Panera launches fall menu with lasagna soup

Panera Bread rolled out its fall menu on September 2, adding a new Three-Cheese Lasagna Soup, Ciabatta Dippers and a PB&J Cookie at bakery-cafes nationwide. The chain also brought back the Chocolate Chip Bagel as part of the seasonal lineup, according to Panera’s press release and a RestaurantNews posting of the announcement. Panera said the menu is designed around soups, warm sandwiches and bakery items for the fall season. (panerabread.com) The launch follows an earlier pumpkin-focused bakery and beverage release in August. (restaurantnews.com) ### What exactly is new on Panera’s fall menu? The September 2 launch centers on Three-Cheese Lasagna Soup, which Panera described as a ricotta-tomato broth with Italian-style sausage, lasagna ribbon pasta, parmesan cheese and an asiago topping. (panerabread.com) RestaurantNews listed that soup as the headline new savory item in the drop. Panera also added a PB&J Cookie, described in coverage of the launch as a peanut butter cookie filled with grape jelly and finished with powdered sugar. The same rollout included Ciabatta Dippers, which Panera positioned alongside its soup lineup. ### Which items are returning for the season? (panerabread.com) The Chocolate Chip Bagel returned with the fall menu, and Panera named it among the featured seasonal favorites coming back nationwide. The company also said its broader fall soup lineup includes Rustic Baked Potato Soup and Autumn Squash Soup. RestaurantNews said the seasonal drop was available at bakery-cafes nationwide. (panerabread.com) Panera’s press page used the same nationwide language in its announcement. ### What did Panera say about the launch? Scott Uehlein, Panera’s vice president of culinary, said in the company’s announcement that the chain had crafted a menu that brings “warm comfort, nostalgia and exciting new flavors” to different occasions. (restaurantnews.com) He cited the new soup, the PB&J Cookie and the returning Chocolate Chip Bagel in describing the seasonal mix. Panera said the launch was timed for cooler weather and back-to-school routines. Its press release framed the menu around “cozy comfort” and positioned the chain’s cafes as a destination for soups and warm sandwiches in the season ahead. (panerabread.com) ### How does this fit with Panera’s earlier fall rollout? (panerabread.com) On August 19, Panera separately launched fall bakery and beverage items including the Pumpkin Spice Latte and other pumpkin drinks and treats, according to RestaurantNews. That earlier wave focused on coffee and sweets rather than the soup-and-sandwich items announced for September 2. The September menu therefore expands Panera’s fall offering beyond pumpkin beverages into lunch, dinner and bakery items. (restaurantnews.com) Outside coverage of the release highlighted the soup and dipper additions as the main new food items in the second phase of the chain’s seasonal push. ### Where can customers get the items now? Panera said the fall menu is available at bakery-cafes nationwide beginning September 2. (panerabread.com) The company’s menu and ordering pages show customers can also order through Panera’s digital channels, including its app, website, delivery and Rapid Pick-Up where available. Panera’s next step is continuing the seasonal run through the fall at participating locations nationwide, with the menu now live on its ordering platforms. (restaurantnews.com) (panerabread.com) (fastcompany.com)