How I Built This with Guy Raz
Panera Bread/Au Bon Pain: Ron Shaich (2018)
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.
42:09
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Quick takeaways
- Ron Shaich's innovative idea led to the creation of Panera, a successful fast casual dining option.
- Shaich's decision to streamline resources and focus solely on Panera resulted in significant growth and value.
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Overview of Panera's Transformation
Panera experienced a significant transformation under the leadership of Ron Shaich. Initially acquiring the struggling Obon Pan bakery, Shaich's innovative idea led to the creation of Panera, a bakery cafe concept that quickly gained popularity. Through astute observation and customer demand for sandwiches in addition to their bread offerings, Panera expanded rapidly and stood out as a fast casual dining option. Despite facing resistance during the financial crisis, Panera's strategic approach to the market allowed it to thrive, opening a new store every three days in the midst of economic turmoil.
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