Panera Bread Announces Brian Krause as Chief Development Officer

Panera Bread, a leader and pioneer in the fast casual restaurant industry, today announced that Brian Krause has joined the company as Chief Development Officer. Krause will be responsible for driving strategic new store growth for Panera Bread, leading development planning, franchise development and sales, design & construction and real estate. Krause joined the company on January 13 and reports to Interim CEO Paul Carbone.

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PANERA BREAD ANNOUNCES BRIAN KRAUSE AS CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER. (Photo: Business Wire)

An industry veteran in franchise development and sales, Krause joins the company from GoTo Foods where he oversaw growth-driving efforts for all seven brands including Auntie Anne’s, Jamba, Moe’s Southwest Grill, Schlotzsky’s and more. Previously, he worked at Inspire Brands serving as Chief Development Officer of Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches, responsible for franchising, real estate, development, and design and construction. Prior to that, Krause was Senior Vice President, Franchise Development for Wyndham Hotels and Resorts.

“Brian brings deep industry expertise in franchise sales and development, and I’m incredibly excited to welcome him to Panera at such a key time of growth,” said Paul Carbone, Interim CEO, Panera Bread. “With a simplified operating model and a variety of proven cafe formats, Panera is well-positioned to drive both company and franchise growth this year and beyond. As a proven leader and collaborator, Brian is exactly the right person to help accelerate our plan for new unit growth.”

Krause joins the company at a pivotal time for Panera as the company focuses on innovation and growth. The company is primed to drive new units this year via a range of cafe concepts, including a smaller format that allows entry into new locations while providing the familiar Panera experience guests know and love. The latest of this model recently opened in Monticello, MN and features a cafe layout designed to support convenience for off-premise and on-the-go guests, while continuing to offer a warm and welcoming environment for guests dining in.

“Panera Bread is an outstanding restaurant concept, and I look forward to working and collaborating with our team members, leadership and franchise partners to bring Panera Bread to more communities across the country,” said Brian Krause, Chief Development Officer, Panera Bread.

About Panera Bread

Our first cafe opened in 1987, founded with a secret sourdough starter and the belief that the best part of bread is sharing it. That vision led to the invention of the Fast Casual category with Panera at the forefront, serving as America's kitchen table centered around our delicious menu of chef-curated recipes that are crafted with care by our team members. We make food that we are proud to serve our own families, from crave-worthy soups, salads and sandwiches to mac & cheese and sweets. Each recipe is filled with ingredients we feel good about and none of those we don't because we are committed to serving our guests food that feels good in the moment and long after. While our company is now more than 2,200 cafes strong, our values and belief in the lasting power of a great meal remain as strong as ever. We spend each day filling bellies, building empowered teams and inspiring communities. Nothing beats breaking bread together.

As of December 31, 2024 there were 2,216 cafes, company and franchise, in 48 states and Washington D.C., and in Ontario, Canada, operating under the Panera Bread^® or Saint Louis Bread Co.^® names. Panera Bread is part of Panera Brands, one of the largest fast casual restaurant companies in the U.S., comprised of Panera Bread^®, Caribou Coffee^® and Einstein Bros.^® Bagels. For more information, visit panerabread.com or find us on Twitter (@panerabread), Facebook (facebook.com/panerabread) Instagram (@panerabread) or TikTok (@panerabread).

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