Panera Bread is a fast-casual restaurant chain known for its bakery-café offerings, including freshly baked breads, pastries, sandwiches, soups, and salads. Founded in 1987 in Kirkwood, Missouri, by Ken Rosenthal, Panera has grown into a leader in the fast-casual dining sector, known for its focus on healthier options and high-quality ingredients. One of the key aspects of Panera's brand is its commitment to transparency and "clean" food, avoiding artificial additives and preservatives in its menu items. In addition to its in-store dining experience, Panera is recognized for pioneering the use of technology in food service, such as online ordering, mobile apps, and rapid pick-up services. Today, Panera operates thousands of locations across the U.S. and Canada, often located in urban centers and suburban communities, catering to both individual diners and catering events.