Panera Bread franchise for sale
When a Panera Bread franchise is for sale, it's already open and you buy it from the owner. Panera Bread must approve you before the sale can close.
Buying a Panera Bread franchise from its owner
- Fee for a transfer
- For each bakery-cafe, $25,000. Item 6, 2026 FDD
- In 2025, sold to new owners
- 3; There were 35 in 2023 and 16 in 2024.; Among 1,106 franchised units, the share is 0.3%. Item 20, 2026 FDD
- Panera Bread holds the right to buy first.
- Yes, 30 days.Your offer sets the terms for this right of first refusal. Item 17, 2026 FDD
- A new Panera Bread as an alternative
- The total cost to open one is $1,337,139 to $4,569,880. Item 7, 2026 FDD
Before Panera Bread approves a sale, here's what it asks
- Compliance is required of the seller, including paying all amounts currently due, and the Bakery-Cafe must already have opened.
- Buyers must qualify, finish training and sign either a new or an existing Franchise Agreement.
- A public company cannot be the buyer.
- All seller-owned Bakery-Cafes must change hands, and payment of the transfer fee is required.
- Debt subordination is required from the seller, who must also sign a general release plus a non-compete agreement.
- Price and payment terms need the franchisor's approval, and adverse franchise legislation must not exist.
- The landlord must give written consent for the lease or sublease to transfer to the buyer.
- Existing deficiencies reported by the franchisor must be fixed by the seller, and/or the buyer agrees to an upgrade or remodel.
New owners purchased Panera Bread units
| Year | Units transferred |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 35 |
| 2024 | 16 |
| 2025 | 3 |
Item 20 of the FDD provides these counts. It also names sellers and departing owners from the past year, plus their contact details. Before you make an offer, call a few of them.
Where to look for a Panera Bread franchise for sale
Units on the market aren't listed in the FDD. Owners use business brokers and listing sites to sell. Ask Panera Bread's franchise team as well whether an owner near you is selling.
Sellers decide the price. Request profit and loss statements covering three years, then weigh the price against opening a new Panera Bread for $1,337,139 to $4,569,880.
Each figure on this page comes from Items 6, 17 and 20 in the 2026 Panera Bread Franchise Disclosure Document, filed by Panera, LLC with the Minnesota Department of Commerce.
Additional franchises for sale
Buying a Panera Bread franchise from its owner?
One franchise attorney can check the transfer terms and the agreement you would take over. Send your details and they will contact you.