How I Built This with Guy Raz Panera Bread/Au Bon Pain: Ron Shaich (2018)
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Feb 10, 2020 Ron Shaich, founder of Panera Bread, shares his transformative journey from acquiring a struggling bakery, Au Bon Pain, to creating the fast-casual restaurant revolution. He discusses innovative strategies that led to Panera’s meteoric rise, emphasizing the blend of quick service with quality dining. Listeners will also hear about the pivotal moments and leadership challenges he faced while building a brand that now includes over 2,000 locations. Plus, a heartwarming update on Lisa Dalton, who turned a personal challenge into a life-changing solution for the visually impaired.
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Shoplifting Incident
- Ron Shaich's friends were accused of shoplifting, inspiring them to open a convenience store.
- This experience sparked Shaich's interest in business and led to his first entrepreneurial venture.
The Cookie Jar
- After his MBA, Shaich worked at Original Cookie Company, expanding its stores significantly.
- He realized the potential for urban cookie stores, leading him to resign and start his own.
Inheritance as Grubstake
- Shaich faced difficulty securing a lease for his cookie store due to lack of credibility.
- He used his inheritance to fund his first store, The Cookie Jar, in downtown Boston.