Panera Bread plans to reduce the amount of meat items on its menu by one-third, as the company anticipates a rising demand for meat-alternative ingredients.
The company plans to incorporate more plant-based options over the next two years.
CEO Niren Chaudhary told news outlet Financial Times that he recognized there was risk of backlash and the changes would have to be made carefully. “People are so fanatical about their personal favorites,” he said.
“Food innovation is one of the toughest things to get right.” Despite the planned menu changes, Panera plans to allow customers to substitute meat products back into menu offerings.
Chaudhary said younger customers regarded plant-based products as good for themselves as well as animals.
“There’s an environmental dimension to it which makes it compelling,” he added.
