Panera's Pick Two: Cost And Options

Panera Bread's You Pick Two option allows customers to select two half-portions from a variety of soups, salads, sandwiches, mac and cheese, or flatbreads. The price of this deal has been a source of confusion and frustration for some customers, with prices ranging from $6.99 to $18, and the perception that it offers worse value than it used to. However, others defend the pricing structure, arguing that it incentivizes customers to spend more and represents a better deal than buying the items separately.

Panera's Pick Two pricing

Panera Bread is a cafe-style fast-food restaurant that offers a "You Pick Two" option, allowing customers to choose two half items from a variety of soups, salads, sandwiches, Mac and cheese, or flatbreads. The price of the "You Pick Two" option depends on the specific items chosen and can range from around $11 to $18.

While the exact price of each item in the "You Pick Two" deal may vary, customers can expect to pay less overall when compared to ordering the same items separately. For example, a cup of chicken noodle soup and a half Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt sandwich would cost $17.18 if ordered separately, but only $13.58 as part of the "You Pick Two" deal, saving the customer $3.60.

In addition to the "You Pick Two" option, Panera also offers "Value Duets," which are select combinations of a half salad or sandwich and a cup of soup, priced between $6.99 and $8.99. Some of the Value Duet options include the Deli Ham Sandwich with Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup, the Classic Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Creamy Tomato Soup, and the Smokehouse BBQ Chicken Sandwich with Creamy Tomato Soup.

It is worth noting that some customers have expressed confusion over Panera's pricing structure, particularly regarding the "You Pick Two" deal. There have also been comments about the overall high cost of dining at Panera.

Pick Two meal options

Panera Bread's "You Pick Two" option allows customers to pick two half items from a selection of soups, salads, sandwiches, Mac and cheese, or flatbreads. The price of the meal depends on the items selected and the location of the cafe.

Some customers have expressed confusion over the pricing of the "You Pick Two" option, as the price of the individual items selected is different from the price of the same items when purchased as part of the deal. While the deal offers a discount, the amount saved is not significant, and some customers have criticised the pricing as being too high or confusing.

• Deli Ham Sandwich & Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup: This option includes a half portion of the Deli Ham Sandwich served with a cup of Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup.
• Classic Grilled Cheese Sandwich & Creamy Tomato Soup: This classic combination features a half portion of the Classic Grilled Cheese Sandwich with a cup of Creamy Tomato Soup.
• Napa Almond Chicken Salad Sandwich & Cream of Chicken & Wild Rice Soup: Choose this option for a half portion of the Napa Almond Chicken Salad Sandwich and a cup of Cream of Chicken & Wild Rice Soup.
• Tuna Salad Sandwich & Creamy Tomato Soup: Enjoy a half portion of the Tuna Salad Sandwich with a cup of Creamy Tomato Soup.
• Caesar Salad & Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup: This choice offers a half portion of the Caesar Salad along with a cup of Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup.
• Greek Salad & Creamy Tomato Soup: For a taste of the Mediterranean, opt for a half portion of the Greek Salad and a cup of Creamy Tomato Soup.

These are just a few examples of the "You Pick Two" combinations available at Panera Bread. The specific options and prices may vary depending on your location, so be sure to check the menu at your local cafe.

Cost savings of Pick Two

The "You Pick Two" option at Panera allows customers to pick two half-sized options, including soups, salads, sandwiches, Mac and cheese, or flatbreads. The price of this option varies depending on the choices selected, but it generally offers a cost saving compared to purchasing two half-sized items separately.

For example, a Cup of Chicken Noodle Soup is priced at $7.39 when purchased individually, and a Half Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt is $9.79. Therefore, purchasing these two items separately would total $17.18 before tax. However, under the "You Pick Two" option, the Cup of Chicken Noodle Soup is $5.69, and the Half Chipotle Avocado Melt is $7.89, bringing the total to $13.58 before tax. This results in a saving of $3.60.

Another example is the Deli Ham Sandwich and Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup combination, which is one of the set "Panera Duets" options. This duet is priced at $6.99, whereas the individual prices of a half Deli Ham Sandwich and a cup of Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup are $5.89 and $4.79, respectively. Therefore, the "You Pick Two" option saves customers $3.69 on this particular combination.

The "You Pick Two" option not only offers cost savings but also provides customers with a variety of choices, allowing them to mix and match their meals according to their preferences. While the pricing structure may be confusing for new customers, it can result in significant savings, especially when compared to purchasing two half-sized items separately.

It is worth noting that the "You Pick Two" prices have increased over time, with some customers commenting that the same order was around $6 in 2023, compared to the current price range of $11 to $18. Despite this increase, the option still offers savings, and customers can further reduce costs by taking advantage of various promotions, discounts, and rewards programs offered by Panera.

Customer confusion over pricing

Panera Bread's "You Pick Two" pricing has been a source of confusion for customers, with some complaining that the pricing structure is not clear. The "You Pick Two" option allows customers to choose two half items from a variety of salads, soups, sandwiches, Mac and cheese, or flatbreads. The price varies depending on the choices, and some customers have expressed frustration over the multiple prices listed for each item on the menu.

One customer on Reddit shared their experience working at Panera Bread and having to explain the pricing to new customers at least once per shift. They noted that while the concept makes sense to regular customers, the three different prices listed for each item on the menu can be confusing for those who are not familiar with it. This confusion is further exacerbated by the fact that the price for a half item is not always clearly listed on the menu, making it difficult for customers to understand the savings they are getting by choosing the "You Pick Two" option.

Some customers have also pointed out that the pricing for the "You Pick Two" option has increased significantly over time. One TikTok user claimed that the price used to be $5.99, and now it ranges from around $11 to $18. This has led to some customers feeling that the value offered by Panera Bread is no longer worth the price, with some choosing to take their business elsewhere.

In response to the criticism, some have defended Panera Bread's pricing strategy, arguing that the "You Pick Two" option still offers a better value than ordering the half items separately. Others have acknowledged the confusion but placed the blame on the company's marketing and menu design rather than the customers. They argue that having multiple prices listed for each item creates unnecessary complexity and that Panera Bread could improve clarity by listing the prices for the "You Pick Two" combinations separately from the individual item prices.

Despite the confusion and criticism, Panera Bread has not made any significant changes to their "You Pick Two" pricing structure. The company has a history of pricing their items higher than average for a fast-food restaurant, and this strategy seems to be driven by their focus on providing healthy and quality food options.

Panera's response to pricing concerns

Panera Bread has responded to customer concerns about pricing by explaining that the "You Pick Two" option is intended to give customers the perception of value, encouraging them to spend more. While some customers have criticised the pricing structure as confusing, others have defended it as a common tactic used by big companies.

The "You Pick Two" deal allows customers to choose two half items from a variety of options, including soups, salads, sandwiches, mac and cheese, or flatbreads. The price of this deal varies depending on the choices made, with some customers reporting a total cost of around $11 to $18 for their selections. This has led to accusations of false advertising, with some arguing that the pricing structure is not clear, especially for new or infrequent customers.

In response to these concerns, Panera has emphasised that the deal offers a better value than ordering the same items separately. The company has also highlighted the convenience and flexibility of their offerings, allowing customers to order online, in-store, or through their app. Additionally, Panera has introduced "Value Duets," which are select pairings of classic favourites offered at a discounted price, ranging from $6.99 to $8.99.

Despite these efforts, some customers remain dissatisfied with the pricing and value offered by Panera. The company's response to these concerns has been to emphasise the quality and health benefits of their food, positioning themselves as a \"health-conscious restaurant.\" This positioning, along with the perception of value created by the "You Pick Two" deal, justifies the higher prices compared to traditional fast-food restaurants.

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