Last Updated on January 3, 2026 by Craig Allen Keefner
Panera Kiosks (iPads)
Update on Panera December 2025 —
1. Panera’s Bigger Strategic Shift (2025)
Panera unveiled a major corporate strategy called “Panera RISE” in late 2025, aimed at reversing years of flat or declining traffic and sales. As part of this plan:
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Panera is reinvesting in its self-ordering kiosks, which in many locations had not been significantly updated in nearly a decade. The company sees kiosk improvements as part of enhancing the guest experience and boosting productivity. Morning Brew
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This reinvestment comes alongside efforts to hire more front-line staff, refresh the menu, and improve overall cafe experience—indicating a hybrid approach between tech automation and human service rather than replacing people with kiosks entirely. Morning Brew
2. Technology Isn’t Dropped — It’s Being Redesigned
While Panera is rebalancing tech vs human hospitality (especially as industry peers rethink automation), kiosks remain part of its digital ecosystem:
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A recent industry article notes many restaurants, including fast-casual chains like Panera, are rethinking automation and emphasizing human hospitality again in 2026 planning. Restaurant Technology News
This reflects a broader trend but also signals that Panera’s kiosk evolution will likely aim for a more guest-friendly experience, not just raw efficiency.
3. Kiosk and Digital Operations Still Meaningful
In related tech news:
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Panera partnered with DoorDash’s SmartScale technology to boost delivery order weight accuracy, showing that digital channels (including kiosks, app, third-party integration) are still being optimized. Restaurant Technology News
4. Historical Context (Valuable for Understanding 2025)
It’s worth noting Panera has long been a pioneer in self-service ordering kiosks, originally rolling them out as part of the “Panera 2.0” digital transformation years ago. This has historically driven higher satisfaction and repeat visits, though kiosks haven’t always been upgraded frequently in recent years. Pyramid Technologies, Inc.
Summary:
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Panera RISE strategy (late 2025) includes upgrading kiosk experiences alongside staff hiring and menu refreshes. Morning Brew
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The brand is adjusting how it uses technology—emphasizing hospitality and guest experience alongside automation. Restaurant Technology News
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Kiosk tech remains part of Panera’s digital ecosystem, supported by partnerships and ongoing operational improvements. Restaurant Technology News
Original Article
The row of four iPads is right inside the door, across from the traditional cashier station. Customers can order from their history and favorites, customize menu items, redeem rewards and pay with credit cards, just as they can at the regular check-out.
Source: npbc.blog.palmbeachpost.com
The Panera Bread at 3186 Northlake Boulevard doesn’t have the fast-lane kiosks yet, but it will eventually. Most stores will have four to eight kiosks, according to an article by USA Today detailing technology-based efforts Panera is making to reduce wait times.
The St. Louis-based company started rolling out its “Panera 2.0” improvements in 2014.
