St. Louis — Panera Bread has hired Brian Krause to be the company’s new chief development officer. He will be responsible for driving strategic new store growth for Panera Bread, leading development planning, franchise development and sales, design & construction and real estate. Krause joined the company on Jan. 13 and reports to the interim CEO, Paul Carbone.
An industry veteran in franchise development and sales, Krause joins the company from GoTo Foods where he oversaw growth-driving efforts for all seven brands including Auntie Anne’s, Jamba, Moe’s Southwest Grill, Schlotzsky’s and more. Previously, he worked at Inspire Brands serving as chief development officer of Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches, responsible for franchising, real estate, development, and design and construction. Prior to that, Krause was senior vice president, franchise development for Wyndham Hotels and Resorts.
“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,” says Carbone. “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 at a pivotal time for Panera as the company focuses on innovation and growth. The company is primed to drive new units this year via a range of cafe concepts, including a smaller format that allows entry into new locations while providing the familiar Panera experience guests know and love. The latest of this model recently opened in Monticello, Minn., and features a cafe layout designed to support convenience for off-premise and on-the-go guests, while continuing to offer a warm and welcoming environment for guests dining in.
Panera Bread first opened in 1987. Today, the company operates more than 2,200 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. Panera Bread is part of Panera Brands, one of the largest fast-casual restaurant companies in the U.S., comprised of Panera Bread®, Caribou Coffee® and Einstein Bros.® Bagels. For more information, visit www.panerabread.com.
SOURCE: Panera Bread