What started as a modest neighborhood bakery has since turned into so much more.
This included 12 upgrades to established classics like the Fuji Apple Chicken Salad and the Bravo Club.
But I, for one, am hopeful that the fresh items will help to cushion the blow.
Photos: Panera Bread. Design: Eat This, Not That!
To find out, I got ahead of trying out the chain’s four new sandwiches specifically.
These include a Chicken Bacon Rancher, Ciabatta Cheesesteak, Toasted Italiano, and a Tomato Basil BLT.
The full sandwich cost me $12.29.
Photo: Megan Hageman/Eat This, Not That!
But, it’s also available in a half-portion for $8.89.
The look:Thick and fluffy focaccia bread with just a thin layer of inner ingredients.
But, present in such a large amount, it does seem to overtake the entire sammie.
Photo: Megan Hageman/Eat This, Not That!
Bacon pieces are hardly noticeable at all.
And, although the chicken is tender and smothered with a creamy ranch, it falls flat.
With a name like Chicken Bacon Rancher, I expected heartier portions of meat.
Photo: Megan Hageman/Eat This, Not That!
So, overall this one was a bit anticlimactic, though still a great choice for focaccia fanatics.
But, this newCiabatta Cheesesteakis currently the only beef-based sandwich on the menu.
As a steak sandwich, it is a little pricier at $12.99.
Photo: Megan Hageman/Eat This, Not That!
But, a half size is also available for $9.29.
The look:Dry but meaty.
Cut thick with a crispy top, the ciabatta bread has a commanding presence.
Underneath, steak sprawls out from all sides in a dark brown color.
The taste:When you get a bite of everything all together, it’s pure bliss.
The onions' sweetness offsets the savory, tender beef.
But, unfortunately, these all-inclusive mouthfuls are few and far between.
Toppings aren’t well dispersed and minimal overall, leaving the steak vulnerable and exposing its chewy side.
Plus, without other supplemental flavors, the bread is once again overwhelming.
The whole sandwich costs $12.99 or a half order comes in at $9.29.
The look:A behemoth of a sandwich.
I thought my local Panera had flubbed up and given me two.
I had to roll up my sleeves and grab an extra napkin for this one.
And, I think it’s because all the ingredients are wildly in sync, starting with the meats.
Mild ham makes for a filling base while a touch of salty spice drips from the soppressata.
This is somehow my most and least favorite part of the sandwich wrapped into one.
The juicy layer adds undeniable bursts of flavor and moistness.
But, after a while, it gets old and starts to taste more greasy than anything else.
All in all, though, it’s still quitedelizioso!
So, this Panera addition is coming at just the right time.
Dark greens poke out from every side, obviously fresh.
The taste:The taste is just as refreshing as the look.
But, I was later eating my words, not to mention, every last bit of this BLT.
The greens and tomato slices aren’t just extras in this performance.
Unbelievably fresh and crunchy, they dazzle all on their own.
And, the garlic aiolimuch more noticeable here than in the cheesesteakwas the perfect sauce choice.
It’s a flawless take on the classic three-part sandwich.
