GoTo Foods development chief joins Panera Bread C-suite
Panera Bread has tapped a development veteran to join its C-suite.
The fast-casual chain known for soups, salads and sandwiches has named Brian Krause as its chief development officer. He 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 Jan. 13 and reports to interim CEO Paul Carbone.
Krause joins Panera Bread from GoTo Foods, where served as chief development officer since July of 2020. In the role, he oversaw growth-driving efforts for all seven brands including Auntie Anne’s, Jamba Juice, Moe’s Southwest Grill, Schlotzsky’s and more. Previously, he worked at Inspire Brands serving as chief development officer of Jimmy John’s, responsible for franchising, real estate, development, and design and construction. Prior to that, Krause was senior VP of franchise development at Wyndham Hotels and Resorts and spent more than 14 years there in a variety of roles.
[READ MORE: Panera Brands CEO resigns; interim chief named]
“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 Carbone. “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.”
Panera says the chain is primed to drive new units this year via a range of cafe concepts, including a smaller format that allows entry into new locations. The latest small format store recently opened in Monticello, Minn. and features a cafe layout designed to support convenience.
“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 Krause.
As of Dec. 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 and Saint Louis Bread Co. names. Panera Bread is part of Panera Brands, which also owns Caribou Coffee and Einstein Bros. Bagels.
