BAKERY-CAFÉ franchise?
The total initial investment to open a PANERA BREAD BAKERY-CAFÉ franchise ranges from $633,000 to $4,906,000. This includes a franchise fee of $35,000. Ongoing royalty fees are 5.0% of gross sales.
How much revenue does a PANERA BREAD BAKERY-CAFÉ franchise make?
According to the 2024 FDD, the average gross revenue for a PANERA BREAD BAKERY-CAFÉ franchise is $2,803,161.
How much profit can you make with a PANERA BREAD BAKERY-CAFÉ franchise?
Based on the financial performance data in the FDD, estimated profit for a PANERA BREAD BAKERY-CAFÉ franchise ranges from $389,676 to $486,881 per year. Actual results vary based on location, management, and market conditions.
How many PANERA BREAD BAKERY-CAFÉ franchise locations are there?
As of the 2024 FDD, PANERA BREAD BAKERY-CAFÉ has 1,112 franchise locations. The company has been franchising since 1993.
Is PANERA BREAD BAKERY-CAFÉ a good franchise to buy?
PANERA BREAD BAKERY-CAFÉ shows several positive indicators: established brand with 1,112+ locations, transparent financial performance data (Item 19). However, franchise success depends on many factors including location, local market conditions, and owner involvement. We recommend speaking with existing franchisees and consulting with a franchise attorney before making a decision.
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