Scott Uehlein has joined Panera Bread as its vice president of culinary.
The chef has around 10 years of experience in menu development in chain restaurants, most recently as VP of culinary for Papa Johns. Prior to that he was VP of culinary excellence and innovation at MOD Pizza, and before that he spent more than six years as head of culinary innovation at Sonic Drive-In. In that job he won the 2018 MenuMasters Award for “Healthful Innovation” with the Signature Slinger, which replaced some of the ground beef with mushrooms.
Prior to that he spent 17 years at health-oriented spa concept Canyon Ranch.
Uehlein’s arrival comes as the chain continues to evolve its menu and processes, most recently with a launch on Thursday of three Asiago Bagel Stacks. The items leverage the chain’s popular Asiago bagels, offering them as the carriers for three sandwiches, priced at $7.99 each:
Chicken Roma: Grilled chicken, fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, arugula, Green Goddess dressing, and garlic aïoli drizzle
Spicy Steak: Marinated steak, provolone cheese, salsa verde spread, arugula, red onions, and sweet peppers
Zesty Tuscan: Grilled chicken, soppressata, provolone, basil, arugula, sweet peppers, and garlic aïoli drizzle
Just under a year ago, Panera rolled out what it said was the “biggest menu transformation in [its] history,” comprised of 20 menu updates, including nine brand new items and the removal of categories such as flatbreads.
It has since closed several of its dough manufacturing facilities and walked back some of its ingredient claims.
Additional menu updates last year included the return of sesame seed and blueberry bagels that had been removed as part of the rebrand, and the introduction of avocado toast and a new spicy chicken sandwich.
The CEO of Panera's parent company, Panera Brands, José Alberto Dueñas, stepped down earlier this week.
Panera Brands includes Caribou Coffee, and Einstein Brands as well as Panera Bread
Contact Bret Thorn at [email protected]
