Panera Bread Company Essay

SWOT Matrix S effect jibeer Matrix pecuniary Ratios financial Trend Graphs Responses to Questions non Answered in the Presentation patronage St come on outgy Functional Area Strategies perspicacity of Panera wampum fel beginningship? s strategicalal Performance Resources honor chain of mountains Assessment of Panera Bread telephoner? s Financial Performance and Capabilities strategical Issues Panera Bread alliance Faces Manold agement? s Values Organizational farming Executive Summary Our consulting team completed an synopsis of Panera Bread Company mainly foc piece of work on the opport social unit of measurementies and affrights indoors the manu detailuring, Panera? private- write d averprise(a) capabilities, and the society? s specialnesss and promiscuousnesses. The fol imprinting tributes contain the chance or nemesis at heart the manu itemure, the readiness or weakness that al kickoffs Panera to observe or defend against the critical issues and t he tools ask to take immediate action. We recommend that Panera Bread Company 1. Open coffeeho plant design ofs in untapped commercializeplaces, and focus on utilizing franchising to contact the desired 1160,000 coffee bar psyche ratio by 2010. We found that the eating house sedulousness deportment cycle is unagitated in step-up. This modernizeth coup direct with Panera? strong franchising electrical capacity offers a signifi dopet fortune for Panera to come after. To achieve this Panera must first use the up-to-the-minute site woof and grocery analysis processes to chose precedent mends for saucily cafes in untapped viandsstuffs. Panera should besides utilize this process to assess the logistics prerequisite to maintain the electromotive force locations. most, Panera c altogether for to utilize the established, plastered exemptione endurance criteria to break campaigners that are a good adapted, and then work with the selected enfranchisemen tes exploitation the lively franchise assistance programmes to educate and train franchisees in Panera? unique station, hallucination and conclusion. Once Panera sets up franchising formations in vernal markets, the union should measure supremacy by whether or non the 1 cafe per 160,000 people per location by 2010. Panera also must assess the vernal-made franchisees based on the historical areas of supremacy. 2. Bolster the current promotional out wrinkle to a to a strikinger extent aggressive soft-sell promotional scheme while still utilizing spoken simulated military operations to gain first-magazine client traffic. We found that nodes are wedded to unwrap impudently un typesetd take establishments a trial.Panera has underutilized potentiality in its promotional schema to al low-pitched customers to know of newly exposed cafes. Panera can pursue the probability within the sedulousness if it strengthens the current promotional dodge to set ahead sensory faculty. This helps Panera promote brand awareness to wrench a supreme leader in the bakeshop-cafe diligence. To do this, the guild must begin spread outing to untapped and lowpenetrated markets where customers provideing non know a great deal roughly the ships smart set. The club must then make up excitement near these new cafes before opening by victimization guerilla market.An recitation of this is hiring plain-clothed personnel to circulate incoming and current arrivement sites and engage potential consumers by drumming up absorb in cafe openings. The next performance step is to distribute coded coupons with a two-week release period, and an additional coupon to be prone to a friend. achiever can be measured by tracking new customer bum traffic in the specific cafes and the new cafe? s gross gross sales volume in the first six months. 3. Implement the Oven Fresh, To Go program that will addition customers switching be and reward buyer con signment by means of progressive discounts based on levels of re circuit patronage.Our analysis revealed that the restaurant intentness is panicened by low switching toll and low customer the true. Our analysis revealed that Panera had strengths in buyer surety. Panera should first begin step one month prior to the start of this appreciate using signage and promotion. Next Panera should print cartes that displaying the oven fresh option and distribute them at the point of sale. Panera should crabby train employees on the oven fresh operational procedures of taking orders and legal transfer orders to customer? cars. Next Panera should purchase or lease 2 to 3 put spots per location in close proximity to the door with signs for designated parking. decision Panera should place a pre-paid post card with survey questions inside to-go publicity and place customer lealty punch card in box that rewards returning loyal customers. Panera should track the discounts given by cus tomers. Because of the progressive genius of the discounts, Panera can identify its closely loyal concern based on the level of the discount rate. 4.Broaden the intersection point grasp and gain oblation to include a wide-cutr array of light entrees, dinner fare, and beer and wine uncommitted after 430 at select locations nationwide. The new offerings will be paired with community events such(prenominal) as wine-tastings and fundraisers to bolster the perceive dinner atmosphere. Our analysis of the restaurant diligence led us to ar redact that thither were a queen-sized number of buyers avail adequate to firms providing an opportunity for pitch magnitude market share. Our analysis of the competitory capabilities destineed that Panera had an internal strength in consecrateigate and development.Panera needs to utilize the extensive search and development skills to tick off humorl menu offerings, component parts, toll, and locations suit equal to(p) for bee r and wine. The new result offerings will be introduced to a trammel number of stores to finalize customer response and verify the scal competency to match prime(prenominal). The succeederful forage and alcohol items will be introduced to pre-determined ideal locations a spacious with selling and t all(prenominal)ing support. The final implementation step will be a market survey question at the point-ofsales transcription that will determine the number of new dinner customers.The ultimate goal of this pass is to increase market share for Panera. Macro-Environment The United States saying 3. 0% in throng in the all general economy for the year 2006. Additionally, documentary disposable income agitate magnitude by 2. 1% from the third quarter of 2005 until the end of 2006. The unemployment rate hide on a downward trend from a superior of 6. 0% in 2003. Unemployment was 4. 65% in 2006. harmonize to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, consumer expenditures were $48,398 and $2,794 was worn out(p) on nourishment away from home per base. Because there was overall stinting growth, consumer expenditures ere extravagantly, and unemployment was on a downward trend, the economy at large was in a healthy state. When economic conditions were perceive as good, consumers were to a greater extent willing to spend excess income, as opposed to saving or investing. Therefore, consumers were more(prenominal) than in all probability to spend money on have out for sundry(a) repasts this was an opportunity for the restaurant diligence. The legal, regulatory and political surroundings was relatively fixed in 2006. Because there was a stable regulatory and political environment, melodic follow owners were able to operate at a more functional level.Companies were not worried roughly epoch- qualification changes to regulations which hinder origin growth. Therefore, this stable environment was an opportunity for the perseverance. The population demo graphics for the U. S. consumer in 2006 were as follows. The population was 49. 27% manful and 50. 37% female the median age was 36. 4. About 15. 07% of the population was over 62 age old. The median income was $46,326 for a single earner household and $67,348 for a dual earner household. Of the total 299,398,484 consumers, 36. 43% lived in the southward locality, 18. 8% in the Northeast Region, 22. 12% in the Midwest Region and 23. 16% lived in the West Region. In the U. S. 31. 7% of persons over the age of 25 were a game up school graduate 18. 3% held a Bachelor? s degree, and 9. 7% held an move on degree. Because of the large number of variables and the re extension of the U. S. population crossways all descriptors, the restaurants assiduity? s target market was large and the individual buyers were olive-sizingd and numerous. This ca utilize decreased contestation over potential buyers, and and then was an opportunity in the restaurant persistence.There were two sig nificant societal trends that emerged among restaurant industry stakeholders in 2006. First, the issues surrounding trans-fats in restaurants were approach shot to a head after a 2003 court case. Consumers called for a forbidding on trans-fats in restaurant food in galore(postnominal) an(prenominal) incompatible states. Since this do restaurants appear to be the culprit, it decreased customer ecstasy with local restaurant establishments. This decrease was a treat to the industry. Second, the handle boomer generation was aging, and the children of the baby boomers were moving out.This increase the number of empty nesters in the U. S. With no children at home and both(prenominal) husband and wife working, the couple was little likely to arrive home and feel the need to cook dinner. This phenomenon led to more dinner outings and consumers looking for an establishment to eat a degraded and select repast. Because this change magnitude the song of consumers looking to dine ou t, the aging baby boomer population increased the number of meal occasions and therefore was an opportunity for the industry. diligence Analysis i. Industry Drivers The market surface of the industry was quite large. Commercial eating places accounted for about $345 billion The U. S. restaurant industry served about 70 billion meals and snack occasions, and was emergence about 5 % annually. ground on unit sales of $345 billion, sales volume of 70 billion and a growth rate of 5 % annually, we refrain that the market size of the restaurant industry was quite large and growing. Because when the market size of the competing industry was growing, competition among competitors decreased, we close down that decreased contendry was a threat for the restaurant industry.The scope of the competitive rival was broad. Restaurant chains competed on regional, national and global levels. The product scope was also broad. The industry served breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack covering ump teen ethnic tastes. Because geographic and product scope were wide, industry members competed in many geographic areas and over a wide array of product lines. Because competition was increased, we discontinue that the scope of competitive contention was a threat for the industry. Market growth rate and status in the calling cycle was in the growth stage. The U. S. restaurant industry served about 70 billion meals and snack occasions, and was growing about 5 % annually. Because the industry was growing at a rate of 5 % annually we break up that the industry was still in the growth stage. Because no indication was given that growth rate was declining, we discontinue that the rate was not increasing at a decreased rate and therefore not approaching maturity. Because boom outing buyer demand produced enough new business for all industry members to grow without using volume- advertizeing sales tactics to draw customers away rom rival enterprises, rivalry in the industry was decre ased when the life cycle was in growth. Because rivalry decreased when the industry was in growth, we conclude that the growth rate was an opportunity for the industry. The number of buyers and their relative size in 2006 were as follows. On a typical day, about 130 million U. S. consumers were food service patrons at an eating establishment sales at commercial eating places averaged close to $1 billion perfunctory. Since 130 million consumers spent $1 billion daily, we conclude that on average, all(prenominal) consumer spent $7. 9 per day. base on our analysis, we conclude that the number of buyers was large and their relative size was small. Because buyers score more power when they are large and few in number, we conclude that many small buyers was an opportunity for the industry. The pace of technological innovation in product introduction was fast. Most restaurants were quick to adapt their menu offerings to ever-ever-ever-changing consumer tastes and eating preferences, condescendly featuring heart-healthy, vegetarian, organic, low-calorie, and/or low-carb items on their menus.It was the norm at many restaurants to rotate some menu picks seasonally and to periodically introduce originative dishes in an effort to custody regular patrons flood tide back, attract more patrons, and remain competitive. The unremitting change in consumer tastes and habits and the rate at which most competitors hold fasted on top of the changes made product competition very fierce. To stay competitive, establishments inevitable resembling commitment to constant revision of menu items. We conclude that the fast pace of innovation in product introduction was a threat for the industry. Product differentiation in the industry was common. Industry members move differentiation strategies of one variety or an some some other(prenominal), seeking to set themselves obscure from rivals via pricing, food tonicity, menu ascendent, sig personality menu selections, din e ambiance and atmosphere, service, convenience, and location. contempt attempts to differentiate products, the restaurant industry operated in a pure competition environment where switching follow were low and there were many competitors. Because the industry products by nature were weakly differentiate, we conclude that the extent to which rivals differentiate their products was a threat to the industry.The teaching and drive curve for the restaurant industry was low. practiced over 7 out of 10 eating and drinking places in the United States were independent single-unit establishments with fewer than 20 employees. Because 70 % of competitors were restaurants who could open and close at any clock time, new entrants did not need large incorporate backing and were free to open anywhere. The ability of so many small competitors to enter and compete in the industry maneuverd a steep study curve. The steep learning curve and low metropolis requirement was threat to the indu stry because of the ease of rivals to enter the industry. i. Five Forces Our analysis revealed that there were about 624,511 commercial eating locations in the industry. Because rivalry intensifies as the numbers of competitors increase and as competitors become more tinct in size and competitive strength, we conclude that the high number of competitors was a threat for the industry. Based on industry sales of $345 billion, the leading competitor Starbucks had less than two per centum of the market share. This fact coupled with the above mentioned 70% single unit establishments characterized the industry as having many competitors with very small market share.Because rivalry tends to be stronger when competitors are numerous or are of roughly equal size and in competitive strength, we conclude that the small relative size based on market share was a threat for the industry. geological fault costs and buyer loyalty were low for the industry. Consumers (especially those who ate out often) were prone to give newly opened eating establishments a trialloyalty to existing restaurants was low when consumers perceived there were soften dine alternatives. Because low switching costs and low buyer loyalty increase rivalry among competitors, we conclude that low switching costs and buyer loyalty were a threat to the industry. It was not more costly to outlet the industry than continue to participate. Many restaurants had fairly short lives. Based on our previous analysis of market share, we determined competitors were small in size and can enter and exit with little neat requirements. Assets were sold easily and the workers in the industry were not entitled to significant job protection. Because rivals had low barriers to exit they did not resort to deep discounts to remain in business.Continuous new entrants increased rivalry. We conclude that the ease of entry was a threat and ease of exit was an opportunity for the industry. The industrys products were discreti onal purchases. The average U. S. consumer ate 76% of meals at home. The fact that consumers could eat at home for less characterized the discretionary nature of the eating out option. Because discretionary spending was not needed and represent consumers? first costs to cut in economic difficulty, we conclude that the discretionary nature of the purchase was a threat to the industry. iii.Changes to the Industry twist and Competitive Environment As of 2006, the restaurant industry was growing by 5% a year. Due to this growth rate there was way of life for more firms to enter the industry. This changed the industry complex body part in the approaching long time by introducing more competitors. moreover, since the market was not saturated, firms ledger entry were in a business environment that allowed them to obtain new market share. Since the great-term growth rate was increasing there was an opportunity for new firms to gain the growing market share. The average U. S. consum er ate 76% of their meals at home.The average person in 2004 had $974 of income to spend on food purchases away from home. Customers were less likely to be loyal to a restaurant if they perceived a better option in stock(predicate) to them. Patrons also used restaurants for more than just eating. Restaurants served as places where people could catch up on work, meet friends, and read the paper. The fact that majority of meals were eaten in the home and that restaurant spending was discretionary, coupled with the inconstant and specific nature of the customer make waterd strong competition among rivals, and resulted in a threat to firms. trade innovation in product and promotion was especially strong in the restaurant industry. Firms constantly updated their menus to accommodate new trends such as low calorie, organic, vegetarian, and heart healthy foods. Restaurants also utilized Wi-Fi and large television screens in order to enhance the experience for customers. Happy hours and other events served as promotion to attract new customers. The constant trade pressures created tortuous rivalries between firms and resulted in an change industry structure.The industry structure resulted in a business environment where firms diligently adapted and changed with updated marketing mixes. This constant change was a threat within the industry. Entry into the restaurant industry was marked by just over 7 of 10 eating and drinking places organism independent, single-unit establishments with fewer than 20 employees. Exit from the industry was rat and often firms were limited to short lives. The easy entry and exit of firms to and from the industry created a business environment that was fiercely competitive.The ease of new rivals entering and the large failure rate was a threat for firms within the industry. iv. breathing Rivals Competitive Capabilities Analysis The case did not provide specific randomness about rivals? imagerys and strategic goals to formulate con clusive competitive capabilities. v. Key Success Factors The key advantage factor ins in the restaurant industry were dictated by what consumers deemed necessity attributes to have and what allowed the business to profit. Consumers did not dine at item places that did not possess these qualities because they lost cling to in their purchase.Also, there were many substitutes that offered the key factors to patrons instead. The particular key success factors related to the restaurant industry were low-cost production efficiency, customer service, breadth of product line and selection, ability to respond quickly to shifting market conditions, overall consumer experience, image and paper, and high consumer volume. The first key success factor was low-cost production efficiency, which was significant in dismantleing prices for the consumer. When a restaurant could not keep costs low, the high costs were passed by dint of to the consumer with a higher price.If customers did not v iew the value in what they were buying was worth that high price, they did not hand for it. Since there were many competitors in the restaurant industry, the consumer shopped around for similar food at a lower price. Restaurants needed to keep these costs low to stay competitive and not risk bankruptcy. Customer service was another key success factor because it added value to the meal. The consumer was not just purchase food they were paying for the entire experience. A component of this was having pleasant employees in all customer contact positions.Good customer service skills that made the customer feel comfortable in the restaurant helped to keep customers coming back. When a waitress went above and beyond her normal duties to please a customer, the patron was likely to return because of the great experience offered. Exceeding customer expectations was crucial in attracting loyal customers who returned to the establishment. Another factor for success was having a wide breadth of product line and selection. Restaurants needed to offer many different kinds of dishes to attract a broad group of buyers.Some illustrations were table service chicken, beef, seafood, and vegetarian. If there were ten dishes or so within each of those categories, the restaurant was offering a large selection and a customer could produce a meal they craved. Offering motley types of dishes helped widen the breadth of what was offered, such as breakfast, lunch, dinner, soups, salads, pasta, and sides. There were also various styles of food offered such as Mexican, bland, Cajun, Irish, Italian, Mediterranean, and more. Such a broad selection keep in lined that customers found what they were looking for.If the consumer saw multiple meals he or she as interested in, he or she returned. The fourth key success factor within the restaurant industry was the ability to respond quickly to shifting market conditions. Customers were constantly changing what they wanted, and restaurants ne eded to keep up with those changes. If a restaurant had an inability to change its menu, it could not compete with its rivals. Recently, consumers changed their needs to heart healthy, vegetarian, organic, low calorie, and low-carb. This also took into context seasonal changes.Soups became more prevalent in the winter than the summer. Certain seasonal soups like pumpkin, squash, and others were craved around the holidays, but not as much during other clock in the year. Desserts and specialty beverages followed similar patterns. Restaurants needed to change their menus to satisfy customers? cravings and remain competitive within the industry. Having a good overall consumer experience was extremely classic in the restaurant industry. This was crucial in building a loyal clientele that could promote the business through and through word-of-mouth tactics and regularly dined at the establishment.The overall experience took into precondition more than just food and customer service be cause it encompassed the entire value perceived by the consumer. This included price, food superior, quality of service, ambience and atmosphere, and having a variety of offerings. Without that great experience, a customer would not return and they could verbally damage the restaurant? s reputation when they told friends about their poor experience. This factor was important to build loyal customers and increase brand awareness. Image and reputation was another key success factor because this was what attracted customers to the establishment.This also created word-of-mouth ad for a restaurant. When something happened to tarnish a restaurant? s reputation, patrons no protracted dined there, which led the society to go out of business. Image and reputation was how consumers perceived the lodge, which could add value for the customer when it was extremely good. Another key success factor was having high consumer volume. No matter what type of eating establishment, having high cust omer foot traffic was essential for success. This increased brand recognition, word-of-mouth advertise, and sales.This factor was essential to success in the industry, without it, a restaurant was unable(p) to grow, or even survive. These seven key success factors dictated the industry and how restaurants needed perform in order to remain competitive in the industry. The restaurant industry was purely competitive and extremely risky overdue to the large number of rivals. The seven factors were areas to focus on because that was what consumers deemed important. Critical Issues the Industry Faces Our analysis led us to the next critical issues faced by the restaurant industry. There were many opportunities in the industry for businesses to with child(p)ize on.According to the analysis of the industry drivers, we think that the business life cycle was still in growth and there was a capacity shortage in the industry. This was an opportunity for the industry. Based on our analysis of the five forces model, we concluded that there were many buyers in the industry with many choices in selection of products. This was also an opportunity for the industry. Based on our analysis of the industry drivers, five forces model, and the changes to the industry structure, we concluded that there were untapped markets and consumers were prone to give newly opened eating establishments a trial.Based on our analysis of the changes to the industry structure and the competitive environment and the five forces model, we concluded there was a threat to the industry in that there was low customer switching costs and low customer loyalty. Panera Bread Companys Competitive Capabilities i. Business Strategy Panera Bread Company? s strategic intent was to make Panera Bread a nationally recognized brand surname and to be the dominant restaurant operator in the specialty bakery-cafe segment. Panera mean to achieve this by being better than the guy across the street and implementing a successful business model.Panera? s business model satisfyed customers? needs through providing quality food in a casual setting that proceed to bring customers in for the ambiance as considerably as the food. Panera achieved fitting profits to cover the costs of providing this value to the customers by selling food in the cafes and by collecting franchising fees and a percentage of franchisee sales. Management intended to grow the number of Panera Bread locations by 17% annually and expand further into suburban markets. Panera focused on achieving a 1 cafe per 160,000 people per location ratio by 2010 through effective use of franchising.Panera intended to build a loyal clientele by employing a superior business model and offering artisan breads as a base of a high quality menu that changed to reflect evolving consumer tastes. The ordinary market in which Panera operated experienced 5% growth in 2006. gum olibanum Panera? s dodging of growth was in sync with market conditio ns. Furthermore, by focusing on building a loyal clientele through quality breads and a menu that suits customers tastes, Panera tailored the strategy to strengths the company already possessed. Panera? ability to create well crafted, predictive strategies and adapt well to changing conditions with reactive strategies indicated that Panera? s strategy was a dynamic fit to the company and market. Therefore, Panera? s strategy was a good fit for the company. Operating in an almost pure competition environment, Panera faced threats from low cost and differentiated products. Panera employed a best cost provider strategy to take expediency of the large amount of value-conscious buyers who want a good meal and pleasant dining experience at an affordable price.Taking a position as best cost provider, in conjunction with a commitment to providing crave-able food that people trust, served in a warm, community gathering place by associates who make guests feel comfortable helped Panera achi eve a strong strategy, but the competitive nature of the industry does not bear the strength of Panera? s strategy to become a competitive advantage. Panera had 0. 5409% market share of the $345 billion annual sales in the restaurant industry. though Panera was not a dominant operator, this was a relatively big market share, given the nurture of the industry.The company? s profits and number of locations grew from 2002 to 2006. Panera? s strategy led to a strong fiscal position and a sizable market share. Because Panera? s strategy was a good fit for the company, was strong in the competitive industry, and was monetaryly successful, we concluded that Panera? s strategy was working very well and gave the company a competitive position in the industry. Therefore we feel Panera? s overall strategy, as well as its strategy to grow the business and build a loyal clientele was a strength. ii.Functional Area Strategies Panera? s marketing strategy contained three distinct initiatives. Th e first aimed to raise the quality of awareness about Panera by focusing on quality crave-able food the consumer can trust, and by enhancing the appeal of its bakery-cafes as gathering places. The back up initiative focused on boosting awareness and trials of Panera at multiple meal times. The third initiative was to increase consumers? perception of Panera as a dinner option. Throughout the entire marketing strategy Panera avoided hard-sell, in-your-face advertising.Panera preferred consumers gently collide with and discover the brand. As Panera performed well financially in past years, this marketing strategy was successful. However our analysis led us to conclude there was an untapped potential in the soft-sell marketing technique. This was a weakness that Panera must bolster to pursue industry opportunities. Panera? s production and distribution strategy was to use economies of outdo and centralize operations for the booty making process. There were 17 regional fresh cultiva ted cabbage facilities to service the 1,027 Panera bakery-cafe locations.By controlling the process at central locations Panera was able to ensure agreeable quality and dough making efficiency. Panera? s production strategy supports the overall strategic intent of being better than the guy across the street and ensures quality to keep customers coming back. Because Panera? s production strategy support the company? s overarching strategic goals, we concluded that the strategy was working well and was a strength for Panera. Panera had a unique franchise system. apiece franchise license was for a multi unit deal, usually for 15 bakery-cafes to be opened over six years.Panera still granted licenses to applicants who met stringent criteria. These criteria included a net worth of $7. 5 million or more, access to resources that would allow for the expansion of 15 locations, real estate and multi unit restaurant operator experience and commitment to Panera? s brand, culture and passion. Historically, Panera? s ambitious franchising model was a success. Franchisees indicated a high level of satisfaction with Panera Bread Company? s concept, support and leading. Likewise, Panera report satisfaction with the quality and pace of franchisee openings and the franchisees? perations. Panera committed limited fiscal resources to franchising the company did not finance franchisee anatomical structure of area development payment, or hold any virtue in any of the franchise-operated bakery-cafes. Because the franchising model supported the company? s intent to grow to a dominant restaurant operator, we concluded Panera? s franchising system was a strength. Panera committed to constantly staying in tonal pattern with consumers? changing tastes for the base of the interrogation and development strategy. Panera regularly reviewed the menu and revise the options to sustain customer interest.When maturation new products, Panera first made the menu items in test kitchens befo re introducing them in a select few bakery-cafes. Panera used the test kitchens and select rollouts to determine customer response and ensure that the products could be produced in mass quantities and still maintain the high quality standards associated with the Panera brand. The successful products were then introduced in all the chain locations and integrated into menus. Because it helped keep up the Panera standard for quality food that customers craved, the research and development fount of Panera? s strategy supported the marketing strategy.Furthermore, by ensuring consistently high quality food that consumers depended on, Panera? s extensive research and development supported the company? s strategic goal of becoming a dominant operator in the restaurant industry. iii. Assessment of Panera Bread Companys Strategic Performance -Business Strategy Performance The strategic intent of Panera was to become a nationally recognized brand and dominant operator in the specialty bakery- cafe segment. In 2005 Panera Bread was the highest rated for the fourth year in a row among competitors in the Sandleman Associates national customer satisfaction survey.Panera had also won best of awards in 36 states and across a range of markets. In addition, J. D. Power and Associates? 2004 restaurant satisfaction study of 55,000 customers ranked Panera Bread highest among quick-service restaurants in the Midwest and Northeast regions of the United States in all categories, which included environment, meal, service, and cost. Panera created this nationwide renown through the successful implementation of the company? s business model. In 2006 Panera opened 155 company and franchise owned cafes bringing the total units to 1,027 in 36 states.The move expansion of cafes in new markets showed that Panera was operating successfully within the framework of the intended strategy. However, Panera managed to open scarcely 1 cafe per 330,000 by 2006. So, although Panera had begun the pr ocess of increased penetration into markets, the bench mark given of 1 cafe per 160,000 people in 2010 at the time of the case had not been reached. Therefore a complete analysis of the success of the growth strategy was not possible. Panera differentiated the bakery-cafes by implementing several important menu changes that intercommunicate the targeted consumer needs and trends.The addition of good carb breads, antibiotic-free chicken, and an artisan line of sweet goods were employed as part of a differentiation strategy. In 2005-2006 Panera introduced the G2 concept in an attempt to bolster the dining environment, thus providing more value for the customer. There was no data to support or pass over the effectiveness of these strategic moves. -Functional Area Strategic Performance Due to fact that the Panera won considerable accolades in consumer satisfaction, we determined that its marketing initiative of developing customer awareness of the quality and trust-worthiness of the company? s food was working.The endorsement initiative of boosting awareness and trial of dining at Panera Bread at multiple meal times had not been shown operationally. Therefore, we were not able to determine the performance of this strategy. The marketing data showed that, 85 % of consumers who were aware that there was a Panera Bread bakery-cafe in their community or neighborhood had dined at Panera on at least one occasion. From this data, we concluded that the strategy was sound to pursue and specifically implement. The third initiative of increasing consumers? perception of Panera as a dinner option had not yet been implemented with specific steps.The marketing research showed that 81% of consumers indicated a considerable willingness to try Panera at other meal times which supported following this strategy into the implementation phase. Panera? s production and distribution goal was to ensure lower costs and quality control with a strategy of centralized locations taking ad vantage of economies of scale. The quality of the product was evidenced by the many best of awards and other consumer satisfaction accolades. The lowered costs due to economies of scale and the high quality of the products indicate that Panera? production and distribution strategy was successfully implemented and executed. Panera pursued a unique franchising model based on multi-unit, multi-year deals with franchisees who were selected based on stringent criteria. The franchised cafes performed better in return on equity investments and average weekly and annual sales than company-owned cafes and were also equally or slightly more profitable. The measured success of the franchisee owned stores showed that the franchising model strategy was performing well. The research and development strategy was to stay in tune with customers? changing tastes.The implementation consisted of regularly reviewing and revising the menus, and the use of test kitchens for exploring new products and det ermining customer response. In 2003 Panera scored the highest level of customer loyalty among quick-casual restaurants, according to a study conducted by TNS Intersearch. This customer loyalty indicated the success of Panera in anticipating customer needs through the company? s research and development strategy. iv. Resources Panera had skills and expertise in sight selection and cafe environment. They chose sights and cafe environment by the following method. Based on analysis of this education, including the use of predictive modeling using proprietary software, Panera veritable projections of sales and return on investment for candidate sites. This recourse was difficult but not impossible to model. The length of time it would last depended on how hard competitors chose to work to develop similar technology. This resource was really competitively superior because no other competitors had it. It could not be trumped by rival? s resources because the same software had to be dev eloped before competitors could use it.Because this resource was hard to copy, competitively superior, potentially long lasting and could not be trumped by rivals? resources, the site selection and cafe environment was a competitive capability. This competitive capability was a strength that gave Panera a competitive advantage. Our analysis revealed that Panera? s advertising and promotion strategy was too weak. They had underutilized promotion potential. Panera? s strategy was to raise the quality of awareness by the caliber and appeal of its breads and baked goods, by hammering the theme food you crave, food you can trust. Panera also aimed to raise awareness and boost trial of dining at Panera Bread at multiple meal times (breakfast, lunch, chill out times, and dinner. ) Panera avoided hard-sell approaches, preferring instead to employ a range of ways to softly drop the Panera Bread name into the midst of consumers as they moved through their lives and let them gently collide? w ith the brand the idea was to let consumers discover? Panera Bread and then convert them into loyal customers by providing a very satisfying dining experience. This approach was a great concept and successful to an extent, however we conclude that because many of Panera? competitors were using more aggressive promotion, the current strategy was not aggressive enough. Management claimed that the company? s fresh- dough-making capability provided a competitive advantage by ensuring consistent quality and dough-making efficiency. Because this dough making capability allowed Panera to maximize the production capacity, used no preservatives, did not freeze the product and control the quality of the dough by making it themselves, this recourse was hard to copy. How long it would last depended on strengthening competitor capabilities and their interest in the dough making market.Based on the first two tests, we conclude that this capability was really competitively superior and could not be trumped by rivals? capabilities and therefore a competitive advantage. Panera? s franchise system used superior intellectual slap-up with the use experienced and capable workforce. The success of the franchise system was an example of proven managerial know-how. The site selection software granted the franchises new wave knowledge in technology to choose locations and cafe environments. The stringent franchisee requirements employed only the most dedicated, well capized and capable franchisees as managers.The franchise system was hard to copy because of the stringent requirements for the franchisees, managerial know-how and the proprietary site selection software. Site selection system would tend to last because of how difficult it was to copy and could not be trumped by rivals because it was so rare, and was characterized by a gradatory learning curve. This analysis led us to the conclusion that Panera? s franchise system was a distinct competitive capability and therefore gave Panera a competitive advantage. The product research and development program was also an example of Panera? superior intellectual capital. Product development was focused on providing food that customers would crave and trust to be tasty. New menu items were developed in test kitchens and then introduced in a limited number of the bakery-cafes to determine customer response and verify that preparation and operating procedures resulted in product consistency and high quality standards. If successful, they were then rolled out system wide. The research and development system was hard to copy because of the gradual learning curve and constant need for revision.Because every competitor was also active in tactics to improve product development, we conclude that this intellectual capital was only hard to copy in Panera? s specific product line. Because it was not generally hard to copy we do not conclude that it was competitively superior. Based on our analysis, we conclude that Pa nera? s product research and development was a resource capability and therefore strength, but it was not a competitive advantage because many competitors have the same resources. Panera? s financial position was an important resource. Panera had a low debt to equity ratio.In 1998 this strategy began with the sale of Au Bon Pain for 73 million in notes. This strategy was well served by the franchise system. Panera did not finance franchisee construction or area development agreement payments or hold an equity interest in any of the franchise- operated bakery-cafes. The franchise system allowed Panera to keep long term levels debt low. This allowed Panera to use cash reserves and or take on long term debt at lower costs when capital was undeniable to seize opportunities. Panera? s financial position was a resource capability because it was hard to copy.The resource tended to last long because the franchise system unploughed debt low. It was not really competitively superior becau se other competitors could have had similar financial positions. Because this capability was hard to copy but it was not competitively superior, we conclude that it was a capability and there for strength, but not a competitive advantage because others may have a similar financial position. v. Value Chain -Inbound Logistics The case does not provide enough breeding to comment on the inbound logistics that Panera has with suppliers.However, each franchisee purchased dough directly from Panera Bread. Panera had an interest in each of the franchised stores succeeding because the company received 4%-5% royalties from sales continually. This meant Panera as the supplier had an interest to keep prices of dough as low as possible to maintain viable franchise operations. -Operations Panera provided and required countywide front and back of house training, market analysis, and bakery-cafe certification. This corporate level tactic impacted the company? franchised and company owned stores by enabling Panera to develop systems used by all the cafes thus applying economies of scale to operations. Since each cafe-bakery did not have to develop its own operations structure this reduced costs for each store. In addition, the methods Panera introduced to each store had proven historically successful, thus increased the learning curve for a new cafe and lowered costs. Panera had a policy to not finance new franchisees, area development payment agreements, or hold any equity in the new cafes.This operational model resulted in minimal long-term debt and low capital intensity to expand the Panera brand. All the cafes offered an assortment of 20-plus varieties of bread baked daily and as of 2006 at least 22 types of sandwiches. Each of these breads and sandwiches were regularly reviewed to determine whether the products matched regular customer needs, new consumer trends, and seasonal relevance. The complexity of the product line enabled Panera to match menu items with a variet y of customer needs. This process ensured that weak selling items would be removed limited excess inventory. Outbound logistics Each franchisee purchased dough directly from Panera Bread. Each dough making facility was able to produce dough for six bakeries. The fresh dough was sold to both companyowned and franchised bakery-cafes at a delivered cost not to exceed 27% of the sell value of the product. These costs margins were achieved by producing the dough at central locations employing economies of scale. -Sales and Marketing Panera used focus groups to determine customer food and drink preferences, and price points.This work was done by only a few individuals at the corporate level and scaled to the rest of the cafes. The existing company and franchise owned cafes would be able to take advantage of this market information and reduce costs associated with sales and marketing information. The franchising model Panera used required the franchisee to pay 0. 7% of total sales to a na tional advertising fund and 0. 4 % of total sales as a marketing administration fee. Franchisees were also required to spend 2. 0 % of total sales on advertising in local markets.Panera contributed similar amounts of capital from the company owned stores. Requiring the franchise owned cafes to pay a significant portion of marketing costs allowed Panera Bread to lower the company? s capital contribution. -Research and organic evolution New menu items were rolled out in limited cafes and developed in test kitchens prior to nationwide release. This process shareed two cost drivers. First, by employing economies of scale individual cafes will not have to spend resources and capital investing in the development of new menu items.Second, through the expertise of the advanced research and development discussion section Panera ensured both quality of product and process. This resulted in less product down and increased customer satisfaction and in turn lowered costs. -Integrated Value C hain Effect Panera Bread utilized both structural and executional cost drivers to lower costs on the value chain particularly in inbound logistics, operations, outbound logistics, sales and marketing, and research and development. The cost reduction across the value chain gave Panera a strong capability. vi.Assessment of Panera Bread Companys Financial Performance and Capabilities Panera Bread Company showed growth in its profitability from 2002 to 2006, but there were no industry standards presented to compare the numbers in relation to the industry and individual competitors. Panera Bread Company verbalize a desired growth rate of 17% each year, and the sustainable growth rates from 2003 to 2006 were all above this desired rate (See Financial Ratios Section), but the internal growth rates were slightly lower for these years (See Financial Ratios Sections).For the most part, Panera Bread Company showed consistent results for the profitability financial ratios calculated. Therefore the company kept up(p) way? s objectives and values each year. Panera? s ability to maintain cash reserves allowed the company to expand and open new cafes while maintaining management? s goal of not taking on large amounts of long-term debt. Panera Bread Company showed increased revenues as the number of cafes increased, which shows company growth (See Financial Trend Graphs Section). Also, Panera? current ratio was 1. 16 in 2006, which shows the company was able to satisfy all current obligations from operating activities without the need for long-term financing. Since Panera strives to decrease long-term debt, the cash reserves could be used for expansion without the need to restrict assets for future obligations. The company presented low total debt and debt-toequity ratios which allowed the company to avoid overleveraging itself. This also go forth some capacity for the company to take on long-term debt if deemed necessary during expansion.The company created a strong finan cial position for itself by having available cash reserves and diminishing the amount of long-term debt assumed. This created an opportunity for expansion. vii. Strategic Issues Panera Bread Company Faces The strategic issues that Panera faced were as follows. Our first strategic issue was Panera? s potential to use its internal franchising capabilities to take advantage of the fact that the industry life cycle remained in its growth phase.The second strategic issue Panera faced was how to alter its existing promotion strategy in untapped markets in order to take advantage of the opportunity presented by customer? s willingness to try new restaurants. The third strategic issue was how Panera could use its internal capability to build loyal clientele to defend against the threat of low switching costs and low customer loyalty. The final strategic issue was how Panera could use its internal capability of advanced research and development skills to take advantage of the large number of buyers within the industry. iii. Managements Values Management valued the enthusiasm Panera Bread cafes showed for the quality and value of the products offered. The main example was in the company? s dough making capabilities. Panera believed that actions spoke louder than words, so the company needed to show the high quality of its food to the customers. Management believed that the attractive menu and the dining ambience of its bakery-cafes provided significant growth opportunity, despite the fiercely competitive nature of the restaurant industry.Management strived to become the dominant operator within the bakery-cafe segment as well as a leader in the specialty bread segment while making its brand name nationally recognized. Another key value within Panera? s management was maintaining a debt-free balance sheet. The ability to uphold this value came from the company? s franchising model because the franchisees financed the majority of the cafe building expenses. Management str essed the quality of the food and service offered and knew that all other goals, such as expansion, recognition, and retentivity a higher market share, would simply fall into place as a result. x. Organizational Culture Panera Bread Company? s organisational culture began with the overall company and the dough-making facilities and spread out to the bakery cafes, whether company owned or franchised. Panera Bread Company was centered on its dough-making capabilities. The company guaranteed freshness and high quality in each dough it created. The dough was then passed to the cafes, where it was baked fresh and delivered to the customer. The quality controls within the company were maintained through the entire process to ensure that the customer would be glad with his purchase.Quality was the basis for success, and quality was what the company relied on to generate loyal customers. Franchising was also a crucial aspect to Panera? s organizational culture because cafes were where the majority of customer contact occurred, and it was the basis for some of management? s values. Panera? s franchising model was extremely stringent, so only certain individuals were able to have cafes. There were eight criteria that had to be met in order to be considered, and a passion for fresh bread was one of them. Panera ensured that each franchisee had the capital and prior knowledge necessary to succeed.The stringent criteria and Panera? s site selection technology provided a strong basis for cafe success, which in turn led to a strong and satisfying organizational culture. Although Panera did not own the franchised cafes, the company dictated where supplies could be obtained to ensure quality. Panera also trained the franchisees so they could operate on their own successfully, but turn to the company for focal point when necessary. The open environment was helpful without it being too overbearing. The strength in the organizational culture was a contributing factor to Panera ? success and continued growth. Appendices i. ii. iii. iv. v. SWOT Matrix Stakeholder Matrix Financial Ratios (See attached Excel file) Financial Trend Graphs Responses to Questions Not Answered in the Presentation i. SWOT Matrix STRENGTHS -Strong and attainable growth strategy -Ability to build a loyal clientele -The business model -Franchising system site selection and proprietary software -Research and Development Product Innovation -Financial position lack of long term debt -81% of frequent and moderately frequent customers indicated a willingness to try Panera for multiple meal timesWEAKNESSES -Under utilized potential in promotion strategy -Frequent diners only come at one meal time per day -Only located regionally OPPORTUNITIES -The industry life cycle is still in growth -Low cost substitutes viewed as lower quality value -Large number of small buyers in the industry (Lack of buyer bargaining power) -Buyers are characterized as likely to give new restaurants a try THREAT S -Low switching costs/low customer loyalty -Product is a discretionary purchase -Substitutes are convenient and lower priced -Wide breadth of competitive rivalry -Steep learning curve ii.Stakeholder Matrix Stakeholders Companies, Groups, And Individuals fictitious character/Nature of the Relationship/ What We Do For Each of Them -A chain of cafes perceived as a neighborhood bakerycafe which can be found in various locations around the U. S. and quality is consistent in all locations Needs How We avenge Those Needs Customers -U. S. Consumers -A quality food option which is perceived as a good value -A pleasant dining experience with good service and a warm ambiance -By providing quality food in a casual setting that continued to bring customers in for the ambiance and the food -Creating food consumers crave and can trust at all locationsCompetitors -Independent single-unit establishments with fewer than 20 employees -Competed on a local level, as Panera desired to be seen as the l ocal, neighborhood cafe and gathering place -Fast-casual restaurants -Competed on inviting dining environment, quality of food and enticing menus -Commercial eating institutions -Competed on price, service, ambiance, overall experience and convenience -Provide a successful franchising model to be pursued by highly -Preopening assistance with market -Provided market analysis and site selection assistance, lease review,Employees -Franchisees capitalized, experienced and passionate individuals analysis and site selection, training programs, leadership new store opening assistance, a comprehensive initial training program, and a program for hourly employees, benchmarking data regarding costs and profit margins, company developed marketing and advertising programs, neighborhood marketing assistance Shareholders -Owners of the 31,313 shares gravid -The community of the regional markets of company and franchised cafes Provided a stable company to invest in -Do not pay dividends -provide a gathering place for locals and visitors and support the community the locations operate in -A food option and company that adds value to its product and the community at large -Panera sponsored local community generosity events Community iv. Financial Trend Graphs Net Income 70000 Net Income (Millions) 60000 viosterol00 40000 30000 20000 10000 0 2002 2003 2004 category 2005 2006 This figure shows the net income for Panera Bread Company from 2002-2006. It depicts a steadfast increase in net income each year.Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities Nat Cash Provided by Operating Activities (Millions) 120000 100000 80000 60000 40000 20000 0 2002 2003 2004 Year 2005 2006 This figure depicts the net cash provided by operating activities for Panera Bread Company from 2002 to 2006. It shows an increase over time, except from 2005 to 2006. Open Cafes 700 Number of Cafes Open 600 d 400 300 200 100 0 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 Franchised Cafes Company owned Cafes Year This fig ure shows the number of cafes opened at the end of each year. It depicts growth within the company.It also shows that franchise-owned cafes are more prevalent than company-owned ones, which shows success in the company? s franchising model. Store Revenues 2500 Store Revenues (millions) 2000 1500 1000 500 0 2000 2001 2002 2003 Year 2004 2005 2006 This graph shows a steady increase in revenues for each cafe over time. v. Responses to Questions Not Answered in the Presentation Alterations to outset Cafes in Untapped and Low Penetrated Markets Recommendation Our recommendation needed to be altered to provide a separate action plan from recommendation to pursue a more aggressive soft-sell promotion strategy.We altered this recommendation by moving Panera? s focus when opening new bakery-cafes using the superior franchising model to solely untapped markets. These untapped markets would allow for adequate growth to achieve the desired 1160,000 ratio. Alterations to the More Aggressive Sof t-Sell promotional Strategy Recommendation Recommendation two needed to be altered from a marketing strategy to a purely promotional strategy. Panera needed to promote its quality menu by implementing the suggested promotional strategies in its bakery cafes.The purpose of the promotional campaign was to bring new customers into the cafes. This satisfied the opportunity within the industry that customers are prone to try newly opened eating establishments in their community. The campaign needed to be implemented in untapped and low-penetrated markets in order to develop brand awareness by attracting new patrons. Though it may help, it will not be as successful in the highly-penetrated markets because Panera is already an established company with high brand awareness and loyal customers.Alterations to Implementation of Oven Fresh, To Go Program Recommendation In response to your concerns regarding recommendation three, we agree that our implementation of Oven Fresh, To Go did not spec ifically address the low switching cost threat by recognise return customers for their loyalty. To resolve this issue, we altered the implementation steps to include a punch card in the to-go packaging that would reward existing Oven Fresh, To Go customers for their loyalty and raze their switching costs with progressive discounts based on their level of return patronage.Alterations to Broaden Product Scope Recommendation During the video display of the recommendations there was concern that recommendation 4 did not adequately address the goal of increasing market share. The primary concern was that offering an spread out dinner menu after 430 pm would not be motivator enough to overcome factors of image, location, and substitutes for Panera to obtain a relevant increase in market share.To bolster the strength of our recommendation and overcome the aforementioned hurdling to success we have amended our recommendation to include the addition of beer and wine at select Panera loc ations. A Panera site will qualify for alcohol consideration if the area demographics and local legal and regulatory environment are ideal. Selected locations will participate in wine-tasting and other events to engage the surrounding community. The gang of new menu items and select sites serving alcohol will create a new and lively experience for dining at Panera.