Panera Brands names new CEO
Panera Brands Inc. has lifted the interim tag from its interim chief executive.
The fast-casual parent company, whose brands include Panera Bread, Einstein Bros. Brands and Caribou Coffee, has announced the appointment of Paul Carbone as CEO, effective immediately. Carbone previously served as CFO for the company and was appointed to the role of interim CEO in January 2025 following the resignation of José Alberto Dueñas.
Carbone joined Panera Brands in August 2023, bringing decades of experience in the restaurant, consumer goods and retail industries, including serving as CFO of Dunkin’ Brands from 2012 to 2017. He has also been CFO of Yeti Holdings and Shark Ninja.
“Paul’s commitment and significant contributions to Panera over the past two years – coupled with his impressive track record of success with both public and private companies in the industry – demonstrate that he has both the experience and the vision to lead the company through a period of transformation,” said Patrick Grismer, board chair of Panera Brands. “Paul’s tremendous focus on building talented teams who are passionate about delivering exceptional guest experiences and best-in-class franchisee profitability make him the right person to lead Panera into this next chapter of growth.”
During his time as CFO, Panera Brands credits Carbone with playing a significant role in strengthening Panera Bread’s business by identifying and executing improvements in key areas, including menu transformation, value and guest experience.
“There is tremendous opportunity ahead for Panera Brands and I believe that we are on the right path to return Panera back to its rightful position as the industry leader in fast-casual,” said Carbone. “I look forward to working with the team to execute a strategic multi-year plan focused on building great teams, delivering an exceptional guest experience and driving franchise profitability.”
[READ MORE: Longtime former Dunkin' exec joins Panera Bread C-suite]
As of March 4, 2025, there were nearly 2,200 bakery-cafes, company and franchise, in 48 states and Washington D.C., and in Ontario, Canada, operating under the Panera Bread or Saint Louis Bread Co. names. Einstein Bros. Brands, consisting of Einstein Bros. Bagels, Bruegger’s Bagels, Noah’s New York Bagels and Manhattan Bagel, operates more than 700 units (excluding 277 licensed units) across the U.S. Caribou Coffee operates more than 800 coffeehouses in 11 countries.
