Panera's flatbread pizza has just been added to its menus. Before introducing this new menu item, Panera did some research and discovered how consumer eating habits are changing due to COVID-19. According to the results, people are eating later in the day and opting to purchase cost-effective meals that are filling, and have the potential to feed multiple people.
Flatbread pizza satisfies all of these consumer desires, as it can be easily shared, is cheap to make, and extremely filling. Right now, Panera is offering its pizzas in three flavor offerings: cheese, margherita, and chipotle chicken and bacon. This introduction marks a new era for Panera, as the chain begins to move to a more minimalist menu.
QSR Flatbread Pizzas
Panera's Flatbread Pizza Has Just Been Added to Its Menus
Trend Themes
1. Late-day Eating - Restaurants can capitalize on more late-day orders with cost-effective meal options like flatbread pizza due to changing consumer eating habits during COVID-19.
2. Cost-effective Meals - Due to COVID-19, consumers are looking for affordable meal options that can feed multiple people, like flatbread pizza, presenting an opportunity for brands to offer more value-focused menu items.
3. Minimalist Menus - Panera's move towards a more minimalist menu featuring flatbread pizzas could inspire other restaurants to streamline their menus and focus on offering high-quality, simple dishes.
Industry Implications
1. Quick-service Restaurants - Quick-service restaurants can benefit from incorporating cost-effective meal options like flatbread pizza into their menu to appeal to changing consumer habits during COVID-19.
2. Fast Casual Dining - Fast casual dining establishments can consider offering minimalist menus that feature high-quality, simple dishes like flatbread pizza as a way to differentiate themselves and appeal to value-conscious consumers.
3. Grocery Stores - Grocery stores can capitalize on the trend towards cost-effective, easy-to-make meals by offering flatbread pizza kits or pre-made flatbread pizzas for customers to cook at home.