The future growth of Panera Bread will be based upon company bakery-cafe development as well as the continued scale of franchise area development agreements.
 

Panera Bread does not sell single-unit franchises, so it is not possible to open just one bakery-cafe. Rather, we have chosen to develop by selling market areas which require the franchise developer to open a number of units, typically 15 bakery-cafes in a period of 6 years.
 

Panera Bread franchises must be well-capitalized to open great bakery-cafes and meet this aggressive development schedule. Additionally, they must have a proven track record as excellent multi-unit restaurant operators to operate great Panera Bread bakery-cafes.
 

Qualification Criteria (Domestic)

• Experience as a multi-unit restaurant operator
  
• Recognition as a top restaurant operator
  
• Net worth of $7.5 million
  
• Liquid assets of $3 million
• Infrastructure and resources to meet our development schedule
• Real estate experience in the market to be developed
• Total commitment to the development of the Panera Bread brand
• Cultural fit and a passion for fresh bread

Interested?

If you are interested in Panera Bread franchise area development agreement, meet the qualification criteria and have experience as a multi-unit restaurant owner in one of the markets available for
franchise development, we would like to hear from you.
 

If you are interested in development internationally, please complete our International Request Form.