It’s no secret that fast casual restaurants have struggled in recent years, with some companies turning to cheaper options as a way to lure customers back. 

The latest chain to do so is Panera Bread, which just announced its first-ever value menu. It includes 10 items that are each $4.99.

Customers must pick at least two items to use the menu and will get the typical free side of an apple, chips or bread.

Anyone who has been to Panera will recognize it as a scaled-down version of the long-standing You Pick Two deal.

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[Photo: Panera]

There are four half sandwiches, three half salads, and three cups of soup. There will be a rotating seasonal item, but to start Panera’s value menu will include:

Sandwiches

Salads

Soups

Panera’s value menu follows similar offerings that have popped up from restaurant chains like Taco Bell, McDonald’s, and more.

They’ve come as high inflation caused fast food menu prices to shoot up and customers to revolt. In 2024, McDonald’s released its $5 value meal, a move that has proved successful in increasing sales, The New York Times reported earlier this month.

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