Spotlight:

2008 Partnership Award: Panera Bread

The Panera Bread legacy began in 1981 as Au Bon Pain Co., Inc., founded by Louis Kane and Ron Shaich. The company prospered along the East Coast of the U.S. and internationally throughout the 1980s and 1990s and became the dominant operator within the bakery-café category. In 1993, Au Bon Pain Co., Inc. purchased Saint Louis Bread Co., a chain of 20 bakery-cafés located in the St. Louis area. Ultimately, the concept’s name was changed to Panera Bread. By 1997, it was clear that Panera Bread had the potential to become one of the leading brands in the nation. In May 1999, all of Au Bon Pain Co., Inc.’s business units were sold, with the exception of Panera Bread, and the company was renamed Panera Bread. Today, there are 1,185 Panera Bread® and Saint Louis Bread Co.® in states delivering fresh, authentic artisan bread on a national scale, 21 of which are located in Connecticut.

Connecticut Food Bank and Panera Bread have been partners in the fight against hunger since 2004. In the past four years, Panera has given more than $67,000 through its charitable foundation and the Operation Dough-Nation program. Panera cafés in the service territory of Connecticut Food Bank placed Community Breadboxes for customers to make cash donations, and a portion of those funds were matched by Panera and its franchisee. In 2007, Panera presented Connecticut Food Bank with a check for nearly $40,000 from this fantastic initiative. In addition to their financial contributions, Panera has sponsored and provided refreshments for Connecticut Food Bank’s Walk Against Hunger and 25th Anniversary Open House series. They have willingly provided support to Connecticut Food Bank for many occasions.

Connecticut Food Bank was proud to present to Panera Bread a Partnership Award for its commitment to the community and its dedication to our mission to help our neighbors in need.