Panera Bread to Webcast Annual Meeting Management Presentation on May 22, 2008

ST. LOUIS, May 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Panera Bread Company today announced that Ron Shaich, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and Jeff Kip, Chief Financial Officer, will deliver a management presentation at the Company's 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held at 10:30 a.m., Central Daylight Time, on May 22, 2008 at the Sheraton Clayton Plaza Hotel, 7730 Bonhomme Avenue, Clayton, Missouri, 63105. During the management presentation, Mr. Kip will report on the Company's financial performance and outlook and Mr. Shaich will discuss operational aspects of the Company's business and answer appropriate questions from the Company's stockholders. The management presentation will be broadcast on the Internet beginning at 10:40 a.m., Central Daylight Time, on Thursday, May 22, 2008.

To access the audio webcast of the management presentation and accompanying slideshow, go to http://www.panerabread.com/investor. Access to the webcast and slide presentation will be archived for one year.

About Panera Bread Company

Panera Bread Company owns and franchises 1,185 bakery-cafes under the Panera Bread(R) and Saint Louis Bread Co.(R) names as of March 25, 2008. With its identity rooted in handcrafted, fresh-baked, artisan bread, Panera Bread is committed to providing great tasting, quality food that people can trust. Highlighted by antibiotic free chicken, whole grain bread, select organic and all-natural ingredients and a menu with zero grams added trans fat, Panera's bakery-cafe selection offers flavorful, wholesome offerings. The menu includes a wide variety of year-round favorites, complemented by new items introduced seasonally with the goal of creating new standards in everyday food choices. In neighborhoods across the country, guests are enjoying Panera's warm and welcoming environment featuring comfortable gathering areas, relaxing decor, and free internet access provided through a managed WiFi network. At the close of each day, Panera Bread bakery-cafes donate bread and baked goods to community organizations in need. Additional information is available on the Company's website, http://www.panerabread.com. Panera also holds a 51% interest in Paradise Bakery & Cafe, Inc., owner and franchisor of 67 bakery-cafes as of March 25, 2008.

Panera Bread Company

CONTACT: Jeff Kip, Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer of
Panera Bread Company, +1-314-633-7289

Web site: http://www.panerabread.com/