Panera Bread
Free 2026 Business Tool

Panera Bread Catering Calculator

Figure out how much your Panera catering order will cost before you place it. Pick your menu items, set your group sizes, and get a price breakdown you can download.

How It Works

1

Set Headcount

Create client/team groups and set sizes.

2

Add Menu Items

Click items to add them directly to a group.

3

Download Quote

Export a print-ready PDF estimate or CSV file.

Manage Groups

Menu Items

Cost Summary

Real-time estimate for your event.

Groups Configured: 0
Total Headcount: 0
Total Items: 0
Estimated Total $0.00

About These Prices

This calculator uses 2026 menu prices that you can verify on our Panera Menu and Prices page. Prices can vary slightly by location. Delivery fees, taxes, and service charges are not included in these estimates - those get added at checkout with your local Panera.

How to Save $50+ on a Large Panera Catering Order

The easiest way to cut costs on a big catering order is to buy drinks in bulk. A Coffee Tote costs $24 and serves 10 people, which works out to $2.40 per cup. Buying 10 individual coffees would cost over $35. Same idea with the Iced Green Tea gallon at $16 - way cheaper than individual cups. Check our full catering prices guide for all drink options.

For the food, trays are almost always a better deal than individual orders. A Classic Sandwich Tray at $95 (serves 10) costs $9.50 per person. Add a Classic Caesar Salad bowl at $54 (serves 10) and you have a complete sandwich-and-salad meal for $14.90 per person. That same meal ordered individually would run you closer to $20 each.

Why Use a Panera Catering Calculator

Three reasons people come back to this tool every time they order catering

Current 2026 Prices

Uses real menu prices updated for 2026 so your budget estimate matches what you will actually pay at checkout.

Multiple Groups

Split your order into separate groups like "Marketing Team" and "Executives" so each group gets exactly what they need.

Download Your Quote

Export your estimate as a printable PDF, a PNG image, or a CSV spreadsheet you can open in Excel or Google Sheets.

Panera Catering FAQs

1. How much does Panera catering cost for 50 people?

Feeding 50 people at Panera usually runs between $650 and $800 depending on what you pick. That breaks down to about $13 to $16 per person if you mix sandwich trays with salad bowls and a coffee tote.

2. What is the cheapest catering option at Panera?

Boxed Lunches are the best value because you pay a flat rate per person and everyone gets a complete meal. Pairing those with a Classic Sandwich Tray instead of the Deluxe version saves even more.

3. Does this calculator include delivery fees and taxes?

No. This tool estimates your food cost only. Delivery fees, taxes, and any service charges get added at checkout when you place the order with your local Panera.

4. How many sandwich trays do I need for a party of 20?

Two sandwich trays. Each tray serves 10 people, so two trays cover 20 guests with enough variety. Add a salad bowl if you want a more complete spread.

5. How far in advance should I place a catering order?

At least 24 hours ahead for standard orders. If you are ordering for 50+ people or need specific delivery times, give them 48 hours so the kitchen can prep everything properly.

6. Are plates, napkins, and utensils included?

Yes. Every Panera catering order comes with disposable plates, napkins, and serving utensils at no extra cost.

7. Can I customize boxed lunches for dietary needs?

Yes. You can order vegetarian boxes with the Mediterranean Veggie sandwich, or request gluten-conscious options like the Fuji Apple Chicken Salad. Just specify when placing the order.

8. Is there a minimum order for Panera catering delivery?

Delivery orders have a $50 minimum. If you want to skip the minimum, use Rapid Pick-Up instead and pick up the order yourself.

More Panera Bread Guides

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⚠️ UNOFFICIAL FAN GUIDE: This website is an independent informational guide and blog created to help users find menu prices, allergen info, and holiday hours. We are NOT affiliated with, endorsed, sponsored, or associated with Panera Bread or its parent companies. All trademarks, logos, and brand names are the property of their respective owners. For the official website, please visit panerabread.com.

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