8-K

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 OR 15(d) of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): April 17, 2012

PANERA BREAD COMPANY

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware	000-19253		04-2723701
(State or other Jurisdiction of Incorporation)	(Commission File Number)		(IRS Employer Identification No.)
3630 South Geyer Road, Suite 100 St. Louis, MO		63127
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)		(Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: 314-984-1000

Not Applicable

(Former name or former address if changed since last report.)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

o Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

o Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Item 5.02. Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.

On April 13, 2012, John M. Maguire, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Panera Bread Company (the “Company”) tendered his resignation.  Mr. Maguire's decision to resign was based on his acceptance of the position of Chief Executive Officer of Friendly's Ice Cream LLC.  Mr. Maguire's resignation will be effective on May 31, 2012 (the “Effective Date”), and he will continue to serve as an employee of the Company through the Effective Date.

In addition, on April 17, 2012, Charles J. Chapman, III, Executive Vice President of the Company was appointed Chief Operating Officer, effective as of the Effective Date.

A copy of the press release of the Company announcing Mr. Maguire's resignation and Mr. Chapman's appointment as Chief Operating Officer is attached as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K.

Item 9.01.Financial Statements and Exhibits

(d) Exhibits

Exhibit No.	Exhibit
99.1	Press Release, dated April 17, 2012

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

		PANERA BREAD COMPANY
Date:	April 17, 2012	By:	/s/ WILLIAM W. MORETON
		Name:	William W. Moreton
		Title:	President and Co-Chief Executive Officer

Exhibit Index

Exhibit No.	Exhibit
99.1	Press Release, dated April 17, 2012

Exhibit 99.1

PRESS RELEASE

EX-99.1

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Panera Bread Announces COO Transition

ST. LOUIS, MO, April 17, 2012 - Panera Bread Company (NASDAQ: PNRA) announced today that John Maguire has resigned as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer effective May 31, 2012 to become the Chief Executive Officer of Friendly's Ice Cream LLC. The Company also announced that it has appointed Charles Chapman, III Executive Vice President of Development and Business Development & Licensing to Chief Operating Officer, effective the same date.

“While we are disappointed to see John leave after so many years of valuable service with the Company, we want to thank him for all of his many contributions to Panera's success and we wish him well in his new position,” commented Bill Moreton, President and Co-Chief Executive Officer of Panera Bread Company. “We are pleased that Chuck will now become our Chief Operating Officer. Chuck first became part of Panera when he joined our Board of Directors in January 2008. Chuck joined our management team late last year when he left his position as Chief Operating Officer at International Dairy Queen (a Berkshire Hathaway company) to join Panera. Chuck has over 20 years' experience in the restaurant industry and previously served as Chief Operating Officer of Bruegger's Bagels and previously was a Bruegger's franchisee with 30 units in the Boston area. He also served in operations, marketing and finance positions at Darden Restaurants. Earlier in his career Chuck was a management consultant at Bain & Company and earned a Master in Business Administration from the Tuck School at Dartmouth.”

Contact Information

Investor Inquiries:	Michele Harrison
	VP, Investor Relations
	michele.harrison@panerabread.com
	(314) 984-4966
Media Inquiries:	Linn Parrish
	VP, Public Relations
	linn.parrish@panerabread.com
	(314) 984-4959

About Panera Bread Company

Panera Bread Company owns and franchises 1,541 bakery-cafes as of December 27, 2011 under the Panera Bread®, Saint Louis Bread Co.®, and Paradise Bakery & Café® names. Our bakery-cafes are principally located in suburban, strip mall and regional mall locations. We feature high quality, reasonably priced food in a warm, inviting, and comfortable environment. With our identity rooted in handcrafted, fresh-baked, artisan bread, we are committed to providing great tasting, quality food that people can trust. Nearly all of our bakery-cafes have a menu highlighted by antibiotic-free chicken, whole grain bread, and select organic and all-natural ingredients, with zero grams of artificial trans fat per serving, which provide flavorful, wholesome offerings. Our menu includes a wide variety of year-round favorites complemented by new items introduced seasonally with the goal of creating new standards in everyday food choices. In neighborhoods across the United States and in Ontario, Canada, our customers enjoy our warm and welcoming environment featuring comfortable gathering areas, relaxing decor, and free internet access. Our bakery-cafes routinely donate bread and baked goods to community organizations in need. Additional information is available on our website, www.panerabread.com