Panera Bread is permanently closing all its fresh dough production facilities over the next two years as part of its move away from freshly-baked bread, according to USA TODAY.
The most recent closure involves a Missouri location, which is set to close by Sept. 12 and will cause 72 employees to lose their jobs. Panera says affected employees will receive a severance package as well as outplacement services.
But are any facilities in Indiana closing?
Here’s what we know.
Which Panera manufacturing facilities closed?
Nation’s Restaurant News reported that the chain has shut down locations in Denver, Seattle and Arizona.
Does Panera have manufacturing facilities in Indiana?
No, there are no bread production facilities in Indiana.
Why is Panera closing bread manufacturing facilities?
A Panera spokesperson told Nation’s Restaurant News the chain is transitioning to a new model for how it makes its baked goods, shifting to what it calls its “on-demand” bread production model.
Under its previous model, Panera’s fresh dough facilities would mix and shape the dough used for its bread and other baked goods. The dough loaves would then be sent to its cafés, where they would be proofed and baked in the morning.
But with its new system, third-party contractors prepare the dough instead while following Panera’s recipes and instructions. The dough is then partially baked, or “par-baked,” at those sites before being frozen and shipped to cafés for final baking.
The spokesperson said under the par-baked model, cafés are now able to prepare baked goods throughout the day as needed instead of just in the morning, making them more readily available for customers. They also said the move allows the company to open more stores in the future in places where they couldn’t otherwise because of the limited distances fresh dough facility delivery trucks could travel.
Panera locations in Indiana
Panera has 45 locations in Indiana. Find a café near you on the chain’s website.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Panera to lay off employees in shift from fresh bread. How will Indiana locations be affected?
Reporting by Hannah Hudnall and Ahmed Jawadi, USA TODAY NETWORK / Indianapolis Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
