Part 4/15:
During the late 1990s and 2000s, Panera's strategic acquisitions propelled it to greater heights. It purchased Arizona's Paradise Bakery & Café in 2007 and rebranded those locations as Paneras, expanding into the Canadian market in 2008. By 2016, the chain boasted over 2,000 locations across the United States and Canada.
The company also acquired Albon Panco back in 2017, symbolizing the cyclical nature of business ownership. Most notably, Panera was acquired by JAB Holding Company, a German conglomerate, in 2017. Under this new ownership, Panera solidified its position as one of the most recognizable names in the fast casual sector, known for its emphasis on wholesome ingredients, lighter fare, and a health-oriented brand image.