In 1981, current CEO and Chairman of the BoardRon Shaich, and Louis Kane founded America's localcafé-bakery under the name Au Bon Pain Co., Inc.What started as a chain of 20 bakery-cafes is nowPanera Bread,a prolific brand, which includes 1,736bakery-cafes in 45 states as well as Ontario, Canada. Despite several name changes andexponential growth both in size and service, the bakery remains firmly rootedin their commitment to delivering fresh, authentic artisan bread in a warm,comfortable atmosphere.Each local Panera bakery-caféhas a team of professional bakerswho work over stone deck and convection ovens nightly to ensure menu items frombreakfast pastries to sandwich bread are baked fresh on the very same daycustomers are enjoying them. Every evening, leftover bread is donated to localorganizations as a part of the bakery's nearly 30-year battle against hunger inyour communities, and all over the nation.The same passion for serving both local communities, andtheir loyal customers is demonstrated by detailed-oriented craftsmanship.Genuine attention and care infiltrates everything on Panera's extensivebreakfast and lunch menus. A wide selection of rich, healthy, and entirelycustomizable soups, fresh, crisp salad combinations, and hot-pressed sandwichesare readily available. While the bakery-café's breakfast and lunch menus haveexpanded to meet the tastes and health needs of their customers, Panera Bread remainsgrounded in a simple mission: "to provide a warm, friendly atmosphere forindividuals, friends, and families to enjoy healthy, delicious food, coffee,and great conversation."Visit Panera Breadonline to locate your local bakery-café, or to find out more about Panera Cares®.