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Panera Bread

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Table of Contents Executive Summary 1 Section 1: Identification 2 Introduction 2 Problem Identification 2 Section 2: Analysis and Evaluation 3 Analysis of Panera's External Environment 3 Five-Forces Analysis 3 Key Success Factors 5 Analysis of Panera's Resources and competitive Position 5 Present Strategy 5 SWOT Analysis 6 Value Chain 7 Financial Performance 7 Competition 7 Section 3: Discussion of Alternatives 8 Alternative Solutions 8 Decision Criteria 10 Section 4: Recommendation and Action Plan 11 Recommendation 11 Action Plan 12 Contingency Plan 13 Attachments 14 Appendix A: Net Income Comparison (Year 2002-2006) 14 Appendix B: Total Stores Open Comparison (Year 2000-2005) 14 Appendix C: Earnings Per Share (Year 2002 - 2006) 15 Appendix D: Debt to Asset Ratio (Year 2002 - 2006) 15 Appendix E: Strategic Group Map 16

Executive Summary
The Panera Bread (Panera) brand name was rolled out in 1997.The company adopted this name in 1999 and became one of the fast growing companies of the fiercely competitive specialty bakery-café market segment. The vision of creating a specialty café with authentic, fresh-dough artisan bakery and upscale quick-service menu selection enabled it to earn net income of $58.8 million from 850 bakery-cafés in 2006.
In order to become a nationally recognized brand name and the dominant operator in the industry, Panera was in search of the appropriate functional-area and operating strategies to grow its market share by attracting more customers and meeting their changing needs.
The five competitive forces analysis revealed strong overall competitive pressure. Challenges from rivals and possible new industry entrants were significant although threats from product substitutes and suppliers were mostly inconsequential. The competitive impetus from customers who preferred bakery café

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