ST. LOUIS – Digital sales at Panera Bread made via mobile, web or kiosk, have surpassed $1 billion on an annualized basis and could double in 2019, according to the company.

Since the inception of its Panera 2.0 program in 2014, the company says that its end-to-end digital pathways, including rapid pick-up, fast lane kiosks, catering and delivery, enable a more comprehensive guest experience.

As of the end of Q1 2017, Panera’s system-wide digital sales were 26% of total company sales, which it says is the highest rate in the restaurant industry outside of the pizza segment. Approximately 1.2 million digital orders are placed per week, as Panera continues to integrate new services with the digital experience. Panera Delivery, which can only be ordered digitally and is supported by order-tracking technology, is the latest way Panera is enhancing the guest experience.

“By building digital into the core aspects of our business, we’ve transformed the customer journey at Panera,” said Ron Shaich, Panera’s founder, chairman and CEO. “For us, it’s not just about new technology for technology’s sake, it’s about making the guest experience better.”

Blaine Hurst, Panera’s president, said, “When you couple digital innovation with operational integrity, the result is a significant level of digital adoption at the guest level. Our holistic approach to technology pushes us to find new ways to make a difference in the lives of guests, which translates to the kinds of
sales we’re seeing today.”

The company’s investment in its digital platforms allows guests to customize food to meet their taste and dietary needs, while enjoying overall faster service and shorter wait times. Panera’s digital ordering integrates with the MyPanera loyalty program, which has more than 25 million members. Through MyPanera, guests can save their favorites, earn and track rewards, and receive personalized special offers.