What Does Panera Catering Actually Cost?
Most sites just paste the menu prices and call it a day. But your final bill is actually determined by three hidden factors: how you package the food, your total headcount, and your delivery method.
The Format
Shared platter trays are roughly 30% cheaper per person than ordering individual boxed lunches.
The Headcount
A 10-person corporate lunch runs $120 to $180. Scaling to 25 people pushes the total to $300 to $450.
Delivery Fees
Stores typically charge $5-$15 for delivery (min $50 order). Rapid Pick-Up is always 100% free.
The Office Manager's "Sweet Spot"
The smartest budget hack? Combine a $95 Classic Sandwich Tray with two $22 Soup Quarts and a $24 Coffee Tote. You feed 10 people a hot, fresh meal for roughly $14 per person. Pair this with our Catering Calculator to lock in your numbers.
Complete Panera Catering Menu Prices (June 2026)
We pulled these numbers directly from Panera's catering platform and cross checked them with three different metro markets. Prices can shift by a dollar or two depending on your zip code, but the ranges below hold true for the vast majority of U.S. locations.
Sandwich and Wrap Trays
| Item | Feeds | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Deluxe Assortment Tray | 10 | $105.00 |
| Classic Sandwich Tray | 10 | $95.00 |
| Napa Almond Chicken (individual) | 1 | $11.50 |
| Mediterranean Veggie (individual) | 1 | $10.25 |
| Tuna Salad Sandwich (individual) | 1 | $10.50 |
Salad Bowls
| Item | Feeds | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Green Goddess Cobb | 10 | $68.00 |
| Fuji Apple Chicken | 10 | $64.00 |
| Asian Sesame Chicken | 10 | $64.00 |
| Strawberry Poppyseed | 10 | $62.00 |
| Greek Salad | 10 | $58.00 |
| Classic Caesar | 10 | $54.00 |
Soups
| Item | Feeds | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Broccoli Cheddar Soup | 4 | $22.00 |
| Creamy Tomato Soup | 4 | $22.00 |
| Chicken Noodle Soup | 4 | $22.00 |
| Bistro French Onion | 4 | $24.00 |
| Bread Bowls (4 Pack) | 4 | $12.00 |
Breakfast Options
| Item | Feeds | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Bagel Pack (1 Dozen) | 12 | $16.99 |
| Morning Pastries | 10 | $28.50 |
| Steel Cut Oatmeal | 10 | $55.00 |
| Parfait Family Set | 5 | $42.00 |
| Fresh Fruit Bowl | 10 | $35.00 |
Drinks and Sweets
| Item | Feeds | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Coffee Tote (96oz) | 10 | $24.00 |
| Hot Tea Tote | 10 | $24.00 |
| Iced Green Tea (Gallon) | varies | $16.00 |
| Agave Lemonade (Gallon) | varies | $18.00 |
| Cookie Assortment (Dozen) | 12 | $32.00 |
| Brownie Box (Dozen) | 12 | $36.00 |
| Bottled Water | 1 | $2.50 |
How Much Does It Cost to Feed 10, 25, 50, and 100 People?
This is the question everyone Googles but nobody answers with actual numbers. We ran the math for four common group sizes using Panera's most popular catering combinations. Each scenario includes a main course, a side, drinks, and dessert.
- 1x Classic Sandwich Tray: $95
- 3x Soup Quarts: $66
- 1x Coffee Tote: $24
- 1x Cookie Dozen: $32
- 2x Classic Sandwich Trays: $190
- 1x Caesar Salad Bowl: $54
- 4x Soup Quarts: $88
- 2x Coffee Totes: $48
- 2x Cookie Dozens: $64
- 3x Deluxe Sandwich Trays: $315
- 2x Fuji Apple Salad Bowls: $128
- 6x Soup Quarts (mixed): $134
- 3x Coffee Totes: $72
- 4x Cookie Dozens: $128
- 6x Deluxe Sandwich Trays: $630
- 4x Assorted Salad Bowls: $248
- 12x Soup Quarts: $264
- 5x Coffee Totes: $120
- 25x Bottled Waters: $63
- 6x Cookie Dozens: $192
Want numbers tailored to your exact guest list? Our free Catering Calculator lets you mix and match items and see totals update in real time.
Boxed Lunch Prices: Individual vs. Group Ordering
Boxed lunches are the go to choice when you need individual portions. They're clean, portable, and eliminate the "who took the last sandwich" drama that platter trays always seem to cause. Panera offers three tiers, each with different inclusions.
| Box Tier | Includes | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Box | Half sandwich, chips, pickle, cookie | $14.50 |
| Salad Box | Half salad, baguette, cookie | $15.25 |
| Premium Box | Full sandwich or salad, chips, apple, brownie | $16.99 |
Here's the math that matters: if you're feeding 20 people with Premium Boxes, your food cost is $339.80. Compare that to two Classic Sandwich Trays ($190) plus extras, and the tray route saves you about $100 to $150. But boxes are better for events where people eat at different times or need grab and go portability.
5 Ways to Cut Your Panera Catering Bill
We tested these strategies across dozens of office catering orders. Here is how you can slash 10% to 25% off your final bill without hunting for expired coupon codes.
Go with Trays over Boxes
A Classic Sandwich Tray feeds 10 people for $95. Buying ten individual boxes costs $145. Switching to trays gives you an instant 34% savings.
Leverage MyPanera Rewards
Link your corporate account to MyPanera. Huge catering orders rack up points fast, turning into free bakery items or drink upgrades for the office later.
Use 100% Free Rapid Pick-Up
Delivery fees run $5 to $15 depending on distance. If a team member can drive, select Rapid Pick-Up to eliminate the fee and keep your budget tight.
The "Cookie Dozen" Hack
Skip individual brownies or pastries. A Cookie Dozen ($32) gives you 12 desserts for the price of 8 individual treats. Massive value.
Calculate Before You Order
Stop guessing group math. Use our Free Catering Calculator to perfectly map your headcount and lock in the most efficient combinations over time.
Panera vs. Chipotle vs. Subway: Which Chain Wins on Catering Value?
If you're the person in the office responsible for ordering lunch, you've probably compared these three at some point. Here's how they stack up when feeding 25 people a full meal.
| Factor | Panera Bread | Chipotle | Subway |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost Per Person | $14 - $18 | $13 - $16 | $8 - $12 |
| Food Quality | Artisan grade | Fresh, customizable | Standard deli |
| Soup Included? | Yes (signature) | No | No |
| Bakery/Dessert? | Yes (cookies, pastries) | Chips only | Cookies |
| Beverage Options | Coffee, tea, lemonade totes | Bottled drinks | Bottled only |
| Online Ordering | Full platform | Full platform | Full platform |
| Dietary Flexibility | Excellent | Excellent | Moderate |
| Professional Presentation | High (trays, labeled) | Moderate | Basic |
The bottom line: Subway wins on raw price. Chipotle wins on customization. But Panera wins when your event needs to look and feel polished. Board meetings, client lunches, and team celebrations are where Panera justifies every dollar, and the variety of soups, salads, and bakery items gives you a spread that the other two simply cannot match.
How to Place a Panera Catering Order (Step by Step)
Map Headcount & Budget
Don't guess. Use our Nutrition Calculator to verify calorie counts and lock in your dietary needs before building the menu.
Access the Portal
Head to catering.panerabread.com or call your local store. The online portal gives you real-time pricing and full menu access.
Pick Your Format
Choose Trays for buffet-style setups or Boxed Lunches for grab-and-go convenience. A mix works best for massive events.
Build the Feast
Start with a core main (sandwiches/salads), bolt on signature soups or sides, and finish with drink totes and dessert platters.
Set Delivery Buffers
Panera schedules in 15-minute windows. Always book delivery 20 minutes before your event starts to guarantee setup time.
Final Review & Submit
Double-check your guest count, inject any special dietary notes (like gluten-conscious boxes), and lock it in.
Common Questions About Panera Catering Prices
How much does Panera catering cost per person in 2026?
Panera catering costs between $12 and $18 per person on average. That range depends on whether you order trays (cheaper per head) or individual boxed lunches (more convenient but pricier). A balanced order with sandwiches, soup, coffee, and cookies typically lands around $15 per guest.
What is the cheapest way to cater from Panera Bread?
Go with Classic Sandwich Trays at $95 per 10 people, add Creamy Tomato Soup quarts at $22 each, and a cookie dozen for $32. That combination brings per person cost down to about $11, which is about as low as it gets without sacrificing variety.
Does Panera charge a delivery fee for catering orders?
Yes. The delivery fee varies by distance and typically ranges from $5 to $15. Orders over $200 sometimes qualify for reduced or waived delivery fees depending on the location. You can always skip this entirely by choosing Rapid Pick Up.
How far in advance should I place a Panera catering order?
At least 24 hours ahead for standard orders. For groups over 50, give them 48 to 72 hours notice, especially during holiday seasons or Monday mornings when demand spikes. Same day ordering is possible for smaller groups, but availability depends on your location.
Can I customize a Panera catering order for dietary restrictions?
You can. Panera stocks vegetarian options like the Mediterranean Veggie sandwich, vegan friendly soups like Ten Vegetable, and gluten conscious salads. When ordering trays, you can request specific sandwich types to accommodate the group. Individual box orders give you full control over each person's meal.
Does Panera provide plates and utensils with catering?
Every catering delivery includes disposable plates, napkins, and serving utensils. No extra charge. For larger events, they also include setup labels and serving instructions in the delivery kit.
Is Panera catering cheaper than Chipotle or Subway?
Subway is cheaper ($8 to $12 per person). Chipotle is close ($13 to $16). Panera runs $14 to $18. But Panera includes bakery items, professional tray presentation, and signature soups that the other two don't offer. For events where presentation matters, Panera delivers more value per dollar.
What is included in a Panera boxed lunch?
The Standard Box ($14.50) has a half sandwich, chips, a pickle spear, and a cookie. The Salad Box ($15.25) swaps the sandwich for a half salad with a baguette. The Premium Box ($16.99) gives you the full portion size with a brownie and an apple on the side.
Final Verdict: Is Panera Catering Worth It?
Panera isn’t the cheapest option, but it dominates where presentation and variety matter most. At $14 to $18 per person, you aren't just buying food; you're buying a professional, foolproof spread for your event.
- Best for: Board meetings, client lunches, and office celebrations where first impressions count.
- The Edge: Built-in bakery items, premium signature soups, and seamless dietary accommodations (vegan/gluten-conscious).
- Skip if: You have a strict sub-$10 per head budget (look to Subway instead).
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