Reviewing Panera Catering Menu Prices allows you to order boxed lunches or bulk salads for office meetings efficiently. Whether you’re planning a corporate lunch, a team celebration, or a family gathering, knowing the exact costs helps you stay within budget. This guide breaks down every item, portion size, and price point so you can make an informed decision without any guesswork.
Panera’s catering menu is designed for groups of all sizes. From small bagel trays to large salad bowls, each option has a clear price tag. You’ll find everything from breakfast items to hearty lunch boxes, all listed with their current costs. Let’s start with the most popular choices.
Panera Catering Menu Prices Overview
The core of Panera’s catering menu revolves around boxed lunches, bulk salads, and sandwich platters. Each category has multiple options, and prices vary based on portion size. Here’s a quick snapshot of what you can expect to pay.
- Boxed lunches: $10.99 to $12.99 per person
- Bulk salads (serves 8-10): $49.99 to $69.99
- Sandwich platters (serves 8-10): $59.99 to $79.99
- Bagel trays (serves 8-10): $24.99 to $34.99
- Pastry trays (serves 8-10): $29.99 to $39.99
- Beverage dispensers (serves 8-10): $14.99 to $24.99
These prices are base estimates and can vary by location. Always check your local Panera for exact pricing. The menu is designed to be flexible, so you can mix and match items to fit your group’s needs.
Boxed Lunch Options And Costs
Boxed lunches are the most popular catering choice for offices. Each box includes a sandwich or salad, a side, a baguette, and a cookie. Here are the current prices for each type.
- Smoked Turkey & Cheddar Box: $11.49
- Grilled Chicken Caesar Box: $11.99
- Asian Sesame Chicken Box: $12.49
- Turkey & Avocado BLT Box: $12.99
- Classic Salad Box (with choice of dressing): $10.99
- Tomato Basil Mozzarella Box: $11.49
Each box comes with a choice of apple or chips. You can also upgrade to a larger cookie or add a drink for an extra charge. The boxed lunch option is perfect for meetings where everyone eats at their desk.
Bulk Salad Prices For Groups
If you need to feed a larger crowd, bulk salads are a cost-effective choice. These come in large bowls that serve 8 to 10 people. Here are the most common options.
- Caesar Salad (large): $49.99
- Asian Sesame Chicken Salad (large): $59.99
- Greek Salad (large): $54.99
- Fuji Apple Chicken Salad (large): $64.99
- Strawberry Poppyseed Salad (large): $69.99
All bulk salads come with dressing on the side and croutons. You can also add grilled chicken for an extra $15.00 per bowl. This is a great option for buffet-style lunches or potlucks.
Sandwich Platter Pricing
Sandwich platters are another popular choice for meetings. Each platter includes a variety of sandwiches cut into halves, served on a large tray. Here’s what you’ll pay.
- Smoked Turkey & Cheddar Platter: $59.99
- Ham & Swiss Platter: $59.99
- Roasted Turkey & Avocado BLT Platter: $69.99
- Grilled Chicken & Pesto Platter: $74.99
- Vegetarian (Tomato Basil Mozzarella) Platter: $64.99
Each platter serves 8 to 10 people and includes a side of pickles and a baguette. You can also add a salad or soup to round out the meal. The platter option is ideal for sit-down lunches where everyone eats together.
Breakfast Catering Menu Prices
Panera also offers a robust breakfast catering menu. This is perfect for early morning meetings or team breakfasts. Prices are similar to lunch items but with different portion sizes.
Bagel Trays And Spreads
Bagel trays are a classic breakfast option. Each tray includes assorted bagels with cream cheese and butter. Here are the prices.
- Bagel Tray (serves 8-10): $24.99
- Bagel Tray with Smoked Salmon (serves 8-10): $39.99
- Mini Bagel Tray (serves 4-6): $14.99
You can choose from plain, everything, sesame, and cinnamon raisin bagels. Cream cheese comes in plain, reduced-fat, and chive varieties. This is a budget-friendly option for large groups.
Pastry And Breakfast Sandwich Options
For a sweeter start, pastry trays are available. These include muffins, scones, and croissants. Prices are as follows.
- Pastry Tray (serves 8-10): $29.99
- Breakfast Sandwich Platter (serves 8-10): $49.99
- Yogurt & Granola Parfait Tray (serves 8-10): $34.99
The breakfast sandwich platter includes a mix of bacon, egg, and cheese sandwiches on croissants or bagels. This is a heartier option for teams that need fuel for a long morning.
Beverage Options For Breakfast
Don’t forget drinks. Panera offers coffee and tea dispensers for catering. Here are the prices.
- Regular Coffee Dispenser (serves 8-10): $14.99
- Decaf Coffee Dispenser (serves 8-10): $14.99
- Hot Tea Dispenser (serves 8-10): $12.99
- Iced Coffee Dispenser (serves 8-10): $19.99
You can also add a milk and sugar station for an extra $5.00. Beverages are a must for any breakfast meeting, and these prices are reasonable for the quantity.
Soup And Side Options
Panera’s catering menu also includes soups and sides. These are great additions to any meal. Here are the prices for bulk soups.
- Broccoli Cheddar Soup (large, serves 8-10): $39.99
- Chicken Noodle Soup (large, serves 8-10): $34.99
- Tomato Basil Soup (large, serves 8-10): $36.99
- Baked Potato Soup (large, serves 8-10): $39.99
Sides like apple slices, chips, and baguettes are also available. A bulk baguette (serves 8-10) costs $9.99. These sides help round out the meal without breaking the bank.
Dessert Trays And Treats
For a sweet finish, dessert trays are available. These include cookies, brownies, and other treats. Prices are as follows.
- Cookie Tray (serves 8-10): $24.99
- Brownie Tray (serves 8-10): $29.99
- Assorted Dessert Tray (serves 8-10): $34.99
Each tray includes a mix of flavors. The cookie tray has chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, and sugar cookies. Dessert trays are a nice touch for celebratory meetings.
How To Order And Save Money
Ordering from Panera’s catering menu is straightforward. You can place orders online or through the app. Here are some tips to save money.
- Order at least 24 hours in advance to avoid rush fees.
- Choose boxed lunches for small groups to control portions.
- Mix and match bulk items for larger groups to reduce per-person cost.
- Look for seasonal promotions or discounts on the website.
- Use a Panera rewards account to earn points on catering orders.
Panera also offers a “Catering for 10” deal where you can get a discount on orders over $100. Check your local store for specific offers. Planning ahead is the best way to keep costs down.
Delivery And Pickup Options
Panera offers both delivery and pickup for catering orders. Delivery fees vary by location but typically range from $5.00 to $15.00. Pickup is free and often faster. Here’s what you need to know.
- Delivery requires a minimum order of $50.00.
- Delivery windows are available from 7 AM to 7 PM.
- Pickup is available during store hours.
- You can schedule delivery up to 7 days in advance.
For large orders, it’s best to call the store directly. This ensures everything is ready on time. Many locations also offer contactless delivery for convenience.
Customizing Your Catering Order
Panera allows some customization for catering orders. You can request specific bread types, dressings, or toppings. Here are the most common modifications.
- Substitute gluten-free bread for an extra $1.50 per box.
- Request extra dressing or sauce for no additional charge.
- Choose all white meat chicken for salads (no extra cost).
- Request vegetarian or vegan options for specific boxes.
Most modifications are free or have a small fee. Always confirm with the store when placing your order. Customization helps accommodate dietary restrictions without hassle.
Allergen Information
Panera provides allergen information for all menu items. You can view this on their website or ask the store directly. Common allergens include wheat, dairy, soy, and nuts. Here are some tips for handling allergies.
- Request separate containers for dressings and toppings.
- Choose boxed lunches with known ingredients.
- Avoid bulk items if multiple allergies are present.
- Ask for a full ingredient list for any item.
Panera is generally good about accommodating allergies, but it’s always best to double-check. For severe allergies, call the store to speak with a manager.
Comparing Panera To Other Catering Options
Panera’s catering prices are competitive with other chains like Subway, Jimmy John’s, and Jason’s Deli. Here’s a quick comparison.
- Subway boxed lunches: $8.99 to $11.99 per person
- Jimmy John’s boxed lunches: $9.99 to $12.99 per person
- Jason’s Deli boxed lunches: $10.99 to $13.99 per person
- Panera boxed lunches: $10.99 to $12.99 per person
Panera falls in the mid-range for pricing. However, the quality of ingredients and variety of options often justifies the cost. For office meetings, Panera is a reliable choice that most people enjoy.
When To Choose Panera Over Others
Panera is best for groups that value fresh, high-quality ingredients. If your team prefers healthy options like salads and whole-grain breads, Panera is a good fit. It’s also ideal for meetings where dietary restrictions are a concern.
For budget-conscious groups, Subway or Jimmy John’s might be cheaper. But for a more premium experience, Panera is worth the extra cost. Consider your group’s preferences before deciding.
Tips For A Smooth Catering Experience
To ensure everything goes well, follow these steps when ordering Panera catering.
- Confirm the number of guests and order accordingly.
- Choose a mix of proteins and vegetarian options.
- Schedule delivery or pickup at least 30 minutes before the event.
- Check the order upon arrival for accuracy.
- Have napkins, plates, and utensils ready.
Panera provides basic utensils with catering orders, but you may need extra for large groups. Always confirm the order details with the store to avoid mistakes.
What To Do If There’s A Problem
If your order is incorrect or late, contact Panera’s customer service immediately. Most issues can be resolved quickly. Here’s what to do.
- Call the store where you placed the order.
- Explain the issue and provide your order number.
- Request a replacement or refund if needed.
- Follow up with an email for documentation.
Panera has a good reputation for customer service, so problems are usually handled promptly. Keep your receipt and order confirmation for reference.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the minimum order for Panera catering?
The minimum order for delivery is $50.00. Pickup has no minimum, but most items are designed for groups of 8 or more.
2. Can I order Panera catering for same-day delivery?
Same-day delivery is available at some locations, but it’s best to order 24 hours in advance. Call your local store to check availability.
3. Are there vegetarian options on the catering menu?
Yes, Panera offers vegetarian boxed lunches like the Tomato Basil Mozzarella Box and vegetarian salads. You can also request modifications.
4. How far in advance should I order Panera catering?
For best results, order at least 24 hours in advance. For large events, order 3 to 5 days ahead to ensure availability.
5. Does Panera offer discounts for large catering orders?
Panera occasionally offers promotions for orders over $100. Check the website or ask the store manager for current deals.
Final Thoughts On Panera Catering Menu Prices
Understanding Panera Catering Menu Prices helps you plan efficient and cost-effective meals for any group. From boxed lunches to bulk salads, each option has a clear price that fits different budgets. The key is to order in advance and customize based on your group’s needs.
Panera’s catering is reliable, fresh, and widely appreciated. Whether you’re feeding a small team or a large office, the menu offers enough variety to satisfy everyone. Use this guide to make your next catering order smooth and affordable.
Remember to check your local Panera for exact prices, as they can vary by region. With a little planning, you can enjoy a stress-free catering experience that leaves your team happy and well-fed.