Panera is introducing another new store concept – this one is centered on fulfilling digital orders.
The fast-casual restaurant chain has opened the first of three planned “Panera To Go” pilot stores. Based in Chicago, the digital-only store features a reduced front of house area where customers and delivery drivers can pick up orders from rapid pick-up and delivery shelves.
Designed for densely populated areas that cannot accommodate a dine-in store, the Panera To Go format does not offer any seating. The company plans to open two additional Panera To Go cafes in California and Washington D.C. later in 2022, and will also evaluate adding kiosk and catering orders to the new format in the future.
Source: Chain Store Age
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