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Panera Bread names new Chief Development Officer
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Panera Bread appointed a new Chief Development Officer, Brian Krause. In this role, Krause aims to drive new store growth, lead development planning, franchise development and sales, design & construction and real estate, the company details. Krause joined the company on January 13 and reports to Interim CEO Paul Carbone.

Krause is an industry veteran in franchise development and sales, coming from GoTo Foods, where he oversaw activities aimed at driving the growth of all its seven brands.

Previously, he worked at Inspire Brands as Chief Development Officer of Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches, responsible for franchising, real estate, development, and design and construction.

“Brian brings deep industry expertise in franchise sales and development, and I’m incredibly excited to welcome him to Panera at such a key time of growth,” said Paul Carbone, Interim CEO, Panera Bread. “With a simplified operating model and a variety of proven cafe formats, Panera is well-positioned to drive both company and franchise growth this year and beyond. As a proven leader and collaborator, Brian is exactly the right person to help accelerate our plan for new unit growth.”

Krause joins the company just as Panera is accelerating its innovation and growth efforts. The company is primed to introduce new units this year via a range of cafe concepts, including a smaller format that allows entry into new locations, the company announced.

The latest of this model recently opened in Monticello, MN and features a cafe layout designed to serve off-premise and on-the-go guests, while continuing to offer a warm and welcoming environment for guests dining in.

“Panera Bread is an outstanding restaurant concept, and I look forward to working and collaborating with our team members, leadership and franchise partners to bring Panera Bread to more communities across the country,” said Brian Krause, Chief Development Officer, Panera Bread.

Panera Bread had 2,216 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, on December 31, 2024.

Photo: Panera Bread social media