Panera Bread has discontinued several chicken sandwiches over the years as it has evolved its menu offerings. Most notably, in 2017, Panera discontinued its Asian Sesame Chicken salad and sandwich due to changes in consumer preferences.
The Discontinued Asian Sesame Chicken
In early 2017, Panera Bread removed the Asian Sesame Chicken salad and sandwich from its permanent menu offerings. This decision was made based on feedback that the Asian-inspired chicken options were not resonating with customers as much as hoped.
The Asian Sesame Chicken salad contained grilled chicken, napa cabbage, carrots, sesame seeds, almonds, crispy wontons and ginger dressing. The Asian Sesame Chicken sandwich included chicken, napa cabbage slaw, crisp cucumber slices and sesame mayo on bread.
While these dishes offered a unique flavor profile within Panera’s menu, they did not drive high enough sales to justify keeping them as permanent options. Panera stated that it would continue to innovate with more on-trend Asian-inspired options.
The Demise of the Club Chicken Sandwich
Another chicken sandwich no longer found at Panera is the Club Chicken Sandwich. This sandwich featured chicken, applewood smoked bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, mayo and honey mustard on toasted bread.
The Club Chicken Sandwich was removed from menus in 2014 when Panera revamped its sandwich offerings. It was replaced by more premium chicken sandwich options like the Chipotle Chicken Avocado Sandwich and the Napa Almond Chicken Salad Sandwich.
By eliminating the Club Chicken Sandwich, Panera likely aimed to boost its sandwich line-up with more unique flavor combinations and upscale ingredients. The basic club-style sandwich may have appeared too common compared to bold new options highlighting avocado, chipotle or almonds.
Goodbye to Chicken Salad Sandwiches
In addition to the Club Chicken Sandwich, Panera phased out all of its classic chicken salad sandwiches several years back. Options like the Traditional Chicken Salad Sandwich and Greek Chicken Salad Sandwich were mainstays but eventually removed.
These simple sandwiches featured chicken salad and lettuce on bread, sometimes with cucumbers or other basic ingredients. While tasty, these sandwiches probably did not align with Panera’s revamped menu focused on specialty ingredients and unique flavors.
By eliminating its basic chicken salad sandwiches, Panera likely aimed to promote its chicken salad not as a filling between bread but rather as a starring ingredient in salads and bowls.
Farewell to the Crispy Chicken Sandwich
Panera previously offered a standard fried Crispy Chicken Sandwich many years ago. It featured a fried chicken breast patty, pickles, lettuce and mayo on a brioche bun.
As Panera worked to improve its brand image and positioning in the 2010s, premium sandwiches with higher quality ingredients were introduced. The basic fried chicken sandwich was discontinued in this shift. Panera no longer offers any fried chicken entrees.
Removing fried and low-end options allowed Panera to solidify its reputation for serving healthier, clean foods. The Crispy Chicken Sandwich belonged to an old version of Panera before its menu elevated.
Goodbye to Value Menu Chicken Sandwiches
In 2007, Panera experimented with a value menu that included several chicken sandwiches priced under $5. Options included the Chicken Parmesan Sandwich, Cobb Chicken Sandwich and Chicken Salad Melt.
However, value menus and discount offerings strayed from Panera’s brand identity focused on quality over value. By 2008, Panera removed these inexpensive chicken sandwiches and other value menu items as it re-centered its menu priorities.
Focusing on premium ingredients and crafting an upscale fast casual experience meant phasing out the lower-end sandwiches that diluted Panera’s revamped brand vision.
Conclusion
Over the past 15 years, Panera Bread strategically discontinued several chicken sandwiches that no longer aligned with its desired brand positioning and menu evolution. Options like the Asian Sesame Chicken, Club Chicken Sandwich and Classic Chicken Salad Sandwich were phased out in favor of more premium sandwiches with trendy flavors and ingredients.
By eliminating fried, inexpensive and basic chicken sandwich choices, Panera distinguished itself as a higher quality fast casual chain. Though some old favorites were removed, Panera’s menu elevations helped strengthen its reputation for serving healthy and tasty fare.