Panera Bread is celebrating a landmark anniversary by introducing a new way to order.
For the first time in its nearly 40-year history, the fast-casual chain is launching a 10-item Mix & Match value menu, allowing customers to combine half sandwiches, half salads, soup cups and a rotating seasonal item for a flat price of $4.99.
Starting Wednesday, the menu features three half sandwiches, four half salads, and three soup cup options, with a minimum purchase of two items required. Each Mix & Match meal will also include a choice of apple, baguette, or chips on the side.
Don’t worry, Panera loyalists: the chain’s classic You Pick Two menu is still available nationwide at regular prices, while the new Mix & Match menu aims to deliver the same quality and variety at a lower price point.
“The Panera Mix & Match Menu is Panera at its best: delicious menu offerings made from thoughtfully sourced, quality ingredients like Fuji apples, spicy soppressata or focaccia bread - now brought together on a value menu designed to offer a deal that’s actually a meal,” Mark Shambura, Chief Marketing Officer at Panera, said in a statement. “With the Mix & Match Menu, Panera is introducing the first value menu of its kind – one that doesn’t require compromise and makes it easy for guests to combine quality, craveable selections into a meal that truly satisfies at a great value."
The Mix & Match menu includes:
- Half Sandwiches: Toasted Italiano, Toasted Caprese Focaccia, Bacon Turkey Bravo
- Half Salads: Fuji Apple Chicken, Ranch Parm BLT, Caesar, Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad
- Cups of Soup: Creamy Tomato, Homestyle Chicken Noodle, Bistro French Onion
Customers can order the Mix & Match menu in stores, through the Panera app or online at PaneraBread.com.
Founded in Kirkwood, Missouri, in 1987, Panera now joins other chains offering more affordable menu options to meet growing customer demand.
Earlier this month, McDonald’s revealed the success of its own value strategy. The fast-food giant reported that global same-store sales rose 5.7 percent in the fourth quarter of 2025, surpassing Wall Street’s 3.9 percent forecast. Revenue and earnings also beat expectations. Price cuts on combo meals, the McValue menu, and the return of $2.99 Snack Wraps helped bring back lower-income customers who had previously reduced their visits, company executives said.
In January, Wendy’s expanded its Biggie Deals with $4, $6 and $8 value meals, letting customers mix a main item with a side or drink. Taco Bell, for example, expanded its value menu in January 2025 and saw same-store sales jump 7 percent in the last quarter. Wendy’s expanded its Biggie Deals with $4, $6, and $8 value meals, letting customers mix a main item with a side or drink.
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