Panera's Big Menu Revamp of 2024
In a move that shook the fast-casual dining world, Panera Bread announced its "New Era at Panera" campaign in early 2024. The plan, which went into effect in April of that year, was the largest menu transformation the company had ever undertaken. The goal was to refocus on core menu categories like soups, salads, sandwiches, and mac & cheese, while also streamlining operations for its bakery-café teams. This strategic shift involved introducing nine new items, enhancing a dozen classic favorites, and, inevitably, removing a significant number of others.
The Fate of the Napa Almond Chicken Salad Sandwich
For years, the Napa Almond Chicken Salad Sandwich was a fan-favorite, known for its unique combination of chicken, grapes, tomatoes, almonds, and celery on signature sourdough bread. Its discontinuation caused an immediate and passionate reaction from loyal customers on social media. The removal was not a quiet exit; it was part of a widespread effort to simplify the menu and its ingredients. Some of the ingredients specific to the Napa sandwich, such as its unique dressing and the seasonal use of grapes, likely made it an easy target for consolidation. By reducing the number of unique components, Panera aimed to make food preparation more efficient and reduce costs.
The New Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad Sandwich
In place of the beloved Napa Almond version, Panera has introduced the Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad Sandwich. This new offering features diced chicken, dried cranberries, and walnuts tossed in a creamy dressing, served on Country Rustic Sourdough bread. While a direct replacement, its flavor profile is distinctly different from the Napa Almond version. The new sandwich's focus on cranberries and walnuts gives it a more autumnal, earthy taste compared to the lighter, fruit-forward Napa Almond version.
Customer Reaction and Alternatives
Customer reaction to the change was swift and vocal. Many took to platforms like Reddit to express their disappointment and frustration. One Reddit user lamented, "It was the best item and it was the only thing I ordered for over a decade...FUCK PANERA". Another noted their own frustration, writing, "Yo shoutout Panera Bread for removing all of the good stuff from their menu to add new items like bacon mac and cheese. wow so innovative.". For those still craving the old favorite, copycat recipes for the Napa Almond Chicken Salad have been circulating online, offering a homemade solution. Additionally, Panera's new menu still offers other chicken and salad options, although none perfectly replicate the classic sandwich.
Other Discontinued Items in the 2024 Overhaul
The Napa Almond Chicken Salad Sandwich was far from the only casualty in Panera's menu redesign. The extensive list of retired items included several popular choices, a testament to the scale of the company's re-evaluation.
- Sandwiches: Deli Ham Sandwich, Southwest Chicken Melt, Toasted Steak & White Cheddar.
- Salads: Asian Sesame Salad with Chicken, Southwest Caesar Salad with Chicken.
- Soups & Bowls: Turkey Chili, Baja Bowl with Chicken.
- Bakery Items: Cinnamon Raisin Bagel, Cranberry Orange Muffin.
The Napa Almond vs. Cranberry Walnut
For those who were devoted to the original, the new sandwich is a significant change. This table highlights the key differences between the two chicken salad sandwiches.
| Feature | Napa Almond Chicken Salad Sandwich (Discontinued) | Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad Sandwich (Current) |
|---|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Diced chicken, red grapes, sliced almonds, celery | Diced chicken, dried cranberries, walnuts |
| Bread | Rustic Sourdough | Country Rustic Sourdough |
| Flavor Profile | Light, fresh, with a slight tang and sweetness from grapes | Richer, more earthy, and sweeter with dried cranberries and walnuts |
| Availability | Discontinued in April 2024 | Currently available |
The Future of the Panera Menu
While Panera's decision to discontinue the Napa Almond Chicken Salad Sandwich was undoubtedly unpopular with a segment of its loyal fanbase, it was part of a larger, strategic effort to streamline its offerings and focus on efficiency and value. The introduction of the Cranberry Walnut version shows that the brand intends to retain a chicken salad option, but with a different flavor emphasis. Panera, like many restaurant chains, is constantly evolving its menu based on customer feedback and operational goals. However, the strong reaction to the loss of the Napa Almond Chicken Salad shows that some items are truly irreplaceable in the eyes of their most dedicated fans.
Conclusion
To put it simply, yes, Panera did discontinue its chicken salad sandwich, specifically the long-standing Napa Almond version, as part of a significant menu overhaul in April 2024. The move, which also saw the removal of numerous other items, was aimed at simplifying the menu and focusing on core offerings. The good news for chicken salad enthusiasts is that a replacement, the Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad Sandwich, is now available. While this new sandwich has its own distinct flavor profile, it offers a fresh option for those who miss the old favorite. For true purists, recreating the classic with online copycat recipes remains the only option to taste the nostalgia. Panera's ongoing menu evolution reminds us that even long-time favorites are not safe from change, a lesson many disappointed customers learned the hard way in 2024. You can learn more about Panera's menu changes from their official press releases Panera Announces Biggest Menu Transformation.
