Panera is testing new AI technology over various areas of their bakery-cafe. With more than 3 million average transactions each week just from digital channels, Panera guests continue to chase fresh menu items with heightened convenience, customization, speed and ease that the digital action empowers. Panera is now offering a portfolio of store arrangements designed to cater to the demands of progressively digital and off-premise guests.

Panera Bread declared the opening of its transformed urban store format in New York. This new arrangement joins a 40% smaller footprint than traditional bakery-cafes with adapted ordering kiosks, a fully digitalized menu and an advanced tracking system. Designed with limited counter seating, the bulk of the bakery-cafe is organized to benefit a rapid pick-up experience. This location is also the first Panera in the country that integrates the new Panera brand world, showcasing modern art, updated designs touches and color scheme.

On top of opening their new urban format, Panera will also be debuting the first New York Panera To Go. This concept offers no dine-in seating, entirely offering rapid pick-up only. With less front-of-the-house responsibilities and simple operations, associates will target crafting freshly prepared meals to meet the needs of the to-go guests.

The two New York bakery-cafes are the first of the several distinct new Paneras outlined for expansion in urban markets in the next year, along with a series of non-traditional locations in hospitals, universities and more.