Panera Bread: Difference between revisions
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|ParentCompany=JAB Holding Company | |ParentCompany=JAB Holding Company | ||
|Type=Subsidiary | |Type=Subsidiary | ||
|Website= | |Website=https://www.panerabread.com/en-us/home.html | ||
|Logo=Panera Bread logo.png|CompanyAlias=Pumpernickel Associates, LLC}} | |Logo=Panera Bread logo.png|CompanyAlias=Pumpernickel Associates, LLC}} | ||
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This is a list of all consumer-protection incidents this company is involved in. Any incidents not mentioned here can be found in the [[:Category:{{FULLPAGENAME}}|{{PAGENAME}} category]]. | This is a list of all consumer-protection incidents this company is involved in. Any incidents not mentioned here can be found in the [[:Category:{{FULLPAGENAME}}|{{PAGENAME}} category]]. | ||
=== | ===Panera knowing of a security breach for 8 months yet did nothing=== | ||
{{Main| | {{Main|Panera's failure to disclose a known security breach}} | ||
Back in 02 August 2017, security researcher Dylan Houlihan first notified Panera of the breach that allowed hackers to access customers personal information via its website, however the company wouldn't take any action until 8 month later on 02 April 2018.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shaak |first=Erin |date=6 April 2018 |title=Panera Bread Facing Lawsuit Over Potential Security Breach |url=https://www.classaction.org/blog/panera-bread-facing-lawsuit-over-potential-security-breach |url-status=live |access-date=29 March 2026 |website=ClassAction}}</ref> This would eventually result in a lawsuit 3 days later, however | Back in 02 August 2017, security researcher Dylan Houlihan first notified Panera of the breach that allowed hackers to access customers personal information via its website, however the company wouldn't take any action until 8 month later on 02 April 2018.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shaak |first=Erin |date=6 April 2018 |title=Panera Bread Facing Lawsuit Over Potential Security Breach |url=https://www.classaction.org/blog/panera-bread-facing-lawsuit-over-potential-security-breach |url-status=live |access-date=29 March 2026 |website=ClassAction}}</ref> This would eventually result in a lawsuit 3 days later, however it was dismissed by the plaintiffs on June 2018.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bucher |first=Anne |date=7 June 2018 |title=Panera Data Breach Class Action Voluntarily Dismissed by Plaintiffs |url=https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/lawsuit-news/panera-data-breach-class-action-voluntarily-dismissed-plaintiffs/ |url-status=live |access-date=30 March 2026 |website=Top Class Action}}</ref> | ||
===Discriminating against blind customers<!-- Don't know if settlement case is related to this lawsuit as I can't find any information about it -->=== | ===Discriminating against blind customers<!-- Don't know if settlement case is related to this lawsuit as I can't find any information about it -->=== | ||
The company was involved a class action lawsuits On 20 April 2016 due to allegedly failing to provide accessibility to visually impaired customers on its product and services. Filed by Andres Gomez and Juan Gil, the lawsuits claims the company failed to implement a "blind interface systems which employs an audio interface system, a tactile keyboard, and/or interactive screen reader technology or other auxiliary aids" on its Ipad Touchscreen KIOS systems. Additionally, it also claims the companys Fast Lane pickup session failed to include signs, audio systems, or braille on the shelves for visually impaired customers.<ref name=":0" /> The lawsuit reached a settlement in 2022. <ref>{{Cite web |date=29 April 2016 |title=“Panera 2.0” Ordering System Unaccommodating to Visually Impaired, Consumers Allege |url=https://foodbeveragelitigationupdate.com/panera-2-0-ordering-system-unaccommodating-to-visually-impaired-consumers-allege/ |url-status=live |access-date=29 March 2026 |website=Foodbeveragelitigationupdate}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=29 March 2026 |title=Pouros Ltd vs Elias Stamm |url=https://unicourt.com/case/pc-db5-gonzalez-v-panera-llc-et-al-1025832 |url-status=live |access-date=29 March 2026 |website=Unicourt}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=29 March 2026 |title=UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF FLORIDA MIAMI DIVISION |url=https://dn710900.ca.archive.org/0/items/gov.uscourts.flsd.482785/gov.uscourts.flsd.482785.1.0.pdf |url-status=live |access-date=29 March 2026 |website=Wayback Machine}}</ref> | The company was involved a class action lawsuits On 20 April 2016 due to allegedly failing to provide accessibility to visually impaired customers on its product and services. Filed by Andres Gomez and Juan Gil, the lawsuits claims the company failed to implement a "blind interface systems which employs an audio interface system, a tactile keyboard, and/or interactive screen reader technology or other auxiliary aids" on its Ipad Touchscreen KIOS systems. Additionally, it also claims the companys Fast Lane pickup session failed to include signs, audio systems, or braille on the shelves for visually impaired customers.<ref name=":0" /> The lawsuit reached a settlement in 2022. <ref>{{Cite web |date=29 April 2016 |title=“Panera 2.0” Ordering System Unaccommodating to Visually Impaired, Consumers Allege |url=https://foodbeveragelitigationupdate.com/panera-2-0-ordering-system-unaccommodating-to-visually-impaired-consumers-allege/ |url-status=live |access-date=29 March 2026 |website=Foodbeveragelitigationupdate}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=29 March 2026 |title=Pouros Ltd vs Elias Stamm |url=https://unicourt.com/case/pc-db5-gonzalez-v-panera-llc-et-al-1025832 |url-status=live |access-date=29 March 2026 |website=Unicourt}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=29 March 2026 |title=UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF FLORIDA MIAMI DIVISION |url=https://dn710900.ca.archive.org/0/items/gov.uscourts.flsd.482785/gov.uscourts.flsd.482785.1.0.pdf |url-status=live |access-date=29 March 2026 |website=Wayback Machine}}</ref> | ||
===Adding hidden delivery fees=== | ===Adding hidden delivery fees=== | ||
On 11 March 2021, plaintiff Mahasin Ahmad filed a lawsuit alleging the company added hidden fees to delivery orders made via the app or website. The lawsuit claims during early 2020, | On 11 March 2021, plaintiff Mahasin Ahmad filed a lawsuit alleging the company added hidden fees to delivery orders made via the app or website. The lawsuit claims during early 2020, Panera began advertising $4 delivery fee to consumers , however, instead of maintaining its promises, the company added a hidden delivery fee that increase the price by 5-10%.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rizzi |first=Corrado |date=12 March 2021 |title=Panera Class Action Lawsuit Filed Over Allegedly Hidden Delivery Fees [UPDATE] |url=https://www.classaction.org/news/despite-flat-delivery-charge-promise-panera-adds-hidden-fees-class-action-alleges |url-status=live |access-date=29 March 2026 |website=ClassAction}}</ref>The lawsuit would reach a $4 million settlement on 30 January 2024. In the settlement, Panera Bread would compensate customers who ordered between 01 October 2020 and 31 August 2021 with up to two voucher for Soups & Mac menu. or a cash reward of $19.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Grothaus |first=Michael |date=25 January 2024 |title=Panera Bread may owe you money if you placed an order online or via its app |url=https://www.fastcompany.com/91016892/panera-bread-class-action-lawsuit-settlement-file-claim-app-orders |url-status=live |access-date=29 March 2026 |website=Fast Company}}</ref> | ||
===Securtiy Breach (2026)=== | ===Securtiy Breach (2026)=== | ||
https:// | In late January, a hacker group known as ShinyHunters gained access to Panera Bread or one of their third parties systems by exploiting '''[[Microsoft]]''' Entra SSO code, containing customers names, email addresses, phone numbers, and addresses. ShinyHunters demanded the company pay ransom to not release customers information around February, however the company refused, eventually leading to 5.4 million customers information being leaked online via their website.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2 April 2026 |title=Panera Bread Microsoft Entra SSO Breach: ShinyHunters Leak 5.1 Million Customer Records in 2026 Data Attack |url=https://www.rescana.com/post/panera-bread-microsoft-entra-sso-breach-shinyhunters-leak-5-1-million-customer-records-in-2026-data |url-status=live |access-date=2 April 2026 |website=Rescana}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Gupta |first=Deepak |date=31 March 2026 |title=Panera’s 5.1 Million User Breach: When ‘No Hack’ Becomes a Ransomware Business Model |url=https://securityboulevard.com/2026/03/paneras-5-1-million-user-breach-when-no-hack-becomes-a-ransomware-business-model/ |url-status=live |access-date=2 April 2026 |website=Security Boulevard}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Knutsson |first=Kurt |date=19 February 2026 |title=Panera Bread data breach exposes 5.1M customers |url=https://www.foxnews.com/tech/panera-bread-data-breach-exposes-5-1-million-customers |url-status=live |access-date=2 April 2026 |website=Fox News}}</ref> | ||
[[File:ShinyHunters website Panera Bread data leak showcase.jpg|thumb|ShinyHunter website]] | |||
<blockquote>''"We have your customer database. Pay $X in cryptocurrency within 48 hours, or we publish everything. If you pay, we delete the data and provide proof."''</blockquote> | |||
https://www.restaurantbusinessonline.com/technology/panera-faces-multiple-lawsuits-following-data-breach | In a statement made by Panera Bread CEO Paul Carbone, he stated that the vulnerability was fixed and didn't include financial information nor other information of its other services.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jennings |first=Lisa |date=23 February 2026 |title=Panera faces multiple lawsuits following data breach |url=https://www.restaurantbusinessonline.com/technology/panera-faces-multiple-lawsuits-following-data-breach |url-status=live |access-date=30 March 2026 |website=Restaurant Buisness}}</ref><blockquote>''“We had independent security experts. We quickly identified the cause and strengthened controls for that third-party application.” And, importantly, the data involved did not include any payment information, employee systems, MyPanera accounts, or Unlimited Sip Club.”''</blockquote>Starting 29 January through February, the company would receive several lawsuits that alleges the company failure to secure consumer information by not encrypting users data. As of April 2026, the lawsuit is still pending litigation.<ref>{{Cite web |date=6 February 2026 |title=Panera Bread hit with two class action lawsuits over data breach |url=https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/lawsuit-news/panera-bread-hit-with-two-class-action-lawsuits-over-data-breach/ |url-status=live |access-date=30 March 2026 |website=Top Class Action}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2 April 2026 |title=Cardin v. Panera Brands, Inc. |url=https://dockets.justia.com/docket/missouri/moedce/4:2026cv00125/225942 |url-status=live |access-date=2 April 2026 |website=Justia}}</ref><ref name=":1" /> | ||
==Products== | ==Products== | ||
=== | ===Panera Charged Lemonade=== | ||
<ref>{{Cite web | In 2022, Panera Bread would introduce Charged lemonade. It was a product containing high levels of caffeine that comes in various flavors such as Mango Yuzu Citrus, strawberry lemon mint, and blood orange.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2 April 2026 |title=Beverages |url=https://www.panerabread.com/en-us/menu/categories/beverages.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220816085452/https://www.panerabread.com/en-us/menu/categories/beverages.html |archive-date=16 August 2022 |access-date=2 April 2026 |website=Panera Bread}}</ref> The product would be silently discontinued after several lawsuits and injuries reports from customers on 07 May 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Miller |first=Andy |date=6 October 2025 |title=The Only Recap Of Panera's Downfall You Need |url=https://www.thetakeout.com/1986028/panera-downfall-recap/ |url-status=live |access-date=29 March 2026 |website=The Takeout}}</ref> | ||
===Panera | ====2022==== | ||
<ref>{{Cite web |last= | On 10 September, a 21 year old university of Pennsylvania student Sarah Katz suffering Long QT Type 1 Syndrome would experience a cardiac arrest after ordering a charged lemonade using Panera Sip Club membership. She would later be sent to the hospital, where it was announced that she has passed away. The company would issue a statement soon after Sarah Katz passing. | ||
[[File:Charged Lemonade caffeine contents warning.png|thumb|Caffeine contents warning]] | |||
<blockquote>''"We were very saddened to learn this morning about the tragic passing of Sarah Katz, and our hearts go out to her family. At Panera, we strongly believe in transparency around our ingredients. We will work quickly to thoroughly investigate this matter"''<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chuck |first=Elizabeth |date=23 October 2023 |title=Family sues Panera Bread after college student who drank Charged Lemonade dies |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/panera-lawsuit-charged-lemonade-sarah-katz-death-rcna120785 |url-status=live |access-date=2 April 2026 |website=NBC News}}</ref></blockquote>This would lead to family members filing a lawsuits on 23 October 2023 against Panera, alleging the company falsely advertised the safety of their charged lemonade by failure to disclose the product high level of caffeine and puts signs and labels disclosing the contents to consumers.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Shrestha |first=Ananya |date=28 May 2024 |title=Lemonade Lawsuits: Exploring Panera Bread’s Legal Battle |url=https://gwjusticejournal.com/2024/05/28/lemonade-lawsuits-exploring-panera-breads-legal-battle/ |url-status=live |access-date=2 April 2026 |website=The Justice Journal}}</ref> It claims the company failed to market the drink as a energy drink due to the product containing high levels of caffeine ranging from 260 milligrams to 390 milligrams of caffeine.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2 April 2026 |title=IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF PENNSYLVANIA |url=https://truthinadvertising.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Katz-v-Panera-Bread.pdf |url-status=live |access-date=2 April 2026 |website=TruthinAdvertising}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Rothenberg |first=Eva |date=23 October 2023 |title=Panera faces lawsuit over ‘Charged Lemonade’ energy drink after 21-year-old’s death |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2023/10/23/business/panera-lawsuit-charged-lemonade-death |url-status=live |access-date=2 April 2026 |website=CNN}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=30 November 2023 |title=Panera claims Charged Lemonade not responsible for woman’s heart attack |url=https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/class-action-news/panera-lawsuit-alleges-woman-died-after-drinking-charged-lemonade/ |url-status=live |access-date=2 April 2026 |website=Top Class Action}}</ref> Soon after the case was filed, Panera changed their labels on Charged Lemonade to display high caffeine contents. The case would reach a settlement on October 2024<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bell |first=Amy |date=1 July 2024 |title=Fast Food Chains That Have Been Sued For False Advertising |url=https://www.mashed.com/1612500/fast-food-chains-sued-false-advertising/ |url-status=live |access-date=29 March 2026 |website=Mashed}}</ref>, however settlement agreements wasn't disclosed.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tanenbaum |first=Michael |date=7 October 2024 |title=Panera Bread settles lawsuit with family of Penn student who died after drinking Charged Lemonade |url=https://www.phillyvoice.com/panera-bread-charged-lemonade-lawsuit-penn-katz-settlement/ |url-status=live |access-date=2 April 2026 |website=Philly Voice}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=WU |first=Jessica |date=7 October 2024 |title=Panera settles lawsuit alleging Charged Lemonade caused death of Penn student Sarah Katz |url=https://www.thedp.com/article/2024/10/penn-sarah-katz-settlement-lawsuit-panera-charged-lemonade |url-status=live |access-date=2 April 2026 |website=The Daily Pennsylvanian}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Yaouti |first=Nadia |date=20 October 2024 |title=Panera Bread Settles First Wrongful Death Lawsuit Related to Its Charged Lemonades |url=https://www.lawcommentary.com/articles/panera-bread-settles-first-wrongful-death-lawsuit-related-to-its-charged-lemonades |url-status=live |access-date=2 April 2026 |website=Commentary}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Chuck |first=Elizabeth |date=7 October 2024 |title=Panera settles with first plaintiff in Charged Lemonade wrongful death suits |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/panera-settles-first-plaintiff-charged-lemonade-wrongful-death-suits-rcna174244 |url-status=live |access-date=2 April 2026 |website=NBC}}</ref> | |||
====2023==== | |||
In 04 December, a lawsuit would be filed against Panera after a 46 year old man Dennis Brown passed away after repeated consumption of Charged Lemonade though 27 September - 09 October.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Styf |first=Jon |date=16 May 2024 |title=Panera discontinues Charged Lemonade drink involved in several lawsuits |url=https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/personal-injury/panera-faces-second-lawsuit-alleging-charged-lemonade-responsible-for-patrons-death/ |url-status=live |access-date=29 March 2026 |website=Top Class Action}}</ref> It claims Panera was "deceptive in design" due to failure to market the drink as a energy drink and failure to warn customers of its high level of caffeine contents.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Styf |first=Jon |date=16 May 2024 |title=Panera discontinues Charged Lemonade drink involved in several lawsuits |url=https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/personal-injury/panera-faces-second-lawsuit-alleging-charged-lemonade-responsible-for-patrons-death/ |url-status=live |access-date=2 April 2026 |website=Top Class Action}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2 April 2026 |title=Panera Charged Lemonade Lawsuit |url=https://www.scribd.com/document/689737826/Brown-lawsuit-against-Panera-Bread |url-status=live |access-date=2 April 2026 |website=Scribd}}</ref><ref name=":2" /> Pandera released the following statement 4 days later. <blockquote>''“Panera expresses our deep sympathy for Mr. Brown’s family. Based on our investigation we believe his unfortunate passing was not caused by one of the company’s products, We view this lawsuit, which was filed by the same law firm as a previous claim, to be equally without merit. Panera stands firmly by the safety of our products.”''<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lamour |first=Joseph |date=1 June 2024 |title=A timeline of the lawsuits Panera is facing over its Charged Lemonade |url=https://www.today.com/food/news/panera-charged-lemonade-lawsuits-rcna154660 |url-status=live |access-date=2 April 2026 |website=Today}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Johnson |first=Michael |last2=Bradley |first2=Ben |date=8 December 2023 |title=With Panera facing lawsuits over ‘Charged Lemonade,’ dangers of highly caffeinated beverages come to forefront |url=https://wgntv.com/news/medical-watch/with-panera-facing-lawsuits-over-charged-lemonade-dangers-of-highly-caffeinated-beverages-come-to-forefront/ |url-status=live |access-date=2 April 2026 |website=WGN}}</ref></blockquote>On July 2025, the case was settled without prejustice, with any details about the agreement remaining unknown.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Klein |first=Sarah |date=7 March 2026 |title=Panera Lemonade Lawsuit, Two Deaths, Four Suits, All Settled Full Case Timeline and What It Means for You |url=https://allaboutlawyer.com/panera-lemonade-lawsuit-two-deaths-four-suits-all-settled-full-case-timeline-and-what-it-means-for-you/ |url-status=live |access-date=2 April 2026 |website=All about Lawyer}}</ref> | |||
====2024==== | |||
=====Lauren Skerritt===== | |||
On 16 January, Panera would face another lawsuit, alleging the product Charged lemonade caused plaintiff Lauren Skerritt to “permanent cardiac injuries" after drinking two and a half charged lemonade drinks on 09 April, causing her to obtain atrial fibrillation.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Zilber |first=Ariel |date=19 January 2024 |title=Athlete rushed to ER after drinking 2.5 servings of Panera’s ‘Charged Lemonade’: suit |url=https://nypost.com/2024/01/19/business/woman-sues-panera-bread-after-drinking-charged-lemonade/ |url-status=live |access-date=2 April 2026 |website=New York Post}}</ref> The lawsuit alleges the company failure to inform consumers by labeling the drinks and not marketing the product as a energy drink due to high caffeine contents.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Lamour |first=Joseph |date=1 June 2024 |title=A timeline of the lawsuits Panera is facing over its Charged Lemonade |url=https://www.today.com/food/news/panera-charged-lemonade-lawsuits-rcna154660 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240601171953/https://www.today.com/food/news/panera-charged-lemonade-lawsuits-rcna154660 |archive-date=1 June 2024 |access-date=2 April 2026 |website=Today}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Gibson |first=Kate |date=18 January 2024 |title=Woman alleges long-term heart problems caused by Panera Bread's caffeinated lemonade |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/panera-bread-lawsuit-charged-lemonade-caffeine-lauren-skerritt/ |url-status=live |access-date=2 April 2026 |website=CBS}}</ref> The plaintiff lawyer Elizabeth Crawford commented on the situation.<blockquote>''“You put an innocuous product like lemonade in an innocuous bakery-cafe like Panera, what reasonable consumer is going to be thinking that they’re drinking, essentially, three Red Bulls? Everything in her life has been altered because of this situation.”''<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rella |first=Emily |date=18 January 2024 |title=Panera Hit With Another Lawsuit Alleging Charged Lemonade Caused 28-Year-Old Permanent Heart Problems: ‘Everything in Her Life Has Been Altered’ |url=https://www.entrepreneur.com/business-news/panera-sued-alleged-charged-lemonade-related-heart-issues/468513 |url-status=live |access-date=2 April 2026 |website=Entrepreneur}}</ref></blockquote>On July 2025, the case was settled with prejudice.<ref name=":3" /> | |||
=====Luke Adams===== | |||
On 20 May, Panera was hit with a lawsuit after plaintiff Luke Adams ordered the lemonade and a chicken sandwich on 09 March. Later during the day, the lawsuit alleges plaintiff went to the movie with his friends, when he suddenly suffered a seizure, requiring the plaintiff be hospitalized and get a implantable cardioverter defibrillator.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Holohan |first=Meghan |date=21 May 2024 |title=Teen’s heart stops after drinking Panera Charged Lemonade: These were his 1st symptoms, lawsuit alleges |url=https://www.today.com/health/news/panera-charged-lemonade-cardiac-arrest-teen-rcna153285 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240601180448/https://www.today.com/health/news/panera-charged-lemonade-cardiac-arrest-teen-rcna153285 |archive-date=1 June 2024 |access-date=2 April 2026 |website=Today}}</ref><ref name=":4" /> The lawsuit claims the company failed to warn consumers of associated health risks with the product and failure to market the product as a energy drink.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bucher |first=Anne |date=23 March 2026 |title=Panera hit with third lawsuit over Charged Lemonade |url=https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/consumer-products/food/panera-hit-with-third-lawsuit-over-charged-lemonade/ |url-status=live |access-date=29 March 2026 |website=Top Class Action}}</ref> The case reached a settlement on July 2025 with prejudice, however specific details regarding the agreement were not disclosed.<ref name=":3" /> | |||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
*[[McAlister's Deli]] | *[[McAlister's Deli]] | ||
*[[ | *[[Cava Grill]] | ||
*El Pollo Loco | *El Pollo Loco | ||