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NRN editors test the Panera chicken sandwichNRN editors test the Panera chicken sandwich

Amid reports it’s sold over 1 million sandwiches, NRN editors decided to get in on the hype

Holly Petre, Assistant Digital Editor

April 14, 2022

The Panera chicken sandwich – the latest to hit the market, but with a healthier spin – has already sold over 1 million sandwiches, according to the fast-casual restaurant company. In the first nine days since its launch, it’s sold 1 million… and two.

Nation’s Restaurant News editors Bret Thorn and Leigh Anne Zinsmeister decided to test out the new sandwich amid these reports to see if they approved of the sandwich. Resident menu expert Thorn analyzed the sandwich, the latest in the “chicken sandwich wars,” and Panera’s new take, using marinated and seasoned chicken breast on a brioche bun.

The signature menu item is topped with four ounces of chicken, aioli, parmesan crisps, and greens, while the spicy version is made with aioli, pickle chips, and spicy Buffalo sauce.

Our editors tried the spicy chicken sandwich. Check out their reactions and see if the sandwich is “Bret approved.”

About the Author

Holly Petre

Holly Petre

Assistant Digital Editor

Holly Petre is a digital editor for Nation’s Restaurant News as well as the host of NRN’s podcast, Extra Serving, and producer for Informa Restaurant and Food Group’s other three podcasts, One On One by Food Management, Off the Shelf with SN and In the Kitchen with Bret Thorn. Holly holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a concentration in Sculpture, fibers and Material Studies and Ceramics from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. A native New Yorker, Holly enjoys her place on staff as the resident pop-culture expert and millennial with a sassy attitude and great sense of style.

Holly Petre’s work on Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality often covers marketing and trends, either aimed-at or examined-through the millennial mindset. Holly is responsible for introducing TikTok and Twitch to NRN and RH readers as well as explaining terms like “Karen” to staff and readers alike. She also spends her time on staff trying not to make every headline a pun.

Holly Petre hasn’t spoken at any events or on panels, but she is readily available with a killer shoe wardrobe and several witty quips.

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