Holiday Hours, Catering Deadlines and Spring Brunch Ideas
Easter Sunday falls on April 5 2026. Most Panera Bread locations will open with reduced hours, typically from 7 AM to 6 PM. Here is your complete guide to planning an Easter brunch, meeting catering deadlines, and picking the best menu items for a spring gathering.
Apr 5
Easter Sunday
7 AM to 6 PM
Typical Hours
48 hrs
Catering Lead
Saturday runs normal hours. Sunday is reduced. Monday returns to normal. Call your local store or use the Panera app to double check before heading out.
Saturday
April 4, 2026
6 AM to 9 PM
Normal Hours
Sunday
April 5, 2026
7 AM to 6 PM
Reduced Hours (Varies)
Monday
April 6, 2026
6 AM to 9 PM
Normal Hours
Mall locations may differ
Panera stores inside malls follow the mall holiday schedule, which may be different from standalone locations. Check with the mall or the Panera app before your visit.
Catering orders for Easter Sunday must be placed by Thursday April 3rd at the latest. Larger orders over $200 may require 72 hours advance notice. Here is the full timeline from order to pickup.
Browse the catering menu online or in the Panera app. Select your items, choose Easter Sunday as your pickup date, and set a pickup time within the 7 AM to 6 PM window. Ordering early gives you the widest selection and best time slots.
This is the absolute last day to submit catering orders for Easter Sunday pickup. After 5 PM local time, the catering system may not accept new orders for April 5th. Do not wait until this point if you have a large order.
Panera will call or email to confirm your pickup time and order details. Keep your phone available. If you do not hear from them by Saturday morning, call the store directly to confirm.
Arrive at your confirmed time. Bring your order confirmation number and a valid ID. Catering orders are usually ready 15 minutes before the scheduled time. The store will close early so do not schedule a late afternoon pickup.
Panera serves breakfast until 10:30 AM on Easter Sunday. After that the full lunch and dinner menu is available. Your timing determines what you can order.
The breakfast menu is fully active. This is the best window for breakfast sandwiches, pastries, bagels, and morning coffee. Ideal for an early Easter gathering or a pre-church breakfast run.
Order via Rapid Pick Up same day
The full lunch and dinner menu is live. Soups, salads, sandwiches, and warm grain bowls are all available. This is the window for post-church Easter lunch or mid-afternoon family gatherings.
Catering deadline: Thursday April 3rd by 5 PM
Two ready-to-use meal plans for Easter Sunday. One for a big group using Panera catering and one for a small family ordering individually.
Use Panera catering trays for a hassle-free Easter morning. All items are ready to serve when you pick them up. No plating needed.
Order by Thursday April 3rd for Sunday pickup
No catering needed. Order individually through the Panera app on Easter morning using Rapid Pick Up.
Order same day via Rapid Pick Up
These Panera items work especially well for a spring family gathering. Order them for pickup on Easter morning or add them to your catering order.
$6.69 Breakfast 470 cal
Classic Easter breakfast sandwich. Hearty and satisfying for a morning gathering with the family.
$2.39 Sweet 420 cal
Sweet cinnamon crunch topping makes this feel like a special occasion treat. Perfect for Easter morning.
$5.09 Shareable 800 cal
Big enough to split with the table. Packed with chocolate, pretzels, and toffee pieces.
$8.59 Comfort 360 cal
Creamy and familiar. A safe crowd-pleasing choice that everyone at the table will enjoy.
$12.69 Fresh 580 cal
Greens, apples, and chicken with a sweet dressing. A fresh and light spring option for lunch.
$3.49 Pastry 540 cal
Almond filling and sliced almonds on top. A bakery classic for special Easter mornings.
Looking for something different than candy this Easter? Panera gift cards and bakery items make practical and tasty Easter basket fillers.
Available in any denomination. Buy them in store, online at panerabread.com, or at retailers like Target and Walmart. They never expire and work at any Panera location nationwide.
Panera cookies and pastries work as alternative Easter basket treats. Buy them the day before Easter for the best freshness. They pair well with a gift card for a complete Panera themed basket.
Small things that make a big difference when ordering from Panera on Easter Sunday. These tips come from years of holiday ordering patterns.
Store hours can change at the last minute on holidays. Open the Panera app or call the store directly on Easter morning before you head out.
The Thursday deadline is the absolute last chance. Ordering by Wednesday gives the store more prep time and you a better pickup time selection.
If you are feeding 4 or fewer people, skip catering and use Rapid Pick Up instead. You can order same day and skip the line entirely.
Catering orders are usually ready 15 minutes before the scheduled time. Getting there early means less waiting and more time with your family.
MyPanera rewards members earn points on every purchase including catering. Sign up for free before Easter and you will start earning immediately.
Post-church crowds hit Panera hard between 11 AM and 1 PM on Easter. If you are ordering individually, aim for 10 AM or after 2 PM.
Panera bakes fresh daily. Buy your Easter basket cookies and pastries on Saturday April 4th so they are fresh for Easter morning.
Holiday
Holiday hours and heat and serve options for Christmas gatherings.
Holiday
Thanksgiving hours and Turkey Chili season availability details.
Catering
Complete catering menu with group ordering options and pricing.
Ordering
How to order for groups of 4 or more with the best value.
Value
Complete family meal deals that work for Easter gatherings.
Menu
Full breakfast menu with prices for early morning Easter meals.
Common questions about Panera hours, catering, and ordering on Easter Sunday 2026.
Most Panera locations operate on reduced hours on Easter Sunday April 5 2026. Expect openings at 7 to 8 AM and closings at 5 to 7 PM instead of the usual 9 PM. Some franchise locations may close entirely. Always check the Panera app store locator the morning of Easter to confirm your location hours.
Typical Easter Sunday hours are 7 AM to 6 PM though this varies by location. The Saturday before Easter operates normal hours 6 AM to 9 PM. Easter Monday returns to regular hours. Mall based locations may follow the mall holiday schedule instead.
Yes. Panera standard catering menu is available for Easter gatherings including sandwich trays, soup tubs, salad bowls, pastry boxes, and boxed lunches. Place your order at least 48 hours in advance by Thursday April 3rd for Easter Sunday pickup. Large orders may require 72 hours notice.
For a group brunch order a Breakfast Sandwich tray with 12 sandwiches for about $72, a Pastry and Muffin tray for $24.99, and a coffee chafer for $24.99 that serves 10 cups. For individual orders the Scrambled Egg and Cheese on Ciabatta with a side of fruit is a solid Easter breakfast pick.
No. Panera does not create Easter specific menu items. However the spring seasonal items are typically available so check for any new spring soups or salads. The regular menu including breakfast, bakery, and soups is fully available on Easter within operating hours.
Yes. Use the Panera app to place a Rapid Pick Up order or a catering order for Easter Sunday. Set your pickup time within the store Easter hours. Rapid Pick Up orders can be placed same day. Catering needs 48 or more hours notice.
Yes. Panera gift cards are available in store, on the website, and at retail locations like Target and Walmart. They come in any denomination and do not expire. They make a practical Easter basket gift for Panera fans.
Panera cookies, scones, and pastries can work as Easter treats. The Chocolate Chip Cookie and Kitchen Sink Cookie are individually wrapped. Bear Claws and Cinnamon Rolls work for a bakery themed Easter morning. Buy them the day before for freshness.
Catering deadline is Thursday April 3rd at 5 PM. Place your order early for the best pickup time slots.
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