Case Study

The case study draws on the following UPLOADED FILE WHICH IS GIVEN BELOW: Case 13: Panera Bread Company in 2016—Is the Company’s Strategy to Rejuvenate Its Growth Working?, by Arthur A. Thompson (page C-142)

In addition to reading the case study provided, research the company further to find any relevant events that have transpired since the writing of the case study. Use the company's website, Internet search engines such as Google, online data services, or other sources to locate the latest articles about the company including press releases and current financial information.

Be sure to cite all sources according to APA guidelines properly!

Number questions answered…Please limit your analysis to four pages, double-spaced.

Case Questions

1. What strategic issues and problems does management at Panera Bread management need to address?

2. What does Panera Bread need to do to strengthen its competitive position and business prospects in relation to other restaurant chain rivals? Use an analytical tool such as the five forces framework or strategic group management in your assessment.

3. Examine and evaluate the potential effectiveness of Panera’s “Concept Essence” strategy. Does this strategy provide adequate differentiation from Panera’s competitors? Explain your conclusion.

4. Panera Bread has established a robust set of eight criteria that must be met by franchisee candidates to be considered for the award of a Panera franchise. Which of those eight criteria do you believe is most critical to Panera Bread’s efforts for measured and focused expansion? Why?

REMEMBER TO READ CASE STUDY BELOW, to answer questions!

NO plagiarism allowed