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Panera used to dominate fast casual. Now traffic is falling and leadership is scrambling to turn it around.

In this episode, we unpack:

• How cost cutting changed salads, sides, and the in-store experience
• Why menu complexity and pricing confuse customers
• The barbell strategy Panera is betting on for its comeback
• What we’d do differently on pricing, testing, and customer research

A practical breakdown of what happens when spreadsheets win over the customer experience.

Partner Links:

• Learn more about NordStellar's Threat Exposure Management Program; unlock 20% off with code BLACKFRIDAY20 until Dec. 10, 2025

Episode Links

• Panera lost diners by cutting portions and staff. It’s reversing course to win them back (CNBC)
• Jewelry business that implemented updated pricing strategy 

Chapters 

• 03:16 Personal Experiences with Panera
• 06:11 Panera's Business Challenges
• 08:50 Consumer Trends and Market Forces
• 11:46 Menu Complexity and Customer Experience
• 14:48 Cost-Cutting Measures and Their Impact
• 18:38 The Role of Younger Consumers
• 21:28 Panera's Turnaround Strategy
• 24:05 Operational Challenges and Brand Management
• 27:00 Pricing Strategies and Customer Perception
• 29:56 Lessons from Other Brands
• 32:52 Thoughts on Panera's Future
• 37:13 The Barbell Pricing Strategy
• 37:55 Consumer Sentiment and Market Positioning

• Listen to the Market Outsiders podcast, the new daily show with the Management Consulted team

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