The chain is known for its sandwiches and salads and is reworking its menu, operations and decor as part of an effort to reverse years of stagnant sales growth, wrote The Wall Street Journal. “Among the changes: Many salads will again feature romaine lettuce, after Panera last year swapped in lower-cost iceberg greens in some of its mixes,” WSJ reported. The company said it aims to boost Panera’s annual sales to $7 billion by 2028, from around $6 billion currently, by drawing more customers and adding restaurants.

Panera said it will transform its business focusing on four strategic pillars:

• Refreshing the menu: “Elevating Panera’s food across dayparts to incorporate abundant, flavorful and distinctive, high-quality ingredients, alongside bakery leadership and a strong beverage portfolio.”
• Igniting value: “Delivering carefully crafted, high-quality food at a variety of price points that remains accessible and affordable, and worth it to our guests, every time.”
• Serving our guests with excellence: “Weaving our signature Panera Warmth into every interaction with our guests and investing in front-of-house labor to deliver an exceptional and personalized experience across all channels and reinvigorating the bakery-cafe as an ‘everyday oasis.’”
• Expanding our network: “Driving growth, building new units and modernizing the portfolio to ensure consistent operational excellence across franchise and Panera company bakery-cafes.”

Meanwhile at McDonald’s, the QSR’s The Grinch Meal launches tomorrow, December 2. The meal, made in partnership with Dr. Seuss Enterprises, will be available at participating restaurants nationwide for a limited time while supplies last. The meal features Dill Pickle "Grinch Salt" McShaker Fries, arriving for the first time in the U.S.

“Sprinkle the tangy, dill pickle seasoning into the McShaker bag and shake for a bold twist on our World-Famous Fries that will make your taste buds pucker with delight. Pair them with your choice of a Big Mac or 10-piece Chicken McNuggets and a medium drink for the ultimate treat for yourself during holiday fuss and muss,” the QSR said. The meal also comes with a pair of The Grinch-themed socks.

Last month, Taco Bell launched a fan style menu, with three new menu items created by fans of the QSR. Taco Bell received 40,000 submissions from loyalists who were invited to share their most inventive custom orders and chose three fans, dubbed Taco Bell honorary “Fan Chefs,” whose creations made the cut: Brock's California Crunchwrap, Sandra's Cantina Craze and Kajol's Burrito Bliss.

• California Crunchwrap: “This fan favorite subs in steak, adds seasoned fries and guacamole and wraps it all in the signature grilled Crunchwrap shell. Inspired by laid-back SoCal flavors, it's an elevated take that balances indulgence and comfort in each bite.”
• Burrito Bliss: “A vegetarian remix of the beloved cheesy bean and rice burrito, it features seasoned rice, refried beans, pico de gallo, Fiesta Strips Tortilla Strips and creamy Avocado Ranch, all grilled.”
• Cantina Craze: “The Cantina Chicken Crispy Taco gets a fan spin that amps up the flavor with Creamy Jalapeño Sauce, lettuce, tomatoes and a touch of reduced-fat sour cream.”