According to 2017 and 2019 coffee data trends reports from the National Coffee Association, more than 160 million American adults drink coffee every day, but nearly half are conflicted because of what they spend on the beverage. The average American spends $1,100 a year on coffee, according to an Acorns 2017 Money Matters Report.
Panera Bread is looking to address that issue with a new way to buy coffee. The bakery-café chain’s new unlimited subscription program allows customers to get unlimited high-quality hot drip coffee, iced coffee, and hot tea for just $8.99 per month. According to Panera, it is the first national restaurant company to offer such a plan.
“Coffee is an important daily ritual for so many – it can give you a dose of optimism – it lifts you up. We kept asking ourselves, ‘why can’t it be more accessible, more affordable? Moreover, could unlimited coffee translate to unlimited optimism?’” says Niren Chaudhary, Panera CEO. “Today, we’re changing the game for coffee drinkers across the country with our no compromises, unlimited subscription service—great coffee at an amazing value. We are eliminating the price barrier and the false choices between convenience and quality – between good coffee and craveable food. At Panera, there’s no more compromise—and your cup is always full.”
The new coffee subscription is available to members of MyPanera, Panera’s free loyalty program. MyPanera members can register today for the subscription via the Panera website and mobile app. Customers can also sign up via a QR code that will be available in Panera bakery-cafés nationwide beginning Monday, March 2.
“From helping create the fast-casual category, to technology breakthroughs with Panera 2.0, to clean food—Panera has a history of industry-leading innovation that creates value for and adds to the guest experience,” adds Chaudhary. “Panera is a challenger brand and with unlimited coffee we are disrupting the coffee business. We are challenging the status quo because we believe everyone deserves a full cup, literally and figuratively.”