Panera Lunch Menu Hours 2025 – When to Order Midday Favorites
For customers planning their day around a Panera Bread visit, understanding the Panera lunch menu hours is essential. Whether you’re grabbing a quick soup and sandwich combo or sitting down with colleagues for a salad and iced tea, Panera’s lunch offerings begin promptly after breakfast service ends.
In this guide, you’ll find up-to-date 2025 information about Panera’s lunch hours, how the transition from breakfast works, and what you can expect to order once lunch begins. We’ll also cover popular lunch items and ordering tips to help you get the most out of your visit.
What Time Does Panera Start Serving Lunch?
Panera typically starts serving its lunch menu at 10:30 AM on weekdays and weekends at most locations. This is the time when breakfast items are phased out and lunch favorites become available.
- Lunch Start Time: 10:30 AM (nationwide standard)
- Lunch End Time: Closing time (typically 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM, depending on the location)
Lunch menu items, such as salads, soups, sandwiches, flatbreads, and bowls, are available throughout the afternoon and evening.
Does Lunch Replace Breakfast at 10:30 AM?
Yes. Panera transitions its kitchen from breakfast to lunch service promptly at 10:30 AM. At this time:
- Breakfast sandwiches and soufflés are no longer available
- Bagels, pastries, and baked goods remain available all day
- Full lunch menu items (including warm bowls, soups, and sandwiches) become available
If you arrive between 10:15 and 10:30 AM, there may be a short overlap or brief wait depending on your location and store operations.
What’s on the Panera Lunch Menu After 10:30 AM?
Once lunch hours begin, Panera serves a full lineup of savory meals including:
Signature Sandwiches:
- Roasted Turkey & Avocado BLT
- Bacon Turkey Bravo
- Toasted Steak & White Cheddar
- Grilled Cheese on Sourdough
Warm Grain Bowls:
- Mediterranean Bowl with Chicken
- Baja Bowl with Avocado
Soups (rotating daily):
- Broccoli Cheddar
- Creamy Tomato
- Chicken Noodle
- Autumn Squash (seasonal)
Salads:
- Strawberry Poppyseed Chicken Salad (seasonal)
- Green Goddess Cobb Salad
- Caesar Salad with Chicken
Flatbread Pizzas:
- Pepperoni Mozzarella
- Margherita
- Chicken & Bacon Ranch
Lunch combos allow you to pair two items—like half a sandwich and a cup of soup—for a balanced midday meal.
When Is the Best Time to Visit for Lunch?
To avoid peak crowds, the ideal time to visit Panera for lunch is typically between 10:45 AM and 12:00 PM, before the main lunch rush. Between 12 PM and 1:30 PM, lines and wait times may increase significantly at high-traffic locations.
Can You Order Lunch Items in the Morning?
In most cases, lunch items are not available before 10:30 AM, especially via app or online orders. However, a few bakery-cafés may begin limited lunch prep slightly earlier depending on demand and location-specific policies.
Are Panera Lunch Hours the Same on Weekends?
Yes. The standard Panera lunch menu hours are the same on weekends, starting at 10:30 AM and continuing until closing. This includes access to all sandwiches, salads, soups, and bowls offered during the week.
FAQs About Panera Lunch Hours
What time does Panera switch from breakfast to lunch?
Panera begins lunch service at 10:30 AM every day.
Can I order a salad or sandwich before 10:30 AM?
Generally, no. Lunch items are available after 10:30 AM, though some baked items (like bread and pastries) are available all day.
How late can I order from the lunch menu?
Panera serves lunch until closing time, which is usually between 8:00 PM and 9:00 PM depending on the location.
Is the lunch menu available for delivery?
Yes. You can order lunch items for pickup or delivery through the Panera app, website, or third-party services once lunch hours begin.
Conclusion
The Panera lunch menu hours start at 10:30 AM daily, signaling the transition from breakfast to hearty midday meals. With sandwiches, salads, soups, and warm bowls served through the evening, Panera offers consistent quality and variety for lunch no matter your schedule.
Whether you’re visiting early to beat the rush or placing an afternoon delivery order, knowing Panera’s lunch hours ensures you’ll always get your favorite items fresh and on time.
If you’re planning to visit a specific location, check store hours through the Panera app or website to confirm local availability.
