Panera Bread(R) Survey Reveals Americans' Thoughts on the Day's Most Important Meal as the Company Introduces Grilled Breakfast Sandwiches

RICHMOND HEIGHTS, Mo., April 1, 2008 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Forks down,Americans say they will opt for a good, hot breakfast over 15 extra minutes ofsleep and, when it comes to what to eat, consumers' taste buds don't cutcorners. According to a new survey conducted by Braun Research for PaneraBread, three quarters of respondents will cut their shut-eye short for a goodbreakfast. An equal percentage of consumers say freshness and qualityingredients are essential components of a good morning meal.

Helping to satisfy America's breakfast needs, Panera Bread is introducingthe antithesis to the microwaved, processed breakfast sandwich. Panera'sfresher sandwich alternative is for those who know you have to break a feweggs to make a great breakfast sandwich. 'At Panera Bread we believecustomers deserve a breakfast that is made by bakers, not microwaves -- sowe've developed a hand-crafted, made-to-order grilled breakfast sandwich thatliterally breaks the mold,' said Panera Bread CEO and chairman Ron Shaich.'Our survey showed that 82 percent of consumers would prefer freshly-cookedeggs in their breakfast sandwiches and Panera is happy to oblige.'

The survey offers a peek into Americans' breakfast habits, opinions andpreferences:

America is a country of early birds who rely on breakfast to start the dayright

    -- Nearly half of Americans classify themselves as 'early birds' (46%)       rather than night owls (24%).  Over three-quarters of Americans are       awake by 7AM. Over 80% of Americans are ready and out the door in an       hour or less.    -- Fueling this 'early bird' lifestyle, the majority (61%) of Americans       eat breakfast everyday.    -- Paying attention to mom's claim that breakfast is the 'most important       meal of the day,' Americans confirm that a good breakfast does tip the       scales in the right direction, boosting energy (56%), mood (44%), and       productivity (40%).    -- For a third of Americans starting with a good breakfast can even help       curb snacking (36%) and makes them nicer to others: colleagues (29%) or       a spouse/significant other (29%).
    A good breakfast is worth losing sleep over and helps us face the day
    -- Breakfast is an integral part of Americans' daily routine -- so much so       that three-quarters of respondents say they would opt for a good       breakfast over 15 minutes of extra sleep.    -- When Americans know their day will be tough, they look to a hot       breakfast to help them face the morning -- omelets (25%), breakfast       sandwiches (23%), and pancakes (23%) are their fuel of choice.    -- Americans also fess up that Mondays are when they crave a hot breakfast       the most -- coming back from weekends requires a good morning meal to       remedy the Monday blues.