Panera
Restaurant DesignHaving the opportunity to create a brand from inception to recognized category leader in quick casual dining is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Panera was launched at a time in our country when customers were calling for an environment where they could gather in peace and enjoy real food. The use of bread in daily meals was also on the rise.
For this unique opportunity, I teamed up with two other brand creators to give birth to Panera’s brand essence and brand voice as leader in the neighborhood gathering place experience.
Through the use of materials and colors that invite and relax the guest, along with a variety of seating options, and focal points such as fireplace, we made sure guests were comfortable and felt at home.
These first prototype designs were like no other in the industry. Soon guests were thinking of this neighborhood bakery-cafe as “their” Panera. As with any innovative concept, competitors jumped on the opportunity to channel Panera’s success. However, our team continued to evolve the brand so that it never could be copied.
Today Panera is the leading brand in quick casual. I can look proudly back at its evolution and feel confident that it was some of my best brand design.
Warm colors evoke thoughts of home and gathering.
The bread shop image is centuries old.
The hearth connects with bread and baking.
Lighting dances in the air to delight.
Tile, fabrics, wood and lighting combine to invite gathering.
Having the opportunity to create a brand from inception to recognized category leader in quick casual dining is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Panera was launched at a time in our country when customers were calling for an environment where they could gather in peace and enjoy real food. The use of bread in daily meals was also on the rise.
For this unique opportunity, I teamed up with two other brand creators to give birth to Panera’s brand essence and brand voice as leader in the neighborhood gathering place experience.
Through the use of materials and colors that invite and relax the guest, along with a variety of seating options, and focal points such as fireplace, we made sure guests were comfortable and felt at home.
These first prototype designs were like no other in the industry. Soon guests were thinking of this neighborhood bakery-cafe as “their” Panera. As with any innovative concept, competitors jumped on the opportunity to channel Panera’s success. However, our team continued to evolve the brand so that it never could be copied.
Today Panera is the leading brand in quick casual. I can look proudly back at its evolution and feel confident that it was some of my best brand design.