Panera streamlines mobile ordering

Panera Bread is introducing a new ordering option on its app for customers on the go.

The fast-casual restaurant chain is rolling out a one-swipe order feature for its app users. Called “Crunch Time Ordering,” the new option enables customers to have their favorite meals pre-programmed to be ordered for delivery or in-store pickup at a set date and time with a single swipe.

According to Panera, it designed the new, free feature to remove the “thinking and unnecessary steps out of dinner crunch time.” Available exclusively for MyPanera loyalty program members on the Panera iOS app, Crunch Time Ordering is is also integrated with mobile personalized recommendations tailored to customer preferences.

How it works

• Customers add their regular Panera order as a favorite in the iOS app..
• App users then schedule and select your "Crunch Time.” Panera will remind them to place their order at the busiest times in their schedule.
• When customers receive the notification, they can place a Crunch Time order with one swipe in the app and have it prepared for in-store pickup or delivery.

Panera goes high-tech for ordering and payment

The launch of Crunch Time Ordering follows the rollout of other omnichannel ordering features, such as curbside, mobile order-ahead for plated dine-in, rapid pick-up, and delivery. 

In addition, the retailer is allowing members of its MyPanera loyalty program to order via Amazon Alexa, using Echo Show devices. With this new feature, MyPanera members can ask Alexa on an Echo Show device to order Panera items for pick-up or delivery, and the order will be completed.

"We are thrilled to introduce Crunch Time Ordering as the ultimate one-swipe ordering option on the Panera app," said Meenakshi Nagarajan, chief digital officer, Panera Bread. "Our guests lead busy lives and need convenience more than ever. They have always been able to rely on Panera for delicious food made with great ingredients, and now we have their backs when they need to quickly and easily have dinner handled between meetings, practices or recitals, or other moments of crunch time in their lives."

As of Aug. 29, 2023, there were 2,131 stores in 48 U.S. states and in Ontario, Canada, operating under the Panera Bread or Saint Louis Bread Co. names. Panera Bread is part of Panera Brands, a U.S.-based fast casual restaurant company comprised of Panera Bread, Caribou Coffee, and Einstein Bros. Bagels.