10-K

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON D.C. 20549

_______________________________

Form 10-K

(Mark One)

þ	ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
	For the fiscal year ended December 30, 2014

or

o	TRANSACTION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
	For the transition period from   to

Commission file number 0-19253

____________________________

Panera Bread Company

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

Delaware (State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)	04-2723701 (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
3630 South Geyer Road, Suite 100, St. Louis, MO (Address of Principal Executive Offices)	63127 (Zip Code)

(314) 984-1000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of Each Class	Name of Exchange on Which Registered
Class A Common Stock, $.0001 par value per share	The NASDAQ Global Select Market

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

None.

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes þ No o

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes o No þ

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 and 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes þ No o

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer þ	Accelerated filer o	Non-accelerated filer o	Smaller reporting company o
		(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes o No þ

The aggregate market value of the registrant’s voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the registrant, based on the last sale price of the registrant’s Class A Common Stock at the close of business on July 1, 2014, was $2,198,396,491.

As of February 19, 2015, the registrant had 25,433,644 shares of Class A Common Stock ($.0001 par value per share) and 1,381,865 shares of Class B Common Stock ($.0001 par value per share) outstanding.

Part III of this Annual Report incorporates by reference certain information from the registrant’s definitive proxy statement for the 2015 annual meeting of shareholders, which the registrant intends to file pursuant to Regulation 14A with the Securities and Exchange Commission not later than 120 days after the registrant’s fiscal year end of December 30, 2014.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS	1
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS	7
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS	16
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES	16
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS	18
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES	18
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS, AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES	19
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA	20
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS	20
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK	37
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA	38
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE	67
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES	67
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION	68
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE	68
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION	68
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS	68
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE	69
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES	69
PART IV
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES	69
SIGNATURES	70

Forward-Looking Statements

Matters discussed in this report and in our public disclosures, whether written or oral, relating to future events or our future performance, including any discussion, expressed or implied, of our anticipated growth, operating results, future earnings per share, plans, objectives, and the impact of our investments in sales-building initiatives and operational capabilities on future sales and earnings, contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act. These statements are often identified by the words “believe”, “positioned”, “estimate”, “project”, “plan”, “goal”, “target”, “assumption”, “continue”, “intend”, “expect”, “future”, “anticipate”, and other similar expressions, whether in the negative or the affirmative, that are not statements of historical fact. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that are difficult to predict, and you should not place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements. Our actual results and the timing of certain events could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including, but not limited to, those set forth under “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this report and in our other public filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC. All forward-looking statements and the internal projections and beliefs upon which we base our expectations included in this report or other periodic reports represent our estimates as of the date made and should not be relied upon as representing our estimates as of any subsequent date. While we may elect to update forward-looking statements at some point in the future, we expressly disclaim any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

PART I

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

General

Panera Bread Company and its subsidiaries, referred to as “Panera Bread,” “Panera,” the “Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our,” is a national bakery-cafe concept with 1,880 Company-owned and franchise-operated bakery-cafe locations in 45 states, the District of Columbia, and Ontario, Canada. We have grown from serving approximately 60 customers per day at our first bakery-cafe to currently serving nearly 7.8 million customers per week system-wide. We are currently one of the largest food service companies in the United States. We believe our success is based on our ability to create long-term concept differentiation. We operate under the Panera Bread^®, Saint Louis Bread Co.^® and Paradise Bakery & Café^® trademark names.

Our bakery-cafes are located in urban, suburban, strip mall, and regional mall locations. We feature high-quality food in a warm, inviting, and comfortable environment. With our identity rooted in handcrafted artisan bread, we bake fresh bread every day. We are committed to providing great tasting, quality food that people can trust. In 2014, we formalized our Food Policy, which is an articulation of Panera's long held values that expresses a commitment to clean ingredients, transparency, and a positive impact on the food system. Our bakery-cafes have a menu highlighted by flavorful, wholesome offerings, including select proteins raised without antibiotics, grass-fed beef, whole grain bread, and select organic and all-natural ingredients, with zero grams of artificial trans fat per serving. We strive to create new standards in everyday food choices, and our menu includes a wide variety of year-round favorites complemented by new items introduced seasonally. In neighborhoods across the United States and in Ontario, Canada, our customers are drawn to our warm and welcoming environment, which features comfortable gathering areas, relaxing decor, and free Internet access. Our bakery-cafes routinely donate bread and baked goods to community organizations in need.

We operate as three business segments: Company bakery-cafe operations, franchise operations, and fresh dough and other product operations. As of December 30, 2014, our Company bakery-cafe operations segment consisted of 925 Company-owned bakery-cafes and our franchise operations segment consisted of 955 franchise-operated bakery-cafes, located throughout the United States and in Ontario, Canada. As of December 30, 2014, our fresh dough and other product operations segment, which supplies fresh dough and other products daily to most Company-owned and franchise-operated bakery-cafes, consisted of 24 fresh dough facilities (22 Company-owned and two franchise-operated), located throughout the United States and one in Ontario, Canada. In the fiscal year ended December 30, 2014, or fiscal 2014, our revenues were $2,529 million, consisting of $2,230 million of Company-owned net bakery-cafe sales, $124 million of franchise royalties and fees, and $175 million of fresh dough and other product sales to franchisees. Franchise-operated net bakery-cafe sales, as reported by franchisees, were $2,282 million in fiscal 2014. See Note 18 to our consolidated financial statements for further segment information.

Our fiscal year ends on the last Tuesday in December. The fiscal years ended December 30, 2014 and December 25, 2012, or fiscal 2012, each had 52 weeks. The fiscal year ended December 31, 2013, or fiscal 2013, had 53 weeks with the fourth quarter comprising 14 weeks.

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Concept and Strategy

Bread is our platform and the entry point to the Panera experience at our bakery-cafes. It is the symbol of Panera quality and a reminder of Panera Warmth, a concept that reflects the totality of the experience our customer receives and can take home to share with friends and family. We strive to offer a memorable experience with superior customer service. Our associates are passionate about sharing their expertise and commitment with our customers. We strive to achieve what we call Concept Essence, our blueprint for attracting and retaining our customers that we believe differentiates us from our competitors. Concept Essence begins with artisan bread, quality products, and a warm, friendly, comfortable environment. It calls for each of our bakery-cafes to be a place customers can trust to serve high-quality food. Bread is our passion, soul, and expertise, and serves as the platform that makes all of our other food special.

We believe our competitive strengths include more than just great food and superior customer service. We are committed to creating an ambiance in our bakery-cafes and a culture within Panera that is warm, inviting, and embracing, and focus our investments on elevating this experience. We design each bakery-cafe to provide a distinctive environment, in many cases using fixtures and materials complementary to the neighborhood location of the bakery-cafe as a way to engage customers. The distinctive design and environment of our bakery-cafes are intended to offer an oasis from the rush of daily life, where our associates are trained to greet our customers by name and have the skills, expertise, and personalities to make each visit a delight. Many of our bakery-cafes incorporate the warmth of a fireplace and cozy seating areas or outdoor cafe seating, which facilitate the use of our bakery-cafes as a gathering spot. Our bakery-cafes are designed to visually reinforce the distinctive difference between our bakery-cafes and other bakery-cafes and restaurants. In addition, we believe that our MyPanera^® loyalty program allows us to build deeper relationships with our customers and entice them to return to our bakery-cafes.

Our menu, operating systems, design, and real estate strategy allow us to compete successfully in several segments of the restaurant business: breakfast, lunch, gathering place, dinner, and take home, through both on-premise sales and off-premise Panera^® Catering. We compete with specialty food, casual dining, and quick-service restaurant retailers, including national, regional, and locally-owned restaurants. Our competitors vary across different dayparts. We understand people choose restaurants depending on individual food preferences, mood, and price. Our goal is to be the place worth crossing the street for to enjoy Panera food.

In addition to our in-bakery-cafe dining experience, we offer Panera Catering, a nation-wide catering service that provides breakfast assortments, sandwiches, salads, soups, pasta dishes, drinks, and bakery items using the same high-quality, fresh ingredients enjoyed in our bakery-cafes. Panera Catering is supported by a national sales infrastructure that includes an on-line ordering system. To support our bakery-cafes in servicing small-, medium- and large-order catering markets, we operate catering-only units, referred to as delivery hubs. As of December 30, 2014, there were 21 Company-owned and one franchise-operated delivery hubs.

Menu

Our menu is designed to provide products our customers crave, built on the strength of our bakery expertise. We feature a menu which includes proprietary items prepared with high-quality, fresh ingredients, including our fresh-from-the-field romaine lettuce and tomatoes and our chicken raised without antibiotics, as well as unique recipes and toppings designed to provide appealing, flavorful products. We include caloric information on menu boards in all of our Company-owned bakery-cafes. Our menu embodies a comprehensive set of commitments formally articulated in our Food Policy and consistent with our long held values. The Food Policy outlines our advocacy for a commitment to clean ingredients, a transparent menu to empower our guests to choose how they want to eat, and a positive impact on the food system.

Our key menu groups are daily baked goods, including a variety of freshly baked bagels, breads, muffins, scones, rolls, and sweet goods, made-to-order sandwiches on freshly baked breads, hearty, unique soups, freshly prepared and hand-tossed salads, pasta dishes, and custom roasted coffees and cafe beverages, such as hot or cold espresso and cappuccino drinks and smoothies.

We regularly review and innovate our menu offerings to feature new taste profiles we believe our customers crave. Product rollouts are integrated into periodic or seasonal menu rotations, referred to as “celebrations”. In our first celebration of 2014, we introduced a Mediterranean Shrimp Couscous Salad, an all-natural Turkey Chili, Chicken Sorrentina Pasta, and a Low-Fat B-Green Power Smoothie. The Triple Berry Scone and a new cinnamon raisin swirl bread were also added in our first celebration to help build on the success of our bakery items. Our Chocolate Duet Cookie and Peach Pecan Crunch Muffin returned to our menu in the second celebration. In our third celebration, we expanded our menu with the introduction of four flatbread sandwich varieties: BBQ Chicken, Mediterranean Chicken, Southwestern Chicken, and Thai Chicken. Our popular seasonal Strawberry Poppyseed Salad also returned to our menu in the third celebration along with the new Egg White, Avocado & Spinach Breakfast Power Sandwich, the White Chocolate Raspberry Mini Cake, and Panera Branded Single Serve Coffee. In our fourth celebration, we further expanded the flatbread sandwich menu with the Turkey Cranberry Flatbread Sandwich and also introduced the Butternut

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Squash Ravioli and the Turkey Sausage, Egg White, & Spinach Breakfast Power Sandwich. Our popular Steak & White Cheddar Panini returned to our menu in the final celebration of the year, along with the new Shrimp Caesar Salad and Mitten Cookie.

Operational Excellence

We believe that operational excellence is the most important element of Panera Warmth and without strong execution and operational skills, it is difficult to build and maintain a strong relationship with our customers. As a result, we are concentrating efforts and resources on our Panera 2.0 initiative, a strategic initiative intended to enhance the experience for both our dine-in and to-go guests. This enhanced guest experience is enabled by technology and operational improvements designed to keep up with high transaction volumes and to deliver unrestrained production demand. Panera 2.0 is part of a broader set of initiatives designed to make Panera a better competitive alternative and to enable expanded growth through not only Panera 2.0 but also through innovation in operations, food, and marketing, utilization of delivery hubs, and our investments in technology to create the capabilities needed to support these initiatives.

To develop a strong connection with our customers, our bakery-cafes are staffed by skilled and engaging associates. Additionally, we believe high-quality restaurant management is critical to our long-term success and, as such, we provide detailed operations manuals and hands-on training to each of our associates. We train our associates both in small group and individual settings. Our systems have been created to educate our associates so each one is well prepared to respond to a customer’s questions and create a better dining experience. Furthermore, we believe our commitment to investing in staffing levels necessary to service growth in revenues, along with maintaining competitive compensation for our associates, is fundamental to our future success.

We believe in providing bakery-cafe operators the opportunity to share in the success of the bakery-cafe. Through our Joint Venture Program, selected general managers and multi-unit managers may participate in a bonus program, which is based upon a percentage of the store profit of the bakery-cafes they operate, generally over a period of five years (subject to annual minimums and maximums). We believe the program’s multi-year approach improves operator quality and management retention, and creates team stability, which generally results in a higher level of consistency and customer service for a particular bakery-cafe. It also leads to stronger associate engagement and customer loyalty. Currently, approximately 45 percent of our Company-owned bakery-cafe operators participate in the Joint Venture Program. We believe this program is a fundamental underpinning of our low rate of management turnover and operational improvements.

Marketing

We are committed to improving the customer experience in ways we believe few in our industry have done. We use our scale to execute a broader marketing strategy, not simply to build brand recognition and awareness, but also to build deeper relationships with our customers who we believe will help promote our brand.

To reach our target customer group, we advertise through a mix of mediums, including radio, billboards, social networking, and the Internet. In addition, we market through a national cable television campaign as a way to reach a broader audience. During the first quarter of fiscal 2014, we launched a national advertising campaign, with a greater focus in television, to increase media impressions as we strive to build deeper relationships with our customers. We believe our shift to a greater emphasis on national advertising will help us improve and increase recognition of our brand and competitive differentiation.

Our MyPanera^® customer loyalty program allows our customers to earn rewards based on registration in the program and purchases from our bakery-cafes. We believe MyPanera has allowed us to build deeper relationships with our customers by enhancing their experience with us through their receipt of rewards and enticing them to return to our bakery-cafes. Further, MyPanera offers us valuable insight into the preferences of our customers to help us further refine our marketing message and menu design. At the end of fiscal 2014, approximately 19 million customers were enrolled in MyPanera, and during fiscal 2014, approximately 50 percent of our transactions in our bakery-cafes were attached to a MyPanera loyalty program card.

Our franchise agreements generally require our franchisees to contribute to advertising expenses. In fiscal 2014, our franchise-operated bakery-cafes contributed 2.6 percent of their net sales to a national advertising fund, paid us a marketing administration fee of 0.4 percent of their net sales, and were required to spend 0.8 percent of their net sales on advertising in their respective markets. The national advertising fund and marketing administration contributions from our franchise-operated bakery-cafes are consolidated in our financial statements with amounts contributed by us. We contributed the same net sales percentages from Company-owned bakery-cafes towards the national advertising fund and marketing administration fee.

Capital Resources and Deployment of Capital

We finance our activities through cash flow generated through operations and term loan borrowings. As of December 30, 2014, our long-term debt totaled $100 million, consisting of our term loan agreement entered into on June 11, 2014. We also have the

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ability to further borrow up to $250 million under a credit facility. During fiscal 2014 we had no borrowings outstanding under the credit facility.

Our capital requirements, including development costs related to the opening or acquisition of additional Company-owned bakery-cafes and fresh dough facilities, maintenance and remodel expenditures, and investments in technology infrastructure to support ongoing strategic initiatives have been and will continue to be significant. However, we believe that cash provided by our operations, our term loan borrowings, and available borrowings under our credit facility will be sufficient to fund our capital requirements for the foreseeable future.

We believe the best use of our capital is to invest in our core business, either through the development of new bakery-cafes, the enhancement of the guest experience in existing bakery-cafes, or through the acquisition of existing bakery-cafes from our franchisees or other similar restaurant or bakery-cafe concepts.

In evaluating potential new bakery-cafe locations, we study the surrounding trade area and demographics and publicly available information on competitors. Based on this review and the use of proprietary, predictive modeling, we estimate projected sales and a targeted return on investment. We also employ a disciplined capital expenditure process in which we focus on occupancy and development costs in relation to the market. This process is designed to ensure we have an appropriate size bakery-cafe and deploy capital in the right market to generate desired returns.

Our concept has proved successful in different types of locations, such as in-line or end-cap locations in strip or power centers, regional malls, and free-standing units. The average Company-owned bakery-cafe size was approximately 4,500 square feet as of December 30, 2014. We lease nearly all of our bakery-cafe locations and all of our fresh dough facilities. The reasonably assured lease term for most bakery-cafe and support center leases is the initial non-cancelable lease term plus one renewal option period, which generally equates to an aggregate of 15 years. The reasonably assured lease term for most fresh dough facility leases is the initial non-cancelable lease term plus one to two renewal periods, which generally equates to an aggregate of 20 years. Lease terms generally require us to pay a proportionate share of real estate taxes, insurance, common area maintenance, and other operating costs. Many bakery-cafe leases provide for contingent rental (i.e., percentage rent) payments based on sales in excess of specified amounts. Certain of our lease agreements provide for scheduled rent increases during the lease term or for rental payments commencing at a date other than the date of initial occupancy.

The average construction, equipment, furniture and fixtures, and signage cost excluding capitalized development overhead for the 65 Company-owned bakery-cafes that opened in fiscal 2014 was approximately $1.4 million per bakery-cafe.

We have acquired bakery-cafes from certain franchisees during the past three fiscal years. In April 2013, we acquired one bakery-cafe from a Florida franchisee for a purchase price of approximately $2.7 million. In March 2012, we acquired 16 bakery-cafes from a North Carolina franchisee for a purchase price of approximately $48.0 million.

We have also returned cash to shareholders in the form of share repurchases under our publicly announced share repurchase authorizations. During fiscal 2014, we repurchased 941,878 shares of our Class A common stock for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $154.1 million. During fiscal 2013, we repurchased 1,992,050 shares of our Class A common stock for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $332.1 million. During fiscal 2012, we repurchased 158,700 shares of our Class A common stock for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $25.0 million.

Franchise Operations

Our franchisees, which as of December 30, 2014, operated approximately 51 percent of our bakery-cafes, are comprised of 35 franchise groups with an average of approximately 27 bakery-cafes per group. We are selective in granting franchises, and applicants must meet specific criteria in order to gain consideration for a franchise. Generally, our franchisees must be well-capitalized to open bakery-cafes, meet a negotiated development schedule, and have a proven track record as a multi-unit restaurant operator. Additional qualifications include minimum net worth and liquidity requirements, infrastructure and resources to meet our development schedule, and a commitment to the development of our brand. If all of these qualifications are not met, we may still consider granting a franchise depending on the market and the particular circumstances.

As of December 30, 2014, we had 955 franchise-operated bakery-cafes operating throughout the United States and in Ontario, Canada, and we have received commitments to open 106 additional franchise-operated bakery-cafes. The timetables for opening these bakery-cafes are generally established in our Area Development Agreements, or ADAs, with franchisees, which provide for the majority of these planned bakery-cafes to open in the next four to five years. The ADAs require a franchisee to develop a specified number of bakery-cafes on or before specified dates. If a franchisee fails to develop bakery-cafes on schedule, we have the right to terminate the ADA and develop Company-owned locations or develop locations through new franchisees in that market. We may exercise one or more alternative remedies to address defaults by area developers, including not only development defaults, but also defaults in complying with our operating and brand standards and other covenants under the ADAs and franchise

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agreements. We may waive compliance with certain requirements under our ADAs and franchise agreements if we determine such action is warranted under the particular circumstances.

Pursuant to a typical ADA, we receive a franchise fee of $35,000 per bakery-cafe (of which we generally receive $5,000 at the signing of the ADA and $30,000 at or before the bakery-cafe opening) and continuing royalties, which are generally five percent of net sales per bakery-cafe. Franchise royalties and fees in fiscal 2014 were $123.7 million, or 4.9 percent of our total revenues. Our franchise-operated bakery-cafes follow the same protocol for in-store operating standards, product quality, menu, site selection, and bakery-cafe construction as Company-owned bakery-cafes. Generally, franchisees are required to purchase all of their fresh dough and other products from us or sources approved by us. Our fresh dough facility system supplies fresh dough and other products to substantially all franchise-operated bakery-cafes. We do not generally finance franchisee construction or ADA payments. From time to time and on a limited basis, we may provide certain development or real estate services to franchisees in exchange for a payment equal to the total costs of the services plus an additional fee. We also provide to our franchise-operated bakery-cafes, for a fee, limited information technology services and access to information technology infrastructure supporting operational initiatives. As of December 30, 2014, we did not hold an equity interest in any of our franchise-operated bakery-cafes.

Bakery-Cafe Supply Chain

We believe our fresh dough facility system and supply chain function provide us with a competitive advantage. We have a unique supply-chain operation in which our regional fresh dough facilities supply dough for our fresh bread on a daily basis, along with tuna, cream cheese, and certain produce to substantially all of our Company-owned and franchise-operated bakery-cafes. As of December 30, 2014, we had 24 fresh dough facilities, 22 of which were Company-owned, including one located in Ontario, Canada, to support the 15 bakery-cafes located within that market.

Fresh dough is the key to our high-quality, artisan bread, and fresh produce is essential to our high-quality salads and sandwiches. We distribute fresh dough and produce through a leased fleet of temperature controlled trucks operated by our associates. As of December 30, 2014, we leased 224 trucks. The optimal maximum distribution range is approximately 300 miles; however, when necessary, the distribution ranges may be up to 500 miles.

Our bakers bake through the night, shaping, scoring, and finishing the dough by hand to bring our customers fresh-baked loaves, bagels, and sweet goods every morning. In addition, our bakers bake high volume products throughout the day to continue to deliver abundant amounts of the highest quality and freshest bread possible. We believe our fresh dough facilities have helped us and will continue to help us to maintain consistent food quality at our bakery-cafes.

We focus our growth in areas we believe allow us to continue to gain efficiencies through leveraging the fixed cost of the fresh dough facility structure. There are opportunities we may not be able to currently address with our traditional fresh dough facility structure. As a result, we may be required to construct additional fresh dough facilities or utilize alternative manufacturing and distribution processes consistent with our quality standards to address these needs.

Our supply chain management system is intended to provide bakery-cafes with high-quality food from reliable sources. We are committed to having a positive impact on the food system by sourcing responsibly raised livestock and poultry, as well as high-quality ingredients without artificial additives, including added MSG and artificial trans fats.

We contract externally for the manufacture of the remaining baked goods in the bakery-cafes, referred to as sweet goods. Sweet goods products are completed at each bakery-cafe by our professionally trained bakers. Completion includes finishing with fresh toppings and other ingredients and baking to established artisan standards utilizing unique recipes.

We use independent distributors to distribute our proprietary sweet goods products and other materials to bakery-cafes. With the exception of products supplied directly by the fresh dough facilities, virtually all other food products and supplies for our bakery-cafes, including paper goods, coffee, and smallwares, are contracted by us and delivered by vendors to an independent distributor for delivery to the bakery-cafes. We maintain a list of approved suppliers and distributors from which we and our franchisees must select. We leverage our size and scale to improve the quality of our ingredients, improve purchasing efficiency, and negotiate purchase agreements, which includes purchasing commodities under agreements with terms generally ranging from one month to one year, usually at a fixed price, with most of our approved suppliers to achieve cost reduction for both us and our customers.

Management Information Systems

We believe technology is a differentiator in the restaurant business. We are committed to being a leader in technology that makes a difference to our customers by providing a greater degree of access and convenience. As a result, we are concentrating efforts and resources on our Panera 2.0 initiative, which is intended to enhance the experience for both our dine-in and to-go guests. The enhanced guest experience is enabled by technology, including the convenience of digital ordering and Rapid Pick-Up, and

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operational improvements. We expect to continue to make substantial investments in technology designed to provide greater access for customers, increased operational capabilities including improved labor and inventory management tools, and improvements in core enterprise systems.

Each of our Company-owned bakery-cafes have programmed point-of-sale registers which collect transaction data used to generate pertinent information, including, among other things, transaction counts, product mix, and average check. All Company-owned bakery-cafe product prices are programmed into the point-of-sale registers from our support centers. We allow franchisees access to certain of our proprietary bakery-cafe systems and systems support. Franchisees are responsible for providing the appropriate menu prices, discount rates, and tax rates for system programming.

We use in-store enterprise application tools to assist in labor scheduling and food cost management, to provide corporate and retail operations management quick access to retail data, to allow on-line ordering with distributors, and to reduce managers’ administrative time, and are investing in enhanced back-of-house forecasting and labor scheduling systems to improve the effectiveness of these capabilities. We use retail data to generate daily and weekly consolidated reports regarding sales and other key metrics, as well as detailed profit and loss statements for our Company-owned bakery-cafes. Additionally, we monitor the transaction counts, product mix, average check, and other sales trends. We also use this retail data in our “exception-based reporting” tools to safeguard our cash, protect our assets, and train our associates. Our fresh dough facilities have information systems which accept electronic orders from our bakery-cafes and monitor delivery of the ordered product back to our bakery-cafes. We also use proprietary on-line tools, such as eLearning, to provide on-line training for our retail and fresh dough facility associates and on-line baking instructions for our bakers.

Competition

We compete with a variety of national, regional and locally-owned food service companies, including specialty food, casual dining and quick-service restaurants, bakeries, and restaurant retailers. Our bakery-cafes compete in several segments of the restaurant business: breakfast, lunch, gathering place, dinner, take home, and catering. We believe we are able to compete favorably against other food service providers through our convenient bakery-cafe locations, appealing environment, high-quality food, beverages, customer service, and marketing. Some of our competitors are larger than we are and have substantially greater financial resources than we do. For further information regarding competition, see Item 1A. Risk Factors.

Employees

As of December 30, 2014, we had approximately 45,400 total associates of whom 25,500 work, on average, at least 25 hours per week. Approximately 42,700 associates were employed in our bakery-cafe operations as bakers, managers, and associates, approximately 1,400 were employed in our fresh dough facility operations, and approximately 1,300 were employed in general or administrative functions, principally in our support centers. We do not have any collective bargaining agreements with our associates and we consider our employee relations to be good. We place a priority on staffing our bakery-cafes, fresh dough facilities, and support center operations with skilled associates and invest in training programs to maintain the quality of our operations.

Proprietary Rights

Our brand, intellectual property, and our confidential and proprietary information are very important to our business and competitive position. We protect these assets through a combination of trademark, copyright, trade secret, unfair competition, and contract laws.

The Panera^®, Panera Bread^®, Saint Louis Bread Co.^®, Panera^® Catering, You Pick Two^®, Paradise Bakery^®, Paradise Bakery & Café^®, the Mother Bread^® design, MyPanera^®, and Panera to You^® trademarks are some of the trademarks we have registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. In addition, we have filed to register other trademarks with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. We have also registered some of our trademarks in a number of foreign countries. In addition, we have registered and maintain numerous Internet domain names.

Corporate History and Additional Information

We are a Delaware corporation. Our principal offices are located at 3630 South Geyer Road, Suite 100, St. Louis, Missouri, 63127, and our telephone number is (314) 984-1000.

We are subject to the informational requirements of the Exchange Act, and, accordingly, we file reports, proxy statements, and other information with the SEC. Such reports, proxy statements, and other information are publicly available and can be read and copied at the reference facilities maintained by the SEC at the Public Reference Room, 100 F Street, NE, Room 1580, Washington, D.C., 20549. Information regarding the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the SEC at 1-800-

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SEC-0330. The SEC maintains a web site (www.sec.gov) that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC.

Our Internet address is www.panerabread.com. We make available at this address, free of charge, press releases, annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act as soon as reasonably practicable after electronically filing such material with, or furnishing it to, the SEC. In addition, we provide periodic investor relations updates and our corporate governance materials at our Internet address. The information contained on, or that can be accessed through, our website is not part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. We have included our website address solely as an inactive textual reference.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

The following risk factors could materially affect our business, consolidated financial condition and results of operations. The risks and uncertainties described below are those that we have identified as material, but are not the only risks and uncertainties we face. Our business is also subject to general risks and uncertainties that affect many other companies, including overall economic and industry conditions. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently believe are not material also may impair our business, consolidated financial condition and results of operations.

Disruptions in our bakery-cafe supply chain could adversely affect our profitability and operating results.

Our Company-owned and franchise-operated bakery-cafes depend on frequent deliveries of ingredients and other products. We rely on one supplier to deliver the majority of our non-dough ingredients and other products to our bakery-cafes two or three times per week, and we supply our bakery-cafes with fresh dough and certain other products on a daily basis. There are many factors which could cause shortages or interruptions in the supply of our ingredients and products, including adverse weather, unanticipated demand, labor or distribution problems, food safety issues by our suppliers or distributors, cost, and the financial health of our suppliers. Additionally, we currently depend on a limited number of suppliers for several of our proteins, such as selected proteins raised without antibiotics, which are sold in most Company-owned and franchise-operated bakery-cafes. As there are few producers of proteins raised without antibiotics, it may be difficult or more costly for us to find alternative suppliers, if necessary. If we have to seek new suppliers or service providers, we may be subject to pricing or other terms less favorable than those we currently enjoy. If we cannot replace or engage distributors or suppliers who meet our specifications in a short period of time, this could increase our expenses and cause shortages of food and other items at our bakery-cafes, which could cause a bakery-cafe to remove items from its menu. If such actions were to occur, customers could change their dining habits, and affected bakery-cafes could experience significant reductions in sales during the shortage or thereafter.

The market in which we compete is highly competitive, and we may not be able to compete effectively.

The restaurant industry is highly competitive with respect to location, customer service, price, value, food quality, ambiance, and overall customer experience. We compete with national, regional, and locally owned food service companies, including specialty food, casual dining and quick-service restaurants, coffee chains, bakeries, and restaurant retailers. Many of our competitors or potential competitors have greater financial and other resources than we do, which may allow them to react to changes in pricing, marketing, and trends in the restaurant industry more quickly or effectively than we can. We also compete with other restaurant chains and other retail businesses for quality site locations and employees.

We may also compete with companies outside the fast casual and quick service and casual dining segments of the restaurant industry. For example, competitive pressures can come from deli sections and in-store cafés of several major grocery store chains, including those targeted at customers who want higher-quality food. These competitors may have, among other things, a more diverse menu, lower operating costs, better locations, facilities or management, more effective marketing or more efficient operations than we have.

If we are unable to successfully compete in these markets, we may be unable to sustain or increase our revenues and profitability.

We expect to continue to make substantial investments in our bakery-cafes in fiscal 2015 and in the future in an effort to enable a better customer experience by affording greater access for customers, improve bakery-cafe throughput, enhance our in-bakery-cafe operational capabilities, and improve our core enterprise systems.

Operational excellence and the continued improvement of our customer experience are among our highest priorities and as such we have made significant investments in fiscal 2013 and 2014 which we refer to as our “Panera 2.0” initiative. We expect to continue to make significant investments during fiscal 2015 and going forward in technology, operational tools, and related systems, as well as the labor necessary to support this technology, in areas which include, but are not limited to, the ordering process, food production and the delivery of food to the customer. Our inability to accurately predict the costs and rollout of such initiative

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across our system or our failure to generate revenue and corresponding profits from such activities and investments could negatively impact our financial results.

Changes in customer tastes and preferences may reduce the frequency of their visits to our bakery-cafes or may cause them to cease paying our prices for high-quality food.

Our success depends in large part on our customers' continued belief that food made with high-quality ingredients, including selected proteins raised without antibiotics, and our artisan breads, is worth the prices charged at our bakery-cafes relative to the lower prices offered by some of our competitors, particularly those in the quick-service segment. Our inability to successfully educate customers about the quality of our food or our customers’ rejection of our pricing approach could result in decreased demand for our products or require us to change our pricing, marketing, or promotional strategies, which could materially and adversely affect our consolidated financial results or the brand identity that we have created.

Increased advertising and marketing costs could negatively impact our profitability.

We expect our advertising expenses to continue to increase and we intend to dedicate greater resources to national advertising and marketing in the future. If new advertising and other marketing programs, including our digital advertising or national television advertising, do not result in increased net bakery-cafe sales or if the costs of advertising, media, or marketing increase greater than expected, our profitability could be materially adversely affected.

Changes in food and supply costs could adversely affect our consolidated results of operations.

Our profitability depends in part on our ability to anticipate and react to changes in food and supply costs. In the past, we have generally been able to recover inflationary cost and commodity price increases for, among other things, fuel, proteins, dairy, produce, wheat, tuna, and cream cheese through increased menu prices. There have been, and there may be in the future, delays in implementing such menu price increases, and economic factors and competitive pressures may limit our ability to recover fully such cost increases. Historically, the effects of inflation on our consolidated results of operations have not been materially adverse. However, increased volatility in certain commodity markets, including those for wheat, proteins, or produce, could have an adverse effect on our consolidated results of operations if we are unable to increase menu prices to cover such ingredient price increases. We could also be adversely affected by price increases specific to proteins we have chosen due to their specific quality profile or related criteria (e.g. proteins raised without antibiotics), the markets for which are generally smaller and more concentrated than the markets for other commodity food products.

We may not be successful in implementing important strategic initiatives, which may have an adverse impact on our business and consolidated financial results.

Our business depends upon our ability to continue to grow and evolve through various important strategic initiatives. There can be no assurance that we will be able to implement these important strategic initiatives or that these strategic initiatives will deliver on their intended results, which could in turn adversely affect our business.

These strategic initiatives include:

• introducing new menu items and improving existing items consistent with customer tastes and expectations and our commitment to food that customers can trust through our food policy initiatives;

• generating increased sales through large and small order delivery, including through our Panera to You^® initiatives;

• our ability to achieve the benefits of our stated target of refranchising 50 to 150 bakery-cafes, which will depend on various factors including the returns we realize from such transactions and whether the resulting ownership mix supports our financial objectives;

• balancing unit growth while meeting target returns on invested capital for locations;

• generating additional revenue and corresponding profits through the retail sale of consumer packaged goods through alternative channels of distribution;

• identifying alternative formats for our bakery-cafes to enable us to open locations in more diverse locations;

• investing in technology and systems designed to enable our managers to focus their energy on the customer and improve the customer experience in our bakery-cafes;

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• increasing brand awareness through greater investment in marketing and advertising, including increased national television advertising and digital advertising and continued leveraging of our MyPanera^® loyalty program;

• investing in labor and the related management tools to meet the demands necessary to maximize throughput and capacity in our bakery-cafes;

• simplifying our operating procedures to facilitate the operation of a high volume bakery-cafe; and

• investing in technology designed to drive demand and increase transaction counts and frequency in our bakery-cafes.

Disruptions or supply issues in our fresh dough facilities could adversely affect our business and consolidated results of operations.

We operate 22 Company-owned fresh dough facilities, which service substantially all of our Company-owned and franchise-operated bakery-cafes. Our fresh dough and other product distribution system delivers fresh dough and other products daily to the bakery-cafes through a leased fleet of temperature controlled vehicles. The optimal maximum distribution range is approximately 300 miles; although, when necessary, the distribution range may reach up to 500 miles. As a result, any prolonged disruption in the operations of, or distribution from any of our fresh dough facilities, including due to weather conditions, technical or labor difficulties, or destruction of, or damage to the vehicle fleet or facilities, could result in a shortage of fresh dough and other products at our bakery-cafes, and, depending on its extent and duration, have a material adverse effect on our business and consolidated results of operations.

Additionally, given that we rely on trucks for the delivery of items from our fresh dough facilities, any increased costs and distribution issues related to fuel could also materially adversely impact our business and consolidated results of operations.

Our Franklin, Massachusetts fresh dough facility manufactures and supplies through its distributors all of the cream cheese and tuna used in most of our Company-owned and franchise-operated bakery-cafes in the United States. Additionally, we distribute a number of fresh produce products provided from our suppliers through our fresh dough facility system. Although we believe we have adopted adequate quality assurance and other procedures to seek to ensure the production and distribution of quality products and ingredients, we may be subject to allegations regarding quality, health, or other similar concerns that could have a negative impact on our operations, whether or not the allegations are valid or we are liable. Additionally, defending against such claims or litigation could be costly and the results uncertain.

Security breaches of confidential customer information or personal employee information may adversely affect our business.

Each year, we engage in millions of transactions with our customers.  Approximately 70% of our bakery-cafe sales are by credit or debit card.  Additionally, as we continue to evolve our Panera 2.0 initiative we expect our credit card transactions, specifically online and mobile, to increase.   In connection with credit card sales, including online and through mobile applications, we and our franchisees transmit confidential credit card information by way of secure private retail networks.  Although we use private networks, third parties may have the technology or know-how to breach the security of the customer information transmitted in connection with credit card sales; we and our franchisees' security measures and those of our technology vendors may not effectively prohibit others from obtaining improper access to this information.  If a third party is able to circumvent these security measures, information could be stolen or destroyed potentially causing a disruption of our operations.  Significant capital investments and other expenditures could be required to remedy the problem and prevent future breaches, including costs associated with additional security technologies, personnel, experts and credit monitoring services for those whose data has been breached. These costs, which could be material, could adversely impact our results of operations in the period in which they are incurred and may not meaningfully limit the success of future attempts to breach our information technology systems. Media or other reports of existing or perceived security vulnerabilities in our systems or those of our third party business partners or service providers, regardless if a breach has been attempted or has occurred, can also adversely impact our brand and reputation and materially impact our business.

Like many other retail companies and because of the prominence of our brand, we have experienced frequent attempts to compromise our information technology systems, none of which have resulted in a material breach. Additionally, the techniques and sophistication used to conduct cyber-attacks and breaches of information technology systems, as well as the sources and targets of these attacks, change frequently and are often not recognized until such attacks are launched or have been in place for a period of time. While we continue to make significant investment in physical and technological security measures, employee training, and third party services, designed to anticipate cyber-attacks and prevent breaches, our information technology networks and infrastructure or those of our third party vendors and other service providers could be vulnerable to damage, disruptions, shutdowns, or breaches of confidential information due to criminal conduct, employee error or malfeasance, utility failures, natural disasters

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or other catastrophic events. Due to these scenarios we cannot provide assurance that we will be successful in preventing such breaches or data loss.

We also maintain certain personal information regarding our employees directly and through third party vendors. If a third party is able to circumvent the security measures intended by us or our vendors to protect our customer or employee private data, he or she could destroy or steal information or disrupt our operations, which could significantly harm our reputation and/or result in litigation against us or the imposition of penalties.

If we are not successful in our initiatives related to delivering food you can trust to our customers, our results could be negatively impacted.

Our commitment to serve food that customers can trust represents an important part of our business. We currently use a significant number of ingredients raised or manufactured with an emphasis on practices we believe to be more responsible than some conventional practices, such as selected proteins raised without antibiotics and we have several initiatives underway in our commitment to serve “clean” food in our bakery-cafes. For example, in fiscal 2014 we made a commitment to remove artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners and preservatives from our US menu by the end of fiscal 2016. There are higher costs and other risks associated with these initiatives. Additionally, we may encounter supply challenges for such ingredients, particularly proteins. A few of our markets temporarily served conventionally raised turkey for a brief period during fiscal 2014 due to supply shortages.

If, as a result of any of these factors we are unable to obtain a sufficient and consistent supply of such ingredients on a cost-effective basis, our food costs could increase, which could adversely affect our operating margins. These factors could also make it difficult to align our food policy initiatives, which could make us less popular among our customers and cause sales to decline. We may also face adverse publicity or liability for false advertising claims if there is not adherence to all of the elements of our food policy and related initiatives, such as responsible meat protocols and similar criteria on which we base our purchasing decisions. If any such supplier failures occur and are publicized, our reputation would be harmed and our sales may be adversely impacted.

Additionally, in response to increasing customer awareness and demand, some competitors have also begun to advertise their use of meats raised without the use of antibiotics and other ingredients similar to those we seek as part of our food policy and initiatives. If competitors become known for using these types of higher-quality or more sustainable ingredients, it could further limit our supply of these ingredients, and may make it more difficult for us to differentiate ourselves which could adversely impact our operating results.

Our ability to increase our revenues and operating profits could be adversely affected if we are unable to execute our growth strategy or achieve sufficient returns on invested capital in bakery-cafe locations.

Our growth strategy primarily consists of new market development and further penetration of existing markets, both by us and our franchisees, including the selection of sites which will achieve targeted returns on invested capital. The success of this strategy depends on numerous factors that are not completely controlled by us or involve risks that may impact the development, or timing of development, of our bakery-cafes. Our ability to grow the number of bakery-cafes successfully will depend on a number of factors, including:

• obstacles to hiring and training qualified operating personnel in the local market;

• identification and availability of suitable locations for new bakery-cafes on acceptable terms, including costs and appropriate delivery distances from our fresh dough facilities;

• increased competition for restaurant sites from newer and increasing number of concepts in the fast casual segment;

• variations in the number and timing of bakery-cafe openings as compared to our construction schedule;

• management of the costs of construction of bakery-cafes, particularly factors outside our control, such as the timing of delivery of a leased location by the landlord;

• our ability to negotiate favorable economic and business terms;

• our ability to secure required governmental approvals and permits and comply with applicable zoning, land use, and environmental regulations; and

• shortages of construction materials and labor.

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Our growth strategy also includes continued development of bakery-cafes through franchising. At December 30, 2014, approximately 51 percent of our bakery-cafes were operated by franchisees (955 franchise-operated bakery-cafes out of a total of 1,880 bakery-cafes system-wide). The opening and successful operation of bakery-cafes by franchisees depends on a number of factors, including those identified above, as well as the availability of suitable franchise candidates and the financial and other resources of our franchisees such as our franchisees’ ability to receive financing from banks and other financial institutions, which may become more challenging in the current economic environment.

As noted above, identifying and securing an adequate supply of suitable new bakery-cafe sites presents significant challenges because of the intense competition for those sites in our target markets, and increasing development and leasing costs. This may be especially true as we continue to expand into more urban locations. Further, any restrictions or limitations of credit markets may require developers to delay or be unable to finance new projects. Delays or failures in opening new restaurants due to any of the reasons set forth above could materially and adversely affect our growth strategy and our expected results.

Our success in part depends on the success of our franchisees business.

Our success depends in part on the operations of our franchisees. While we provide training and support to, and monitor the operations of, our franchisees, the product quality and service they deliver may be diminished by any number of factors beyond our control, including financial pressures and their own business operations, such as employment related matters. We strive to provide our customers with the same experience at Company-owned bakery-cafes and franchise-operated bakery-cafes. Our customers may attribute to us problems which originate with one of our franchisees, particularly those affecting the quality of the service experience, food safety, litigation or compliance with laws and regulations, thus damaging our reputation and brand value and potentially adversely affecting our results of operations.

Furthermore, our consolidated results of operations include revenues derived from royalties on sales from, and revenues from sales by our fresh dough facilities to, franchise-operated bakery-cafes. As a result, our growth expectations and revenues could be negatively impacted by a material downturn in sales at and to franchise-operated bakery-cafes or if one or more key franchisees becomes insolvent and unable to pay us royalties.

Economic conditions in the United States and globally could adversely affect our business and financial results and have a material adverse effect on our liquidity and capital resources as well as that of our suppliers.

As our business depends upon consumer discretionary spending, our financial results are sensitive to broader macroeconomic conditions. Our customers may make fewer discretionary purchases as a result of, for example, unemployment, increased fuel and energy costs, foreclosures, bankruptcies, reduced access to credit and falling home prices. Because a key point in our business strategy is maintaining our transaction counts, average check amount and margin growth, any significant decrease in customer traffic or average profit per transaction resulting from fewer purchases by our customers or our customers' preferences to trade down to lower priced products on our menu will negatively impact our financial performance. If negative economic conditions persist for an extended period of time or worsen, consumers may make long-lasting changes to their discretionary purchasing behavior, including less frequent discretionary purchases on a more permanent basis. Additionally, financial difficulties experienced by our suppliers could result in product delays or shortages. Although the economy is showing initial signs of a recovery, the ability of the United States economy to sustain this recovery is likely to be affected by several national and global factors that are outside of our control.

Damage to our brands or reputation could negatively impact our business.

Our success depends substantially on the value of our brands and our reputation for offering high-quality food and a memorable experience with superior customer service. Our brands have been highly rated in annual consumer surveys and have received high recognition in industry publications. We believe that we must protect and grow the value of our brands through our Concept Essence to differentiate ourselves from our competitors and continue our success. Any incident that erodes consumer trust in or affinity for our brands could significantly reduce their value and have an adverse effect on our business.

Customer preferences and traffic could be adversely impacted by health concerns about certain food products, reports of food-borne illnesses or food safety issues, any of which could result in a decrease in demand for our products.

Customer preferences and traffic could be adversely impacted by health concerns or negative publicity about the consumption of particular food products, which could cause a decline in demand for those products and adversely impact our sales. Additionally, regardless of the source or cause, reports of food-borne illnesses or other food safety issues (including food tampering or contamination) in the food service industry could cause customers to shift their preferences, result in negative publicity regarding restaurants generally and adversely impact our sales. For example, past outbreaks of E. coli in certain beef products and outbreaks of salmonella in cantaloupes, jalapeños and spinach caused consumers to avoid these products. These problems, other food-borne

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illnesses (such as hepatitis A or trichinosis), and injuries caused by food tampering have in the past, and could in the future, require us to temporarily close bakery-cafes. The occurrence of food-borne illnesses or food safety issues could also adversely affect the price and availability of affected ingredients, resulting in higher costs and a decrease in customer traffic to our bakery-cafes.

Loss of senior management could adversely affect our future success.

Our success depends on the services of our senior management, all of whom are “at will” employees. The loss of a member of senior management could have an adverse impact on our business or the financial market’s perception of our ability to continue to grow.

Increased labor costs or difficulties in recruiting the right associates could adversely affect our future results.

Our success depends, in part, on our continuing ability to hire, train, motivate, and retain qualified associates in our bakery-cafes, fresh dough facilities, and support centers in a competitive labor market. Our failure to do so could result in higher associate turnover and increased labor costs, and could compromise the quality of our service, all of which could adversely affect our business.

We may be exposed to uncertainties and risks in Canada that could negatively impact our consolidated results of operations.

We expanded our Company-owned and franchise-operated operations into Canadian markets. Our expansion into Canada has made us subject to Canadian economic conditions, particularly currency exchange rate fluctuations, increased regulations, quotas, tariffs, and political factors, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition and results of operations as our Canadian operations continue to expand. Further, we may be exposed to new forms of competition not present in our domestic markets, as well as subject to potentially different demographic tastes and preferences for our products.

If we fail to comply with governmental laws or regulations or if these laws or regulations change, our business could suffer.

In connection with the operation of our business, we are subject to extensive federal, state, local, and foreign laws and regulations that are complex and vary from location to location, including those related to:

• franchise relationships;

• building construction and zoning requirements;

• nutritional content labeling and disclosure requirements;

• management and protection of the personal data of our employees and customers; and

• environmental matters.

Our bakery-cafes and fresh dough facilities are licensed and subject to regulation under federal, state, local and foreign laws, including business, health, fire, and safety codes. For example, we are subject to the U.S. Americans with Disabilities Act, or ADA, and similar state laws that give civil rights protections to individuals with disabilities in the context of employment, public accommodations and other areas.

In addition, various federal, state, local and foreign labor laws govern our operations and our relationship with our associates, including prevailing wages, overtime, accommodation and working conditions, benefits, work authorization requirements, insurance matters, workers’ compensation, disability laws such as the ADA discussed above, child labor laws, and anti-discrimination laws.

Although we believe that compliance with these laws has not had a material adverse effect on our operations to date, we may experience material difficulties or failures with respect to compliance with such laws in the future. Our failure to comply with these laws could result in required renovations to our facilities, litigation, fines, penalties, judgments, or other sanctions including the temporary suspension of bakery-cafe or fresh dough facility operations or a delay in construction or opening of a bakery-cafe, any of which could adversely affect our business and our reputation.

In addition, new government initiatives or changes to existing laws, such as the adoption and implementation of national, state, or local government proposals relating to increases in minimum wage rates, may increase our costs of doing business and adversely affect our results of operations.

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Regulatory changes in and customer focus on nutrition and advertising practices could adversely affect our business.

There continues to be increased consumer emphasis on and regulatory scrutiny of restaurants operating in the quick-service and fast-casual segments with respect to nutrition and advertising practices. While we have responded to these developments by updating our menu boards and printed menus in all of our Company-owned bakery-cafes to include caloric information, we may become subject to other regulations in the area of nutrition disclosure or advertising which would require us to make certain additional nutritional information available to our customers or restrict the sales of certain types of ingredients. We may experience higher costs associated with the implementation and oversight of such changes that could have an adverse impact on our business.

Rising insurance costs could negatively impact our profitability.

We self-insure a significant portion of potential losses under our workers’ compensation, medical, general, auto, and property liability programs. The liabilities associated with the risks that are retained by us are estimated, in part, by considering our historical claims experience and data from industry and other actuarial sources. The estimated accruals for these liabilities could be affected if claims differ from these assumptions and historical trends. Unanticipated changes in the actuarial assumptions and management estimates underlying our reserves of these losses could result in materially different amounts of expense under these programs, which could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition and results of operations.

The recent changes to healthcare laws in the United States will likely significantly increase our healthcare costs and negatively impact our financial results.

We offer eligible U.S. employees the opportunity to enroll in healthcare coverage subsidized by us. For various reasons, many of our eligible employees currently choose not to participate in our healthcare plans. The changes to the U.S. healthcare laws may lead some eligible employees who currently do not participate in our healthcare plans to enroll for coverage and may result in some currently ineligible employees becoming eligible and enrolling for coverage. Such changes in the law include the imposition of a penalty on an individual who does not obtain healthcare coverage, penalties for employers who do not offer affordable coverage to certain employees and provisions making certain individuals who can obtain employer coverage ineligible for healthcare premium tax subsidies that would otherwise be available in connection with the purchase of coverage through an exchange. If a significant number of employees who do not currently participate in our subsidized healthcare plans enroll as a result of the changes in law, our healthcare costs may increase significantly and negatively impact our financial results.

We are subject to complaints and litigation that could have an adverse effect on our business.

In the ordinary course of our business, we have been, and we expect that in the future we will be, subject to complaints and litigation alleging that we are responsible for customer illness or injury suffered during or after a visit to one of our Company-owned bakery-cafes or franchise-operated bakery-cafes, including allegations of poor food quality, food-borne illness, adverse health effects, nutritional content or allergens, advertising claims or personal injury claims. In addition, from time to time, we are subject to litigation by employees, investors, franchisees, and others through private actions, class actions or other forums, including those alleging violations of various federal and state wage and hour laws regarding, among other things, overtime eligibility and failure to pay for all hours worked. The outcome of litigation, particularly class actions and regulatory actions, is inherently difficult to assess or quantify, and the defense against such claims or actions can be costly. In addition to decreasing sales and profitability and diverting financial and management resources, we may suffer from adverse publicity that could harm our brand, regardless of whether the allegations are valid or whether we are liable. Moreover, we are subject to the same risks of adverse publicity resulting from allegations even if the claim involves one of our franchisees. A judgment significantly in excess of our insurance coverage for any claims could materially and adversely affect our consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

Our failure or inability to protect our trademarks or other proprietary rights could adversely affect our business and competitive position.

We believe that our intellectual property and confidential and proprietary information are essential to our business and competitive position. Our trademarks, copyrights, service marks, trade secrets, confidential and proprietary information, and other intellectual property rights, are key components of our operating and marketing strategies. Although we have taken steps to protect our brand, intellectual property, and confidential and proprietary information, these steps may not be adequate. Unauthorized usage or imitation by others could harm our image, brand, or competitive position and, if we commence litigation to enforce our rights, cause us to incur significant legal fees.

We do not believe that our trademarks, menu offerings or newly developed technology platforms related to our initiatives designed to improve bakery-cafe throughput, customer experience and greater access for our customers, infringe upon the proprietary rights of third parties.  An infringement claim, whether or not it has merit, could be time-consuming to defend against, result in costly litigation, cause delays or suspensions in marketing or introducing new menu items in the future or the rollout of initiatives such

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as those noted above, or require us to enter into royalty or licensing agreements.  As a result, any such claim could have a material adverse effect on our business, consolidated financial condition and results of operations.

We try to ensure that our franchisees maintain and protect our brand and our confidential and proprietary information. However, since our franchisees are independent third parties that we do not control, if they do not operate their bakery-cafes in a manner consistent with their agreements with us, our brand and reputation or the value of our confidential and proprietary information could be harmed. If this occurs, our business and operating results could be adversely affected.

We rely heavily on information technology and any material failure, interruption, or security breach in our systems could adversely affect our business.

We rely heavily on information technology systems across our operations, including for the order and delivery of fresh dough from our fresh dough facilities, point-of-sale processing in our bakery-cafes, gift and loyalty cards, online business, and various other processes and transactions, including the storage of employee and customer information. Our ability to effectively manage our business and coordinate the production, distribution, and sale of our products depends significantly on the reliability and capacity of these systems. The failure of these systems to operate effectively, problems with transitioning to upgraded or replacement systems, or a breach in security of these systems could cause delays in product sales and reduced efficiency of our operations, and significant capital investments could be required to remediate the problem.

We periodically acquire existing bakery-cafes from our franchisees or ownership interests in other restaurant or bakery-cafe concepts, which could adversely affect our consolidated results of operations.

Periodically, we have acquired existing bakery-cafes from our franchisees either by negotiated agreement or exercise of our rights of first refusal under the franchise and area development agreements. Any acquisition that we undertake involves risk, including:

• our ability to successfully achieve anticipated synergies, accurately assess contingent and other liabilities as well as potential profitability;

• failure to successfully integrate the acquired entity’s operational and support activities;

• unanticipated changes in business and economic conditions;

• limited or no operational experience in the acquired bakery-cafe market;

• future impairment charges related to goodwill and other acquired intangible assets; and

• risks of dispute and litigation with the seller, the seller’s landlords, and vendors and other parties.

Any of these factors could strain our financial and management resources as well as negatively impact our consolidated results of operations.

Unforeseen weather may disrupt our business.

Unforeseen natural events, such as earthquakes, hurricanes, or other adverse weather and climate conditions, could disrupt our operations or those of our franchisees, or suppliers. For example, in 2012, Hurricane Sandy resulted in the temporary closing of 60 Company-owned bakery-cafes and 112 franchise-operated bakery-cafes along the east coast. These events could reduce traffic in our bakery-cafes, make it difficult or impossible for bakery-cafes to receive deliveries of ingredients or other products, and otherwise impede our or our franchisees’ ability to continue business operations in a manner consistent with the level and extent of business activities prior to the occurrence of the unexpected weather, which in turn may materially and adversely impact our business and operating results.

Our operating results fluctuate due to a number of factors, some of which may be beyond our control, and any of which may adversely affect our consolidated financial condition.

Our operating results may fluctuate significantly from our forecasts, targets, or projections because of a number of factors, including the following:

• changes in average weekly net sales and comparable net bakery-cafe sales due to:

• lower customer traffic or average check per transaction, including as a result of the introduction or removal of new menu items;

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• changes in demographics, consumer preferences, and discretionary spending;

• negative publicity about the ingredients we use or the occurrence of food-borne illnesses or other problems at our bakery-cafes; and

• seasonality, including as a result of inclement weather.

• cost increases due to:

• changes in our operating costs;

• labor availability and increased labor costs, including wages and other compensation of management and associates, insurance, and health care; and

• changes in business strategy including concept evolution and new designs.

• profitability of new bakery-cafes, especially in new markets;

• delays in new bakery-cafe openings; and

• fluctuations in supply costs, shortages, or interruptions.

As a result of these factors, results for any one quarter are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for any other quarter or for any year. Average weekly sales or comparable bakery-cafe sales in any particular future period may decrease. In the future, operating results may fall below the expectations of securities analysts and investors, which could cause our stock price to fall. We believe the market price of our common stock reflects high market expectations for our future operating results. As a result, if we fail to meet market expectations for our operating results in the future, any resulting decline in the price of our common stock could be significant.

Our federal, state, and local tax returns have been, and may in the future be, selected for audit by the tax authorities, which may result in tax assessments or penalties that could have a material adverse impact on our consolidated financial position and results of operations.

We are subject to federal, state, and local taxes in the United States and Canada, including income, sales, use, and other applicable taxes. Significant judgment is required in determining the provision for taxes. Additionally, sales and use tax requirements are often fact-specific, complex and vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, which complicates monitoring and compliance. Although we believe our tax estimates are reasonable and our procedures for collecting sales taxes are appropriate, from time to time, federal, state, and local tax authorities have challenged, and may in the future challenge, positions we have taken on our tax returns or our sales tax collection policies. If we are unable to resolve these challenges favorably, we could incur additional tax liability, including interest and penalties. If material, payment of such additional amounts upon final adjudication, or resolution of any disputes, could have a material impact on our consolidated financial position and results of operations.

A regional or global health pandemic could severely affect our business.

A health pandemic is a disease outbreak that spreads rapidly and widely by infection and affects many individuals in an area or population at the same time. If a regional or global health pandemic occurs, depending upon its duration, location, and severity, our business could be severely affected. Generally, we are viewed by our customers as a high-quality, friendly, all day destination where people can gather with family, friends, and business colleagues. Customers may avoid public gathering places in the event of a health pandemic, and local, regional, or national governments might limit or ban public gatherings to halt or delay the spread of disease. A regional or global health pandemic might also adversely impact our business by disrupting or delaying production and delivery of ingredients and products in our supply chain and by causing staffing shortages in our bakery-cafes.

Regional factors could negatively impact our consolidated results of operations.

There are several states in which we, our franchisees, or both, own and operate a significant number of bakery-cafes. As a result, the economic conditions, state and local laws, government regulations, and weather conditions affecting those particular states, or a geographic region generally, may have a material impact upon our consolidated results of operations.

15

If we are unable to continue to repurchase our stock consistent with investor expectations, our EPS growth rate and stock price may be negatively affected.

The stock repurchase program could require the use of a significant portion of or exceed our cash flow. Our ability to repurchase stock will depend on our ability to generate sufficient cash flows from operations in the future or to borrow money from available lending sources. Any failure to repurchase stock following an announcement of our intention to do so could negatively impact our earnings per share growth rate and potentially our stock price.

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

We lease nearly all of our bakery-cafe locations, fresh dough facilities, and support centers.

The square footage of our Company-owned leased fresh dough facilities as of December 30, 2014 is set forth below:

	Square
Facility	Footage
Albuquerque, NM	1,800
Atlanta, GA	26,000
Beltsville, MD	35,700
Chandler, AZ	7,500
Chicago, IL	52,000
Cincinnati, OH	22,300
Denver, CO	10,000
Detroit, MI	19,600
Fairfield, NJ	39,900
Franklin, MA (1)	50,300
Greensboro, NC	19,200
Houston, TX	20,700
Kansas City, KS	17,500
Minneapolis, MN	10,300
Miramar, FL	15,100
Ontario, CA	27,800
Orlando, FL	27,000
Seattle, WA	16,600
St. Louis, MO	30,000
Stockton, CA	15,800
Warren, OH	23,800
Ontario, Canada	16,000

(1) Total square footage includes approximately 20,000 square feet utilized for tuna and cream cheese production.

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The average size of our Company-owned bakery-cafes as of December 30, 2014 was approximately 4,500 square feet. As of December 30, 2014, 1,880 bakery-cafes operated in the following locations:

Location	Company-Owned Bakery-Cafes	Franchise-Operated Bakery-Cafes	Total Bakery-Cafes
Alabama	19	3	22
Arizona	33	9	42
Arkansas	—	9	9
California	78	84	162
Colorado	—	37	37
Connecticut	20	16	36
Delaware	—	6	6
Florida	65	107	172
Georgia	21	28	49
Illinois	75	35	110
Indiana	37	1	38
Iowa	3	18	21
Kansas	—	21	21
Kentucky	21	4	25
Louisiana	—	7	7
Maine	—	6	6
Maryland	—	53	53
Massachusetts	32	38	70
Michigan	52	21	73
Minnesota	24	3	27
Mississippi	—	2	2
Missouri	48	25	73
Nebraska	13	2	15
Nevada	—	6	6
New Hampshire	—	12	12
New Jersey	46	14	60
New Mexico	5	—	5
New York	50	52	102
North Carolina	39	15	54
North Dakota	3	—	3
Ohio	8	120	128
Oklahoma	—	18	18
Oregon	10	—	10
Pennsylvania	32	62	94
Rhode Island	—	8	8
South Carolina	10	9	19
South Dakota	2	—	2
Tennessee	18	19	37
Texas	24	47	71
Utah	—	8	8
Vermont	5	—	5
Virginia	67	12	79
Washington	26	—	26
West Virginia	—	10	10
Wisconsin	26	2	28
District of Columbia	4	—	4
Ontario, Canada	9	6	15
	925	955	1,880

Included in the number of Company-owned bakery-cafes are three takeout and delivery concept units. Excluded from the number of total bakery-cafes are 22 catering-only units (21 Company-owned and one franchise-operated), referred to as delivery hubs.

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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

On July 2, 2014, a purported class action lawsuit was filed against one of our subsidiaries by Jason Lofstedt, a former employee of one our subsidiaries. The lawsuit was filed in the California Superior Court, County of Riverside. The complaint alleges, among other things, violations of the California Labor Code, failure to pay overtime, failure to provide meal and rest periods, and violations of California's Unfair Competition Law. The complaint seeks, among other relief, collective and class certification of the lawsuit, unspecified damages, costs and expenses, including attorneys’ fees, and such other relief as the Court might find just and proper. We believe our subsidiary has meritorious defenses to each of the claims in the lawsuit and we are prepared to vigorously defend the lawsuit. There can be no assurance, however, that our subsidiary will be successful, and an adverse resolution of the lawsuit could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position and results of operations in the period in which the lawsuit is resolved. We are not presently able to reasonably estimate potential losses, if any, related to the lawsuit.

In addition to the legal matter described above, we are subject to other routine legal proceedings, claims and litigation in the ordinary course of business. Defending lawsuits requires significant management attention and financial resources and the outcome of any litigation, including the matters described above, is inherently uncertain. We do not believe the ultimate resolution of these actions will have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial statements. However, a significant increase in the number of these claims, or one or more successful claims under which we incur greater liabilities than is currently anticipated, could materially and adversely affect our consolidated financial statements.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

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PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS, AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Market Information and Dividend Policy

Our Class A common stock is listed on The Nasdaq Global Select Market (“Nasdaq”) under the symbol “PNRA.” There is no established public trading market for our Class B common stock. For the periods indicated, the following table sets forth the quarterly high and low sale prices per share of our Class A common stock as reported by Nasdaq.

	For the fiscal year ended
	December 30, 2014				December 31, 2013
	High		Low		High		Low
First Quarter	$	190.38	$	164.46	$	166.53	$	155.00
Second Quarter	$	173.67	$	147.94	$	193.82	$	163.76
Third Quarter	$	162.72	$	143.35	$	190.71	$	164.02
Fourth Quarter	$	176.19	$	159.89	$	178.92	$	153.15

On February 19, 2015, the last sale price for our Class A common stock, as reported on the Nasdaq Global Select Market, was $158.98. As of February 19, 2015, we had 1,144 holders of record of our Class A common stock and 26 holders of record of our Class B common stock.

We periodically evaluate various options for the use of our capital, including the potential issuance of dividends. We have never paid cash dividends on our capital stock and we do not have current plans to do so.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

The following table provides information regarding repurchases of our Class A common stock during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014:

Period	Total Number of Shares Purchased (1)	Average Price Paid per Share		Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Program (2)	Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Program (2)
October 1, 2014 - October 28, 2014	—	—		—	$	558,397,800
October 29, 2014 - December 2, 2014	133,126	$	167.14	131,600	$	536,403,545
December 3, 2014 - December 30, 2014	18,277	$	164.21	18,277	$	533,402,343
Total	151,403	$	166.79	149,877

(1) Includes 1,526 shares of Class A common stock surrendered by participants under the Panera Bread 1992 Stock Incentive Plan and the Panera Bread 2006 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended, as payment of applicable tax withholding on the vesting of restricted stock. Shares so surrendered by the participants are repurchased by us pursuant to the terms of those plans and the applicable award agreements and not pursuant to publicly announced share repurchase authorizations.

(2) Share repurchase authorization of up to $600 million of our Class A common stock approved by the Board of Directors and announced on June 5, 2014, pursuant to which we may repurchase shares from time to time on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions and which may be made under a Rule 10b5-1 plan. Repurchased shares may be retired immediately and resume the status of authorized but unissued shares or may be held by us as treasury stock. The share repurchase authorization may be modified, suspended or discontinued by our Board of Directors at any time.

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The following selected financial data has been derived from our consolidated financial statements. The data set forth below should be read in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Consolidated Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto.

	For the fiscal year ended (1)
	(in thousands, except per share and percentage information)
	December 30, 2014			December 31, 2013			December 25, 2012			December 27, 2011			December 28, 2010
Revenues:
Bakery-cafe sales, net	$	2,230,370		$	2,108,908		$	1,879,280		$	1,592,951		$	1,321,162
Franchise royalties and fees	123,686			112,641			102,076			92,793			86,195
Fresh dough and other product sales to franchisees	175,139			163,453			148,701			136,288			135,132
Total revenues	2,529,195			2,385,002			2,130,057			1,822,032			1,542,489
Costs and expenses:
Bakery-cafe expenses:
Cost of food and paper products	$	669,860		$	625,622		$	552,580		$	470,398		$	374,816
Labor	685,576			625,457			559,446			484,014			419,140
Occupancy	159,794			148,816			130,793			115,290			100,970
Other operating expenses	314,879			295,539			256,029			216,237			177,059
Total bakery-cafe expenses	1,830,109			1,695,434			1,498,848			1,285,939			1,071,985
Fresh dough and other product cost of sales to franchisees	152,267			142,160			131,006			116,267			110,986
Depreciation and amortization	124,109			106,523			90,939			79,899			68,673
General and administrative expenses	138,060			123,335			117,932			113,083			101,494
Pre-opening expenses	8,707			7,794			8,462			6,585			4,282
Total costs and expenses	2,253,252			2,075,246			1,847,187			1,601,773			1,357,420
Operating profit	275,943			309,756			282,870			220,259			185,069
Interest expense	1,824			1,053			1,082			822			675
Other (income) expense, net	(3,175		)	(4,017		)	(1,208		)	(466		)	4,232
Income before income taxes	277,294			312,720			282,996			219,903			180,162
Income taxes	98,001			116,551			109,548			83,951			68,563
Net income	179,293			196,169			173,448			135,952			111,599
Less: net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	—			—			—			—			(267		)
Net income attributable to Panera Bread Company	$	179,293		$	196,169		$	173,448		$	135,952		$	111,866
Earnings per common share attributable to Panera Bread Company:
Basic	$	6.67		$	6.85		$	5.94		$	4.59		$	3.65
Diluted	$	6.64		$	6.81		$	5.89		$	4.55		$	3.62
Weighted average shares of common and common equivalent shares outstanding:
Basic	26,881			28,629			29,217			29,601			30,614
Diluted	26,999			28,794			29,455			29,903			30,922
Consolidated balance sheet data:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	196,493		$	125,245		$	297,141		$	222,640		$	229,299
Prepaid expenses and other	51,588			43,064			42,223			31,228			23,905
Property and equipment, net	787,294			669,409			571,754			492,022			444,094
Total assets	1,390,902			1,180,862			1,268,163			1,027,322			924,581
Current liabilities	352,712			303,325			277,540			238,334			211,516
Long-term liabilities	302,006			177,645			168,704			133,912			117,457
Stockholders’ equity	736,184			699,892			821,919			655,076			595,608
Franchisee revenues (2)	$	2,281,755		$	2,175,155		$	1,981,674		$	1,828,188		$	1,802,116
Comparable net bakery-cafe sales percentage for (2)(3):
Company-owned bakery-cafes	1.4		%	2.6		%	6.5		%	4.9		%	7.5		%
Franchise-operated bakery-cafes	0.9		%	2.0		%	5.0		%	3.4		%	8.2		%
Bakery-cafe data:
Company-owned bakery-cafes open	925			867			809			740			662
Franchise-operated bakery-cafes open	955			910			843			801			791
Total bakery-cafes open	1,880			1,777			1,652			1,541			1,453

(1) The fiscal year ended December 31, 2013, or fiscal 2013, was a 53 week year consisting of 371 days. All other fiscal years presented contained 52 weeks consisting of 364 days.

(2) We do not record franchise-operated net bakery-cafe sales as revenues. However, royalty revenues are calculated based on a percentage of franchise-operated net bakery-cafe sales, as reported by franchisees. We use franchise-operated and system-wide sales information internally in connection with store development decisions, planning, and budgeting analyses. We believe franchise-operated and system-wide sales information is useful in assessing consumer acceptance of our brand, facilitates an understanding of financial performance and the overall direction and trends of sales and operating income, helps us appreciate the effectiveness of our advertising and marketing initiatives to which our franchisees also contribute based on a percentage of their sales, and provides information that is relevant for comparison within the industry.

(3) Comparable net bakery-cafe sales information above for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2014, or fiscal 2014, reflects a calendar basis comparison. We believe this calendar basis comparison better reflects the performance of the business as it eliminates the impact of the extra week in fiscal 2013 and compares consistent calendar weeks. Comparable net bakery-cafe sales information above for fiscal 2013 reflects a comparative 53 week period in fiscal 2012 (52 weeks in fiscal 2012 plus week one of fiscal 2013).

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

General

Our revenues are derived from Company-owned net bakery-cafe sales, fresh dough and other product sales to franchisees, and franchise royalties and fees. Fresh dough and other product sales to franchisees are primarily comprised of sales of fresh dough, produce, tuna, and cream cheese to certain of our franchisees. Franchise royalties and fees include royalty income and franchise fees, which include fees for development and real estate services and information technology services. The cost of food and paper products, labor, occupancy, and other operating expenses relate primarily to Company-owned net bakery-cafe sales. The cost of fresh dough and other product sales to franchisees relates primarily to the sale of fresh dough, produce, tuna, and cream cheese to certain of our franchisees. General and administrative, depreciation and amortization, and pre-opening expenses relate to all areas of revenue generation.

Our fiscal year ends on the last Tuesday in December. The fiscal years ended December 30, 2014 and December 25, 2012 each had 52 weeks. The fiscal year ended December 31, 2013 had 53 weeks with the fourth quarter comprising 14 weeks.

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We include in this report information on Company-owned, franchise-operated, and system-wide comparable net bakery-cafe sales percentages. Bakery-cafes in our comparable net bakery-cafe sales percentages include those bakery-cafes with an open date prior to the first day of our prior fiscal year, which we refer to as our base store bakery-cafes. Company-owned comparable net bakery-cafe sales percentages are based on net sales from Company-owned base store bakery-cafes. Franchise-operated comparable net bakery-cafe sales percentages are based on net sales from franchise-operated base store bakery-cafes, as reported by franchisees. System-wide comparable net bakery-cafe sales percentages are based on net sales at Company-owned and franchise-operated base store bakery-cafes. Acquired Company-owned and franchise-operated bakery-cafes and other restaurant or bakery-cafe concepts are included in our comparable net bakery-cafe sales percentages only if we or our franchisee previously held or acquired a 100 percent ownership interest prior to the first day of our prior fiscal year. Comparable net bakery-cafe sales exclude closed locations.

We do not record franchise-operated net bakery-cafe sales as revenues. However, royalty revenues are calculated based on a percentage of franchise-operated net bakery-cafe sales, as reported by franchisees. We use franchise-operated and system-wide sales information internally in connection with store development decisions, planning, and budgeting analyses. We believe franchise-operated and system-wide sales information is useful in assessing consumer acceptance of our brand, facilitates an understanding of our financial performance and the overall direction and trends of sales and operating income, helps us appreciate the effectiveness of our advertising and marketing initiatives, to which our franchisees also contribute based on a percentage of their net sales, and provides information that is relevant for comparison within the industry.

We also include in this report information on Company-owned, franchise-operated, and system-wide average weekly net sales. Average weekly net sales are calculated by dividing total net sales in the period by operating weeks in the period. Accordingly, year-over-year results reflect sales for all locations, whereas comparable net bakery-cafe sales exclude closed locations and are based on sales only from our base store bakery-cafes. New stores typically experience an opening “honeymoon” period during which they generate higher average weekly net sales in the first 12 to 16 weeks after opening, after which customers “settle-in” to normal usage patterns. On average, average weekly net sales during the “settle-in” period are 5 percent to 10 percent less than during the “honeymoon” period. As a result, year-over-year results of average weekly net sales are generally lower than the results in comparable net bakery-cafe sales. This results from the relationship of the number of bakery-cafes in the “honeymoon” period, the number of bakery-cafes in the “settle-in” period, and the number of bakery-cafes in the comparable bakery-cafe base.

Executive Summary of Results

In fiscal 2014, we earned $6.64 per diluted share with the following performance on key metrics: system-wide comparable net bakery-cafe sales growth of 1.1 percent on a calendar basis (growth of 1.4 percent for Company-owned bakery-cafes and growth of 0.9 percent for franchise-operated bakery-cafes on a calendar basis); system-wide average weekly net sales increased 0.5 percent to $47,655 ($48,114 for Company-owned bakery-cafes and $47,215 for franchise-operated bakery-cafes); 114 new bakery-cafes opened system-wide (65 Company-owned bakery-cafes and 49 franchise-operated bakery-cafes); and 11 bakery-cafes closed system-wide (seven Company-owned bakery-cafes and four franchise-operated bakery-cafes). Our fiscal 2014 earnings of $6.64 per diluted share included a favorable impact of $0.12 per diluted share from the repurchase in fiscal 2014 of 941,878 shares under share repurchase authorizations, a benefit of $0.08 per diluted share from the favorable resolution of an insurance coverage matter recorded in the fiscal quarter ended July 1, 2014, a favorable impact of $0.08 per diluted share for adjustments related to additional federal tax credits and an increased deduction for domestic production activities recorded in the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2014, and a goodwill impairment charge of $0.05 per diluted share recorded in the fiscal quarter ended December 30, 2014.

In the fiscal quarter ended December 30, 2014, we earned $1.82 per diluted share with the following performance on key metrics: system-wide comparable net bakery-cafe sales growth of 3.0 percent on a calendar basis (growth of 3.3 percent for Company-owned bakery-cafes and growth of 2.7 percent for franchise-operated bakery-cafes on a calendar basis); system-wide average weekly net sales increased 2.3 percent to $49,458 ($50,002 for Company-owned bakery-cafes and $48,934 for franchise-operated bakery-cafes); 40 new bakery-cafes opened system-wide (26 Company-owned bakery-cafes and 14 franchise-operated bakery-cafes); and five bakery-cafes closed system-wide (four Company-owned bakery-cafes and one franchise-operated bakery-cafe). Our fiscal quarter ended December 30, 2014 earnings of $1.82 per diluted share included the previously referenced goodwill impairment charge of $0.05 per diluted share.

In fiscal 2013, we earned $6.81 per diluted share with the following performance on key metrics: system-wide comparable net bakery-cafe sales growth of 2.3 percent (growth of 2.6 percent for Company-owned bakery-cafes and growth of 2.0 percent for franchise-operated bakery-cafes), which reflects a comparative 53 week period in fiscal 2012; system-wide average weekly net sales increased 1.6 percent to $47,403 ($47,741 for Company-owned bakery-cafes and $47,079 for franchise-operated bakery-cafes); 133 new bakery-cafes opened system-wide (63 Company-owned bakery-cafes and 70 franchise-operated bakery-cafes); and eight bakery-cafes closed system-wide (six Company-owned bakery-cafes and two franchise-operated bakery-cafes). Our fiscal 2013 earnings of $6.81 per diluted share included a favorable impact of $0.14 per diluted share from the repurchase in fiscal 2013 of 1,992,250 shares under the share repurchase authorization approved by our Board of Directors in 2012, which we refer

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to as our 2012 repurchase authorization, a favorable impact of $0.13 per diluted share for adjustments recorded in the fiscal quarter ended September 24, 2013 to previously recorded tax expense to reflect the refinement of estimates of certain state tax attributes to amounts in filed returns and the settlement of tax audits, and approximately $0.13 of earnings per diluted share for the additional week in fiscal 2013.

In fiscal 2012, we earned $5.89 per diluted share with the following performance on key metrics: system-wide comparable net bakery-cafe sales growth of 5.7 percent (growth of 6.5 percent for Company-owned bakery-cafes and growth of 5.0 percent for franchise-operated bakery-cafes); system-wide average weekly net sales increased 5.3 percent to $46,676 ($46,836 for Company-owned bakery-cafes and $46,526 for franchise-operated bakery-cafes); 123 new bakery-cafes opened system-wide (59 Company-owned bakery-cafes and 64 franchise-operated bakery-cafes); and 12 bakery-cafes closed system-wide (six Company-owned bakery-cafes and six franchise-operated bakery-cafes). Our fiscal 2012 earnings of $5.89 per diluted share included a favorable impact of $0.01 per diluted share from the repurchase of 158,700 shares under our 2012 repurchase authorization and the share repurchase authorization approved by our Board of Directors in 2009, which we refer to as our 2009 repurchase authorization.

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income Margin Analysis

The following table sets forth the percentage relationship to total revenues, except where otherwise indicated, of certain items included in our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the periods indicated. Percentages may not add due to rounding:

	For the fiscal year ended
	December 30, 2014		December 31, 2013		December 25, 2012
Revenues:
Bakery-cafe sales, net	88.2	%	88.4	%	88.2	%
Franchise royalties and fees	4.9		4.7		4.8
Fresh dough and other product sales to franchisees	6.9		6.9		7.0
Total revenue	100.0	%	100.0	%	100.0	%
Costs and expenses:
Bakery-cafe expenses (1):
Cost of food and paper products	30.0	%	29.7	%	29.4	%
Labor	30.7		29.7		29.8
Occupancy	7.2		7.1		7.0
Other operating expenses	14.1		14.0		13.6
Total bakery-cafe expenses	82.1		80.4		79.8
Fresh dough and other product cost of sales to franchisees (2)	86.9		87.0		88.1
Depreciation and amortization	4.9		4.5		4.3
General and administrative expenses	5.5		5.2		5.5
Pre-opening expenses	0.3		0.3		0.4
Total costs and expenses	89.1		87.0		86.7
Operating profit	10.9		13.0		13.3
Interest expense	0.1		—		0.1
Other (income) expense, net	(0.1	)	(0.2	)	(0.1	)
Income before income taxes	11.0		13.1		13.3
Income taxes	3.9		4.9		5.1
Net income	7.1	%	8.2	%	8.1	%
Other comprehensive (loss) income	—		—		—
Comprehensive income	7.0	%	8.2	%	8.2	%

(1) As a percentage of net bakery-cafe sales.

(2) As a percentage of fresh dough and other product sales to franchisees.

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Bakery-cafe Composition

The following table sets forth certain bakery-cafe data relating to Company-owned and franchise-operated bakery-cafes for the periods indicated:

	For the fiscal year ended
	December 30, 2014		December 31, 2013		December 25, 2012
Number of bakery-cafes:
Company-owned:
Beginning of period	867		809		740
Bakery-cafes opened	65		63		59
Bakery-cafes closed	(7	)	(6	)	(6	)
Bakery-cafes acquired from franchisees (1)	—		1		16
End of period	925		867		809
Franchise-operated:
Beginning of period	910		843		801
Bakery-cafes opened	49		70		64
Bakery-cafes closed	(4	)	(2	)	(6	)
Bakery-cafes acquired by Company (1)	—		(1	)	(16	)
End of period	955		910		843
System-wide:
Beginning of period	1,777		1,652		1,541
Bakery-cafes opened	114		133		123
Bakery-cafes closed	(11	)	(8	)	(12	)
End of period (2)	1,880		1,777		1,652

(1) In April 2013, we acquired one bakery-cafe from a Florida franchisee. In March 2012, we acquired 16 bakery-cafes from a North Carolina franchisee.

(2) Excluded from the number of total bakery-cafes were 22, six, and three catering-only units, referred to as delivery hubs, as of the fiscal years ended December 30, 2014, December 31, 2013, December 25, 2012, respectively.

Comparable Net Bakery-cafe Sales

Comparable net bakery-cafe sales growth for the fiscal periods indicated was as follows:

	For the fiscal year ended
	December 30, 2014 (1)		December 31, 2013 (2)		December 25, 2012
Company-owned	1.4	%	2.6	%	6.5	%
Franchise-operated	0.9	%	2.0	%	5.0	%
System-wide	1.1	%	2.3	%	5.7	%

(1) Comparable net bakery-cafe sales for fiscal 2014 reflects a calendar basis comparison. We believe that calendar basis comparable net bakery-cafe sales percentages better reflects the performance of the business as it eliminates the impact of the extra week in fiscal 2013 and compares consistent calendar weeks.

(2) Comparable net bakery-cafe sales for fiscal 2013 adjusted to reflect a comparative 53 week period in fiscal 2012 (52 weeks in fiscal 2012 plus week one of fiscal 2013).

The following table summarizes the composition of comparable Company-owned net bakery-cafe sales growth for the periods indicated:

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	For the fiscal year ended
	December 30, 2014		December 31, 2013		December 25, 2012
Price	1.0	%	1.8	%	3.0	%
Mix	0.3	%	2.0	%	2.7	%
Average check	1.3	%	3.8	%	5.7	%
Transactions	0.1	%	(1.2	)%	0.8	%
Company-owned comparable net bakery-cafe sales growth	1.4	%	2.6	%	6.5	%

Price growth in fiscal 2014 was modest, generally due to our decision to take minimal price increases in anticipation of expected modest inflation. Mix was modest in fiscal 2014 due to slower catering sales growth and an increase in breakfast transactions, which generally carry a lower average check than lunch or dinner transactions. Transactions were generally flat during fiscal 2014 due primarily to an increase in transactions during the breakfast and lunch dayparts, which were largely offset by a continued challenging consumer environment, intensified competition and severe weather in the first quarter of fiscal 2014.

Results of Operations

Revenues

The following table summarizes revenues for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands):

	For the fiscal year ended
	December 30, 2014		December 31, 2013		December 25, 2012		% Change in 2014		% Change in 2013
Bakery-cafe sales, net	$	2,230,370	$	2,108,908	$	1,879,280	5.8	%	12.2	%
Franchise royalties and fees	123,686		112,641		102,076		9.8	%	10.4	%
Fresh dough and other product sales to franchisees	175,139		163,453		148,701		7.1	%	9.9	%
Total revenue	$	2,529,195	$	2,385,002	$	2,130,057	6.0	%	12.0	%
System-wide average weekly net sales	$	47,655	$	47,403	$	46,676	0.5	%	1.6	%

The growth in total revenues in fiscal 2014 compared to the prior fiscal year was primarily due to the opening of 114 new bakery-cafes system-wide in fiscal 2014 and the 1.1 percent increase in system-wide comparable net bakery-cafe sales in fiscal 2014 on a calendar basis, partially offset by the closure of 11 bakery-cafes system-wide in fiscal 2014 and the impact of the additional week in fiscal 2013, which contributed total revenues of approximately $35.0 million.

The growth in total revenues in fiscal 2013 compared to the prior fiscal year was primarily due to the opening of 133 new bakery-cafes system-wide in fiscal 2013, the impact of the additional week in fiscal 2013 and the 2.3 percent increase in system-wide comparable net bakery-cafe sales in fiscal 2013, partially offset by the closure of eight bakery-cafes system-wide in fiscal 2013.

Bakery-cafe sales, net

The following table summarizes net bakery-cafe sales for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands):

	For the fiscal year ended
	December 30, 2014			December 31, 2013			December 25, 2012			% Change in 2014		% Change in 2013
Bakery-cafe sales, net	$	2,230,370		$	2,108,908		$	1,879,280		5.8	%	12.2	%
As a percentage of total revenue	88.2		%	88.4		%	88.2		%
Company-owned average weekly net sales	$	48,114		$	47,741		$	46,836		0.8	%	1.9	%
Company-owned number of operating weeks	46,356			44,173			40,125			4.9	%	10.1	%

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The increase in net bakery-cafe sales in fiscal 2014 compared to the prior fiscal year was primarily due to the opening of 65 new Company-owned bakery-cafes and the 1.4 percent increase in comparable Company-owned net bakery-cafe sales in fiscal 2014 on a calendar basis, partially offset by the closure of seven Company-owned bakery-cafes and the impact of the additional week in fiscal 2013, which contributed net bakery-cafes sales of approximately $29.8 million.

The increase in net bakery-cafe sales in fiscal 2013 compared to the prior fiscal year was primarily due to the opening of 63 new Company-owned bakery-cafes, the impact of the additional week in fiscal 2013, and the 2.6 percent increase in comparable Company-owned net bakery-cafe sales in fiscal 2013, partially offset by the closure of six Company-owned bakery-cafes.

The increase in average weekly net sales for Company-owned bakery-cafes in fiscal 2014 compared to the prior fiscal year was primarily due to average check growth that resulted from retail price increases and our category management initiatives, partially offset by lower average weekly sales in fiscal 2014 for bakery-cafes opened in fiscal 2013.

The increase in average weekly net sales for Company-owned bakery-cafes in fiscal 2013 compared to the prior fiscal year was primarily due to average check growth that resulted from retail price increases and our category management initiatives.

Franchise royalties and fees

The following table summarizes franchise royalties and fees for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands):

	For the fiscal year ended
	December 30, 2014		December 31, 2013		December 25, 2012		% Change in 2014		% Change in 2013
Franchise royalties	$	120,125	$	110,461	$	100,159	8.7	%	10.3	%
Franchise fees	3,561		2,180		1,917		63.3	%	13.7	%
Total	$	123,686	$	112,641	$	102,076	9.8	%	10.4	%
Franchise-operated average weekly net sales	$	47,215	$	47,079	$	46,526	0.3	%	1.2	%
Franchise-operated number of operating weeks	48,327		46,202		42,593		4.6	%	8.5	%

The increase in franchise royalty and fee revenues in fiscal 2014 compared to the prior fiscal year was primarily due to the opening of 49 new franchise-operated bakery-cafes, increased information technology fees, and the 0.9 percent increase in comparable franchise-operated net bakery-cafe sales in fiscal 2014 on a calendar basis, partially offset by the impact of the additional week in fiscal 2013, which contributed franchise royalties and fees of approximately $2.4 million.

The increase in franchise royalty and fee revenues in fiscal 2013 compared to the prior fiscal year was primarily due to the opening of 70 new franchise-operated bakery-cafes, the impact of the additional week in fiscal 2013, and the 2.0 percent increase in comparable franchise-operated net bakery-cafe sales in fiscal 2013.

As of December 30, 2014, there were 955 franchise-operated bakery-cafes open and we have received commitments to open 106 additional franchise-operated bakery-cafes. The timetables for opening these bakery-cafes are established in their respective Area Development Agreements, or ADAs, with franchisees, which provide for the majority of these bakery-cafes to open in the next four to five years. An ADA requires a franchisee to develop a specified number of bakery-cafes by specified dates. If a franchisee fails to develop bakery-cafes on the schedule set forth in the ADA, we have the right to terminate the ADA and develop Company-owned locations or develop locations through new franchisees in that market. We may exercise one or more alternative remedies to address defaults by franchisees, including not only development defaults, but also defaults in complying with our operating and brand standards and other covenants included in the ADAs and franchise agreements. We may waive compliance with certain requirements under its ADAs and franchise agreements if we determine that such action is warranted under the particular circumstances.

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Fresh dough and other product sales to franchisees

The following table summarizes fresh dough and other product sales to franchisees for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands):

	For the fiscal year ended
	December 30, 2014		December 31, 2013		December 25, 2012		% Change in 2014		% Change in 2013
Fresh dough and other product sales to franchisees	$	175,139	$	163,453	$	148,701	7.1	%	9.9	%

The increase in fresh dough and other product sales to franchisees in fiscal 2014 compared to the prior fiscal year was primarily due to the opening of 49 franchise-operated bakery-cafes and the 0.9 percent increase in franchise-operated comparable net bakery-cafe sales on a calendar basis, partially offset by the impact of the additional week in fiscal 2013, which contributed fresh dough and other product sales to franchisees of approximately $2.8 million.

The increase in fresh dough and other product sales to franchisees in fiscal 2013 compared to the prior fiscal year was primarily due to the impact of the additional week in fiscal 2013, the opening of 70 franchise-operated bakery-cafes, and the 2.0 percent increase in franchise-operated comparable net bakery-cafe sales.

Costs and Expenses

The cost of food and paper products includes the costs associated with the fresh dough and other product operations that sell fresh dough and other products to Company-owned bakery-cafes, as well as the cost of food and paper products supplied by third-party vendors and distributors. The costs associated with the fresh dough and other product operations that sell fresh dough and other products to the franchise-operated bakery-cafes are excluded from the cost of food and paper products and are shown separately as fresh dough and other product cost of sales to franchisees in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.

Cost of food and paper products

The following table summarizes cost of food and paper products for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands):

	For the fiscal year ended
	December 30, 2014			December 31, 2013			December 25, 2012			% Change in 2014		% Change in 2013
Cost of food and paper products	$	669,860		$	625,622		$	552,580		7.1	%	13.2	%
As a percent of bakery-cafe sales, net	30.0		%	29.7		%	29.4		%

The increase in the cost of food and paper products in fiscal 2014 as a percentage of net bakery-cafe sales was primarily due to higher ingredient costs, including, but not limited to, increases in the costs of butter, avocados, and bacon, partially offset by improved leverage of our fresh dough manufacturing costs due to additional bakery-cafe openings. In fiscal 2014, there was an average of 79.2 bakery-cafes per fresh dough facility compared to an average of 74.2 bakery-cafes in fiscal 2013.

The increase in the cost of food and paper products in fiscal 2013 as a percentage of net bakery-cafe sales was primarily due to a shift in product mix towards higher ingredient cost products, partially offset by improved leverage of our fresh dough manufacturing costs due to additional bakery-cafe openings. In fiscal 2013, there was an average of 74.2 bakery-cafes per fresh dough facility compared to an average of 69.2 bakery-cafes in fiscal 2012.

Labor

The following table summarizes labor expense for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands):

	For the fiscal year ended
	December 30, 2014			December 31, 2013			December 25, 2012			% Change in 2014		% Change in 2013
Labor expense	$	685,576		$	625,457		$	559,446		9.6	%	11.8	%
As a percent of bakery-cafe sales, net	30.7		%	29.7		%	29.8		%

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The increase in labor expense in fiscal 2014 as a percentage of net bakery-cafe sales was primarily a result of adding additional labor hours, as well as employees, in the bakery-cafes and related training costs, both to support ongoing operational initiatives, partially offset by lower manager bonus expense.

The decrease in labor expense in fiscal 2013 as a percentage of net bakery-cafe sales was primarily a result of lower incentive compensation.

Occupancy

The following table summarizes occupancy cost for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands):

	For the fiscal year ended
	December 30, 2014			December 31, 2013			December 25, 2012			% Change in 2014		% Change in 2013
Occupancy	$	159,794		$	148,816		$	130,793		7.4	%	13.8	%
As a percent of bakery-cafe sales, net	7.2		%	7.1		%	7.0		%

The increase in occupancy costs in both fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013 as a percentage of net bakery-cafe sales was primarily a result of modestly higher average occupancy costs in new bakery-cafes and higher real estate taxes.

Other operating expenses

The following table summarizes other operating expenses for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands):

	For the fiscal year ended
	December 30, 2014			December 31, 2013			December 25, 2012			% Change in 2014		% Change in 2013
Other operating expenses	$	314,879		$	295,539		$	256,029		6.5	%	15.4	%
As a percent of bakery-cafe sales, net	14.1		%	14.0		%	13.6		%

The increase in other operating expenses in fiscal 2014 as a percentage of net bakery-cafe sales was primarily the result of increased marketing expense, partially offset by lower controllable expenses.

The increase in other operating expenses in fiscal 2013 as a percentage of net bakery-cafe sales was primarily a result of increased marketing expense and certain other controllable expenses, including increased repair and maintenance expenses related to operational initiatives.

Fresh dough and other product cost of sales to franchisees

The following table summarizes fresh dough and other product cost of sales to franchisees for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands):

	For the fiscal year ended
	December 30, 2014			December 31, 2013			December 25, 2012			% Change in 2014		% Change in 2013
Fresh dough and other product cost of sales to franchisees	$	152,267		$	142,160		$	131,006		7.1	%	8.5	%
As a percent of fresh dough and other product sales to franchisees	86.9		%	87.0		%	88.1		%

The decrease in the fresh dough and other product cost of sales to franchisees in fiscal 2014 as a percentage of fresh dough and other product sales to franchisees was primarily the result of modestly lower wheat costs, partially offset by higher year-over-year sales of zero margin fresh produce to franchisees.

The decrease in the fresh dough and other product cost of sales to franchisees in fiscal 2013 as a percentage of fresh dough and other product sales to franchisees was primarily the result of the year-over-year decrease in ingredient costs and improved leverage from new bakery-cafes and higher comparable net bakery-cafe sales.

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Depreciation and amortization

The following table summarizes depreciation and amortization for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands):

	For the fiscal year ended
	December 30, 2014			December 31, 2013			December 25, 2012			% Change in 2014		% Change in 2013
Depreciation and amortization	$	124,109		$	106,523		$	90,939		16.5	%	17.1	%
As a percent of total revenues	4.9		%	4.5		%	4.3		%

The increase in depreciation and amortization as a percent of total revenues in both fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013 was primarily the result of increased depreciation on investments in bakery-cafes and support centers to support ongoing operational initiatives.

General and administrative expenses

The following table summarizes general and administrative expenses for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands):

	For the fiscal year ended
	December 30, 2014			December 31, 2013			December 25, 2012			% Change in 2014		% Change in 2013
General and administrative expenses	$	138,060		$	123,335		$	117,932		11.9	%	4.6	%
As a percent of total revenues	5.5		%	5.2		%	5.5		%

The increase in general and administrative expenses in fiscal 2014 as a percent of total revenues was primarily due to an increase in headcount to support ongoing operational initiatives, partially offset by lower incentive compensation.

The decrease in general and administrative expenses in fiscal 2013 as a percent of total revenues was primarily due to lower incentive compensation and improved leverage from higher comparable net bakery-cafe sales.

Other (Income) Expense, net

Other (income) expense, net in fiscal 2014 decreased to $3.2 million of income, or 0.1 percent of total revenues, from $4.0 million of income, or 0.2 percent of total revenues, in fiscal 2013. Other (income) expense, net for fiscal 2014 was primarily comprised of a $3.2 million benefit from a favorable resolution of an insurance coverage matter and other immaterial items, partially offset by a goodwill impairment charge of $2.1 million. Other (income) expense, net for fiscal 2013 was primarily comprised of a $2.2 million benefit from favorable resolution of legal and sales and use tax matters, and immaterial items.

Other (income) expense, net in fiscal 2013 increased to $4.0 million of income, or 0.2 percent of total revenues, from $1.2 million of income, or 0.1 percent of total revenues, in fiscal 2012. Other (income) expense, net for fiscal 2013 was primarily comprised of a $2.2 million benefit from favorable resolution of legal and sales and use tax matters, and immaterial items. Other (income) expense, net for fiscal 2012 was primarily comprised of the favorable outcome from certain unclaimed property and state sales tax audit matters, and immaterial items.

Income Taxes

The following table summarizes income taxes for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands):

	For the fiscal year ended
	December 30, 2014			December 31, 2013			December 25, 2012			% Change in 2014		% Change in 2013
Income taxes	$	98,001		$	116,551		$	109,548		(15.9	)%	6.4	%
Effective tax rate	35.3		%	37.3		%	38.7		%

The decrease in the effective tax rate from fiscal 2013 to fiscal 2014 was primarily driven by certain discrete income tax benefit items for prior fiscal years related to additional federal and state tax credits and an increased deduction for domestic production activities. The decrease in the effective tax rate from fiscal 2012 to fiscal 2013 was primarily driven by adjustments of previously

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recorded tax expense to reflect the refinement of estimates for certain federal and state tax liabilities to amounts in filed returns, the settlement of tax audits, and an increase in federal tax credits.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash and cash equivalents were $196.5 million at December 30, 2014 compared to $125.2 million at December 31, 2013. This $71.3 millionincrease was primarily a result of cash generated from operations of $335.1 million and proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt of $100 million, partially offset by capital expenditures of $224.2 million and the use of $159.5 million to repurchase shares of our Class A common stock. We finance our activities through cash flow generated through operations and term loan borrowings. We also have the ability to further borrow up to $250 million under a credit facility, as described below. Historically, our principal requirements for cash have primarily resulted from the cost of food and paper products, employee labor, the repurchase of shares of our common stock, and our capital expenditures for the development of new Company-owned bakery-cafes, for maintaining or remodeling existing Company-owned bakery-cafes, for purchasing existing franchise-operated bakery-cafes or ownership interests in other restaurant or bakery-cafe concepts, for developing, maintaining, or remodeling fresh dough facilities, and for other capital needs such as enhancements to information systems and other infrastructure to support ongoing operational initiatives.

We had positive working capital of $53.5 million at December 30, 2014 compared to negative working capital of $0.6 million at December 31, 2013. The increase in working capital resulted primarily from the previously described increase in cash and cash equivalents of $71.3 million and an increase in trade and other accounts receivable of $22.1 million, partially offset by an increase in accrued expenses of $47.4 million. We believe that cash provided by our operations, our term loan borrowings, and available borrowings under our credit facility will be sufficient to fund our cash requirements for the foreseeable future. We have not required significant working capital because customers generally pay using cash or credit and debit cards and because our operations do not require significant receivables, nor do they require significant inventories due, in part, to our use of various fresh ingredients.

A summary of our cash flows, for the periods indicated, are as follows (in thousands):

	For the fiscal year ended
Cash provided by (used in):	December 30, 2014			December 31, 2013			December 25, 2012
Operating activities	$	335,079		$	348,417		$	289,456
Investing activities	(211,317		)	(188,307		)	(195,741		)
Financing activities	(52,514		)	(332,006		)	(19,214		)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	$	71,248		$	(171,896	)	$	74,501

Operating Activities

Cash provided by operating activities was $335.1 million, $348.4 million, and $289.5 million in fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012, respectively. Cash provided by operating activities consists primarily of net income, adjusted for non-cash expenses such as depreciation and amortization, and the net change in operating assets and liabilities.

Cash provided by operating activities in fiscal 2014 consisted primarily of net income adjusted for non-cash expenses and an increase in accrued expenses, partially offset by an increase in trade and other accounts receivable. The increase in accrued expenses was primarily due to an increase in the balance of outstanding gift cards. The increase in trade and other accounts receivable was primarily due to an increase in refundable income taxes due to the timing of payments and an increase in other receivables.

Cash provided by operating activities in fiscal 2013 consisted primarily of net income adjusted for non-cash expenses and an increase in accrued expenses and accounts payable. The increase in accrued expenses was primarily due to an increase in the balance of outstanding gift cards. The increase in accounts payable was primarily due to the timing of payments.

Cash provided by operating activities in fiscal 2012 consisted primarily of net income adjusted for non-cash expenses and an increase in accrued expenses, partially offset by an increase in trade and other accounts receivable and prepaid expenses. The increase in accrued expenses was primarily due to an increase in the balance of outstanding gift cards and higher incentive compensation accruals. The increase in trade and other accounts receivable was primarily due to an increase in credit card and other receivables due to the timing of the holidays near our 2012 fiscal year end and an increase in refundable income taxes due to the timing of payments. The increase in prepaid expenses was primarily due to the timing of rent and insurance premium prepayments.

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Investing Activities

Cash used in investing activities was $211.3 million, $188.3 million, and $195.7 million in fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012, respectively. Investing activities consists primarily of capital expenditures, cash used in business combinations, and proceeds from the sale and leaseback of bakery-cafes.

Capital Expenditures

Capital expenditures are the largest ongoing component of our investing activities. New and existing bakery-cafe expenditures include costs related to the opening of bakery-cafes and delivery hubs, to remodel and maintain bakery-cafes, and to upgrade systems and equipment in bakery-cafes. Fresh dough facility expenditures include costs related to the opening of new fresh dough facilities and costs to expand, remodel and maintain existing facilities. Support center expenditures primarily include investments in technology infrastructure to create the capabilities needed to support ongoing operational initiatives and costs related to enterprise systems and other capital needs. A summary of capital expenditures for the periods indicated consisted of the following (in thousands):

	For the fiscal year ended
	December 30, 2014		December 31, 2013		December 25, 2012
New bakery-cafes	$	109,941	$	90,409	$	72,683
Existing bakery-cafes	57,915		63,175		50,185
Fresh dough facilities	12,178		11,461		13,434
Support centers	44,183		26,965		16,026
Total	$	224,217	$	192,010	$	152,328

Our capital requirements have been and will continue to be significant. Our future capital requirements and the adequacy of available funds will depend on many factors, including the pace of expansion, real estate markets, site locations, the nature of the arrangements negotiated with landlords, and the extent of operational initiatives. We believe that cash provided by our operations, our term loan borrowings, and available borrowings under our credit facility will be sufficient to fund our capital requirements in both our short-term and long-term future. We currently anticipate $225 million to $250 million of capital expenditures in fiscal 2015, including the opening of approximately 10 Company-owned delivery hubs, approximately 55 to 65 Company-owned bakery-cafes, and the conversion of approximately 300 Company-owned bakery-cafes to Panera 2.0.

Business Combinations

We used approximately $2.4 million and $48.0 million of cash flows for acquisitions, in fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012, respectively. In fiscal 2013, we acquired substantially all the assets of one bakery-cafe from a Florida franchisee. In fiscal 2012, we acquired substantially all the assets and certain liabilities of 16 bakery-cafes from our North Carolina franchisee. See Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements for further information with respect to our acquisition activity.

Sale-Leaseback Transactions

During fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012, we completed sale-leaseback transactions for six, three, and two Company-owned bakery-cafes, respectively, resulting in cash proceeds of $12.9 million, $6.1 million, and $4.5 million, respectively.

Financing Activities

Cash used in financing activities was $52.5 million, $332.0 million, and $19.2 million in fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012, respectively. Financing activities in fiscal 2014 consisted primarily of $159.5 million used to repurchase shares of our Class A common stock, partially offset by $100 million of proceeds from term loan borrowings. Financing activities in fiscal 2013 consisted primarily of $339.4 million used to repurchase shares of our Class A common stock and $4.1 million for the payment of deferred acquisition holdbacks, partially offset by $8.1 million received from the tax benefit from exercise of stock options. Financing activities in fiscal 2012 consisted primarily of $31.6 million used to repurchase shares of our Class A common stock, partially offset by $8.6 million received from the tax benefit from exercise of stock options.

Share Repurchases

On November 17, 2009, our Board of Directors approved a three year share repurchase authorization of up to $600 million of our Class A common stock, pursuant to which we repurchased shares on the open market under a Rule 10b5-1 plan. During fiscal

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2012, we repurchased 34,600 shares under the 2009 repurchase authorization at an average price of $144.24 per share for an aggregate purchase price of $5.0 million. On August 23, 2012, our Board of Directors terminated the 2009 repurchase authorization. Prior to its termination, we had repurchased a total of 2,844,669 shares of our Class A common stock cumulatively under the 2009 repurchase authorization at a weighted-average price of $87.03 per share for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $247.6 million.

On August 23, 2012, our Board of Directors approved a three year share repurchase authorization of up to $600 million of our Class A common stock, pursuant to which we repurchased shares on the open market under a Rule 10b5-1 plan. During fiscal 2014, we repurchased 514,357 shares under the 2012 repurchase authorization, at an average price of $170.15 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of $87.5 million. During fiscal 2013 we purchased 1,992,250 shares under the 2012 repurchase authorization, at an average price of $166.73 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of $332.1 million. During fiscal 2012, we repurchased 124,100 shares under the 2012 repurchase authorization, at an average price of $161.00 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $20.0 million. On June 5, 2014, our Board of Directors terminated this repurchase authorization. Prior to its termination, we had repurchased a total of 2,630,707 shares of our Class A common stock cumulatively under the 2012 repurchase authorization at a weighted-average price of $167.13 per share for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $439.7 million.

On June 5, 2014, our Board of Directors approved a new three year share repurchase authorization of up to $600 million of our Class A common stock, which we refer to as the 2014 repurchase authorization, pursuant to which we may repurchase shares from time to time on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions and which may be made under a Rule 10b5-1 plan. Repurchased shares may be retired immediately and resume the status of authorized but unissued shares or may be held by us as treasury stock. The 2014 repurchase authorization may be modified, suspended, or discontinued by our Board at any time. As of December 30, 2014, under the 2014 repurchase authorization, we have repurchased 427,521 shares at a weighted-average price of $155.78 for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $66.6 million. We have approximately $533.4 million available under the 2014 repurchase authorization.

In total, during fiscal 2014, we repurchased 941,878 shares under the 2012 and 2014 repurchase authorizations, at an average price of $163.62 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $154.1 million.

We have historically repurchased shares of our Class A common stock from participants of the Panera Bread 1992 Stock Incentive Plan and the Panera Bread 2006 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended, or collectively, the Plans, through a share repurchase authorization approved by our Board. Repurchased shares are netted and surrendered as payment for applicable tax withholding on the vesting of participants’ restricted stock. During fiscal 2014, we repurchased 35,461 shares of Class A common stock surrendered by participants of the Plans at a weighted-average price of $151.17 per share for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $5.4 million. During fiscal 2013, we repurchased 41,601 shares of Class A common stock surrendered by participants of the Plans at a weighted-average price of $172.79 per share for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $7.2 million. During fiscal 2012, we repurchased 42,100 shares of Class A common stock surrendered by participants of the Plans at a weighted-average price of $156.53 per share for an aggregate purchase price of $6.6 million. These share repurchases were made pursuant to the terms of the Plans and the applicable award agreements and were not made pursuant to publicly announced share repurchase authorizations.

Term Loan

On June 11, 2014, we entered into a term loan agreement, or the Term Loan Agreement, with Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, and other lenders party thereto. The Term Loan Agreement provides for an unsecured term loan, or the Term Loan, in the amount of $100 million that bears interest at a rate equal to, at our option, (1) LIBOR plus a margin ranging from 1.00 percent to 1.50 percent depending on our consolidated leverage ratio or (2) the highest of (a) the Bank of America prime rate, (b) the Federal funds rate plus 0.50 percent or (c) LIBOR plus 1.00 percent, plus a margin ranging from 0.00 percent to 0.50 percent depending on our consolidated leverage ratio. Our obligations under the Term Loan Agreement are guaranteed by certain of our direct and indirect subsidiaries. The Term Loan Agreement also allows us from time to time to request that the Term Loan be further increased by an amount not to exceed, in the aggregate, $150 million, subject to the arrangement of additional commitments with financial institutions acceptable to us and Bank of America and other customary terms and conditions. The Term Loan Agreement contains various financial covenants that, among other things, require us to maintain certain leverage and fixed charge coverage ratios. The Term Loan is scheduled to mature on June 11, 2019, subject to acceleration upon certain specified events of defaults, including breaches of representations or covenants, failure to pay other material indebtedness or a change of control of the Company, as defined in the Term Loan Agreement. We expect to use the proceeds from the Term Loan for general corporate purposes. As of December 30, 2014, we were, and expect to remain, in compliance with all covenant requirements under the Term Loan Agreement.

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Credit Facility

On November 30, 2012, we entered into a credit agreement, or the Credit Agreement, with Bank of America, N.A. and other lenders party thereto. The Credit Agreement provides for an unsecured revolving credit facility of $250 million and provides that we may select interest rates under the credit facility equal to (1) LIBOR plus the Applicable Rate for LIBOR loans (which is an amount ranging from 1.00 percent to 2.00 percent depending on our consolidated leverage ratio) or (2) the Base Rate (which is defined as the higher of Bank of America prime rate, the Federal funds rate plus 0.50 percent, or LIBOR plus 1.00 percent) plus the Applicable Rate for Base Rate loans (which is an amount ranging from 0.00 percent to 1.00 percent depending on our consolidated leverage ratio). Our obligations under the credit facility are guaranteed by certain of our direct and indirect subsidiaries. The Credit Agreement allows us from time to time to request that the credit facility be further increased by an amount not to exceed, in the aggregate, $150 million, subject to the arrangement of additional commitments with financial institutions acceptable to us and Bank of America. The Credit Agreement contains various financial covenants that, among other things, require us to maintain certain leverage and fixed charges coverage ratios. The credit facility will become due on November 30, 2017, subject to acceleration upon certain specified events of defaults, including breaches of representations or covenants, failure to pay other material indebtedness or a change of control of our Company, as defined in the Credit Agreement. We expect to use the credit facility for general corporate purposes. As of December 30, 2014, we had no balance outstanding and we were, and expect to remain, in compliance with all covenant requirements under the Credit Agreement.

Critical Accounting Policies & Estimates

Our discussion and analysis of our consolidated financial condition and results of operations is based upon the consolidated financial statements and notes to the consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America, or GAAP. The preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates, judgments and assumptions, which we believe to be reasonable, based on the information available. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. Variances in the estimates or assumptions used to actual experience could yield materially different accounting results. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate the continued appropriateness of our accounting policies and resulting estimates to make adjustments we consider appropriate under the facts and circumstances.

We have chosen accounting policies we believe are appropriate to report accurately and fairly our consolidated operating results and financial position, and we apply those accounting policies in a consistent manner. We consider our policies on accounting for revenue recognition, valuation of goodwill, self-insurance, income taxes, lease obligations, and impairment of long-lived assets to be the most critical in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements because they involve the most difficult, subjective, or complex judgments about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain. There have been no material changes to our application of critical accounting policies and significant judgments and estimates that occurred during fiscal 2014.

Revenue Recognition

We recognize revenues from net bakery-cafe sales upon delivery of the related food and other products to the customer. Revenues from fresh dough and other product sales to franchisees are recorded upon delivery of the fresh dough and other products to franchisees. Also, a liability is recorded in the period in which a gift card is issued and proceeds are received. As gift cards are redeemed, this liability is reduced and revenue is recognized. Sales of soup and other branded products sold outside our bakery-cafes are recognized upon delivery to customers. Further, franchise fees are generally the result of the sale of area development rights and the sale of individual franchise locations to third parties. The initial franchise fee is typically $35,000 per bakery-cafe to be developed under the ADA. Of this fee, $5,000 is generally paid at the time of signing of the ADA and is recognized as revenue when it is received as it is non-refundable and we have to perform no other service to earn this fee. The remainder of the fee is paid at the time an individual franchise agreement is signed and is recognized as revenue upon the opening of the corresponding bakery-cafe. Franchise fees also include information technology-related fees for access to and the usage of proprietary systems. Royalties are generally paid weekly based on a percentage of net franchisee sales specified in each ADA (generally five percent of net sales). Royalties are recognized as revenue based on contractual royalty rates applied to the net franchise sales.

We maintain a customer loyalty program through which customers earn rewards based on registration in the program and purchases at our bakery-cafes. We record the full retail value of loyalty program rewards as a reduction of net bakery-cafe sales and a liability is established within accrued expenses as rewards are earned while considering historical redemption rates. Fully earned rewards generally expire if unredeemed after 60 days. Partially earned awards generally expire if inactive for a period of one year. Costs associated with coupons are classified as a reduction of net bakery-cafe sales in the period in which the coupon is redeemed.

We sell gift cards which do not expire and from which we do not deduct non-usage fees from outstanding gift card balances. Gift cards are redeemable at both Company-owned and franchise-operated bakery-cafes. Gift cards sold by either Company-owned bakery-cafes or through wholesalers and redeemed at franchise-operated bakery-cafes reduce our gift card liability but do not

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result in the recognition of revenue. When gift cards are redeemed at Company-owned bakery-cafes, we recognize revenue and reduce the gift card liability. When we determine the likelihood of the gift card being redeemed by the customer is remote ("gift card breakage"), based upon our specific historical redemption patterns, and there is no legal obligation to remit the unredeemed gift card balance in the relevant jurisdiction, gift card breakage is recorded as a reduction of general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income; however, such gift cards will continue to be honored. We recognized gift card breakage as a reduction of general and administrative expenses of $4.9 million for fiscal 2014, $2.8 million for fiscal 2013, and $1.8 million for fiscal 2012. Incremental direct costs related to the sale of gift cards are deferred until the associated gift card is redeemed or breakage is deemed appropriate. These deferred incremental direct costs are reflected as a reduction of the unredeemed gift card liability, net which is a component of accrued expenses in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and, when recognized, as a reduction of bakery-cafe sales, net in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.

Valuation of Goodwill

We evaluate goodwill for impairment on an annual basis during our fourth quarter, or more frequently if circumstances indicate impairment might exist. Goodwill is evaluated for impairment through the comparison of fair value of our reporting units to their carrying values. When evaluating goodwill for impairment, we may first perform an assessment of qualitative factors to determine if the fair value of the reporting unit is more-likely-than-not greater than its carrying amount. This qualitative assessment is referred to as a “step zero” approach.  If, based on the review of the qualitative factors, we determine it is not more-likely-than-not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, we bypass the required two-step impairment test. If we do not perform a qualitative assessment or if the fair value of the reporting unit is not more-likely- than-not greater than its carrying value, we perform the first step, which is referred to as step one, of the two-step impairment test, and calculate the estimated fair value of the reporting unit. If the carrying value of goodwill exceeds the estimated fair value, there is an indication that impairment may exist and the second step must be performed to measure the amount of impairment loss. The amount of impairment is determined by comparing the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill to the carrying value of the goodwill in the same manner as if the reporting unit was being acquired in a business combination. If the implied fair value of goodwill is less than the recorded goodwill, we would record an impairment loss for the difference.

In considering the step zero approach to testing goodwill for impairment, we perform a qualitative analysis evaluating factors including, but not limited to, macro-economic conditions, market and industry conditions, internal cost factors, competitive environment, share price fluctuations, results of past impairment tests, and the operational stability and the overall financial performance of the reporting units. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014, we utilized a qualitative assessment for reporting units where no significant change occurred and no potential impairment indicators existed since the previous annual evaluation of goodwill, and concluded it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value was more than its carrying value on a reporting unit basis. Using these criteria, one reporting unit, the reporting unit for our Canadian bakery-cafe operations, was excluded from the qualitative assessment.

In considering the step one approach to testing goodwill for impairment, we utilized a quantitative assessment to test goodwill for impairment for the Canadian reporting unit during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014. The fair value of a reporting unit is the price a willing buyer would pay for the reporting unit and is estimated using a discounted cash flow model. Our discounted cash flow estimate was based upon, among other things, certain assumptions about expected future operating performance, such as revenue growth rates, operating margins, risk-adjusted discount rates, and future economic and market conditions. We determined the carrying value of the Canadian reporting unit exceeded its fair value and thus step two of the goodwill impairment test was completed. The step two analysis indicated the entire balance of goodwill for the Canadian reporting unit was impaired and we recorded a full goodwill impairment charge of $2.1 million. This charge was recorded in other (income) expense, net in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.

At December 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, our goodwill balance was $120.8 million and $123.0 million, respectively. No impairment loss was recognized during either fiscal 2013 or fiscal 2012, respectively.

Self-Insurance

We are self-insured for a significant portion of our workers’ compensation, group health, and general, auto, and property liability insurance, with varying levels of deductibles of as much as $0.8 million of individual claims, depending on the type of claim. We also purchase aggregate stop-loss and/or layers of loss insurance in many categories of loss. We utilize third party actuarial experts’ estimates of expected losses based on statistical analyses of historical industry data, as well as our own estimates based on our actual historical data to determine required self-insurance reserves. The assumptions are closely reviewed, monitored, and adjusted when warranted by changing circumstances. These estimated liabilities could be affected if actual experience related to the number of claims and cost per claim differs from these assumptions and historical trends. Based on information known at December 30, 2014, we believe we have provided adequate reserves for our self-insurance exposure. We held self-insurance reserves of $32.6

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million as of December 30, 2014 and $31.5 million as of December 31, 2013, which were included in accrued expenses in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Income Taxes

We are subject to income taxes in the United States and Canada. Significant judgment is required in evaluating our uncertain tax positions and determining our provision for income taxes. We assess the income tax position and record the liabilities for all years subject to examination based upon management’s evaluation of the facts, circumstances, and information available at the reporting date.

Our provision for income taxes is determined in accordance with the accounting guidance for income taxes. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted income tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Any effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance is recognized if we determine it is more likely than not that all or some portion of the deferred tax asset will not be recognized. Based on this assessment, we have recorded a valuation allowance of $4.6 million and $3.2 million as of December 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, against all Canadian deferred tax assets, including the net operating loss carryforwards of the Company's Canadian operations.

Although we believe we have adequately reserved for our uncertain tax positions, no assurance can be given the final tax outcome of these matters will not be different. We adjust these reserves in light of changing facts and circumstances, such as the closing of a tax audit, the refinement of an estimate or changes in tax laws. To the extent that the final tax outcome of these matters is different than the amounts recorded, such differences will impact our provision for income taxes in the period in which such determination is made. Our provision for income taxes includes the impact of reserve provisions and changes to reserves that are considered appropriate, as well as the related net interest.

Our effective tax rates have differed from the statutory tax rate primarily due to the impact of state taxes, partially offset by favorable U.S. rules related to donations of inventory to charitable organizations and domestic manufacturing. Our future effective tax rates could be adversely affected by changes in the valuation of our deferred tax assets, or changes in tax laws, regulations, accounting principles, or interpretations thereof. In addition, we are subject to the routine examination of our income tax returns and other tax filings by the Internal Revenue Service and other tax authorities. We regularly assess the likelihood of adverse outcomes resulting from these examinations to determine the adequacy of our reserve for income taxes.

Lease Obligations

We lease nearly all of our bakery-cafes, fresh dough facilities and trucks, and support centers. Each lease is evaluated to determine whether the lease will be accounted for as an operating or capital lease. The term used for this evaluation includes renewal option periods only in instances in which the exercise of the renewal option can be reasonably assured and failure to exercise such option would result in an economic penalty.

For leases that contain rent escalations, we record the total rent payable during the lease term, as described above, on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease, and record the difference between the minimum rent paid and the straight-line rent as a lease obligation. Many of our leases contain provisions that require additional rental payments based upon net bakery-cafe sales volume, which we refer to as contingent rent. Contingent rent is accrued each period as the liability is incurred, in addition to the straight-line rent expense noted above. This results in variability in occupancy expense over the term of the lease in bakery-cafes where we pay contingent rent.

In addition, we record landlord allowances and incentives received as deferred rent in the Consolidated Balance Sheets based on their short-term or long-term nature. These landlord allowances are amortized over the reasonably assured lease term as a reduction of rent expense. Additionally, payments made by us and reimbursed by the landlord for improvements deemed to be lessor assets have no impact on the Statements of Comprehensive Income. We consider improvements to be a lessor asset if all of the following criteria are met:

• the lease specifically requires the lessee to make the improvement;

• the improvement is fairly generic;

• the improvement increases the fair value of the property to the lessor; and

• the useful life of the improvement is longer than the lease term.

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We report the period to period change in the landlord receivable within the operating activities section of the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

Management makes judgments regarding the probable term for each lease, which can impact the classification and accounting for a lease as capital or operating, the rent holiday, and/or escalations in payments that are taken into consideration when calculating straight-line rent and the term over which leasehold improvements for each bakery-cafe, fresh dough facility, and support center is amortized. These judgments may produce materially different amounts of depreciation, amortization, and rent expense than would be reported if different assumed lease terms were used.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

We evaluate whether events and circumstances have occurred that indicate the remaining estimated useful life of long-lived assets may warrant revision or that the remaining balance of an asset may not be recoverable. When appropriate, we compare anticipated undiscounted cash flows from the related long-lived assets of a bakery-cafe or fresh dough facility with their respective carrying values to determine if the long-lived assets are recoverable. If the sum of the anticipated undiscounted cash flows for the long-lived assets is less than their carrying value, an impairment loss would be recognized for the difference between the anticipated discounted cash flows, which approximates fair value, and the carrying value of the long-lived assets. Our estimates of cash flow were based upon, among other things, certain assumptions about expected future operating performance, such as revenue growth rates, operating margins, risk-adjusted discount rates, and future economic and market conditions. Our estimates of cash flow may differ from actual cash flow due to, among other things, economic conditions, changes to our business model or changes in operating performance. The long-term financial forecasts that we utilize represent the best estimate that we have at this time and we believe that its underlying assumptions are reasonable.

We recognized impairment losses of $0.9 million, $0.8 million, and $0.3 million during fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012, respectively, related to distinct under-performing Company-owned bakery-cafes. These losses were recorded in other operating expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.

Contractual Obligations and Other Commitments

In addition to our planned capital expenditure requirements, we have certain other contractual and committed cash obligations. Our contractual cash obligations consist of non-cancelable operating leases for our bakery-cafes, fresh dough facilities and trucks, and support centers; principal and interest payments related to the term loan borrowings; capital leases; purchase obligations primarily for certain commodities; and uncertain tax positions. Lease terms for our trucks are generally for five to seven years. The reasonably assured lease terms for most bakery-cafe and support center leases is the initial non-cancelable lease term plus one renewal option period, which generally equates to an aggregate of 15 years. The reasonably assured lease term for most fresh dough facilities is the initial non-cancelable lease term plus one to two renewal periods, which generally equates to an aggregate of 20 years. Lease terms generally require us to pay a proportionate share of real estate taxes, insurance, common area maintenance, and other operating costs. Certain bakery-cafe leases provide for contingent rental (i.e., percentage rent) payments based on sales in excess of specified amounts, scheduled rent increases during the lease terms, and/or rental payments commencing at a date other than the date of initial occupancy. As of December 30, 2014, we expect cash expenditures under these lease obligations, purchase obligations, term loan borrowings, and uncertain tax positions to be as follows for the periods indicated (in thousands):

	Less than 1 year		1-3 years		3-5 years		More than 5 years		Total
Operating leases (1)	$	146,357	$	289,852	$	275,151	$	692,745	$	1,404,105
Purchase obligations (2)	315,791		288		—		—		316,079
Long-term debt (3)	—		—		100,000		—		100,000
Capital lease obligations (1)	504		1,023		1,043		3,078		5,648
Interest payments (4)	1,163		2,326		1,699		—		5,188
Uncertain tax positions (5)	1,792		3,327		550		397		6,066
Total	$	465,607	$	296,816	$	378,443	$	696,220	$	1,837,086

(1) See Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements for further information with respect to our operating and capital leases.

(2) Relates to certain commodity and service agreements where we are committed as of December 30, 2014 to purchase a fixed quantity over a contracted time period.

(3) See Note 11 to the consolidated financial statements for further information with respect to our term loan borrowings.

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(4) Represents estimated interest payments on the term loan borrowings. Interest payments are calculated based on LIBOR plus the applicable margin in effect at December 30, 2014, or 1.15%. The actual interest rates on our term loan borrowings could vary from that used to compute the above interest payments. See Note 11 to the consolidated financial statements for further information with respect to our term loan borrowings.

(5) See Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements for further information with respect to our uncertain tax positions.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

As of December 30, 2014, we guaranteed operating leases of 23 franchisee or affiliate locations, which we account for in accordance with the accounting requirements for guarantees. These guarantees are primarily a result of our sales of Company-owned bakery-cafes to franchisees and affiliates, pursuant to which we exercised our right to assign the lease or sublease for the bakery-cafe but remain liable to the landlord for the remaining lease term in the event of a default by the assignee. These leases have terms expiring on various dates from December 31, 2014 to September 30, 2027 and have a potential amount of future rental payments of approximately $16.6 million as of December 30, 2014. Our obligation from these leases will decrease over time as these operating leases expire. We have not recorded a liability for certain of these guarantees as they arose prior to the implementation of the accounting requirements for guarantees and, unless modified, are exempt from its requirements. We have not recorded a liability for those guarantees issued after the effective date of the accounting requirements because the fair value of these lease guarantee was determined by us to be insignificant individually, and in the aggregate, based on analysis of the facts and circumstances of each such lease and each such assignee's performance, and we did not believe it was probable we would be required to perform under any guarantees at the time the guarantees were issued. We have not had to make any payments related to any of these guaranteed leases. Applicable assignees continue to have primary obligation for these operating leases. As of December 30, 2014, future commitments under these leases were as follows (in thousands):

	Less than 1 year	1-3 years	3-5 years	More than 5 years	Total
Subleases and Lease Guarantees (1)	2,574	4,206	3,857	5,983	$	16,620

(1) Represents aggregate minimum requirement — see Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements for further information with respect to our lease guarantees.

Employee Commitments

We have confidential and proprietary information and non-competition agreements, referred to as non-compete agreements, with certain employees. These non-compete agreements contain a provision whereby employees would be due a certain number of weeks of their salary if their employment was terminated by us as specified in the non-compete agreement. We have not recorded a liability for these amounts potentially due to employees. Rather, we will record a liability for these amounts when an amount becomes due to an employee in accordance with the appropriate authoritative literature. As of December 30, 2014, the total amount potentially owed employees under these non-compete agreements was $24.3 million.

Impact of Inflation

Our profitability depends in part on our ability to anticipate and react to changes in food, supply, labor, occupancy, and other costs. In the past, we have been able to recover a significant portion of inflationary costs and commodity price increases, including price increases in fuel, proteins, dairy, wheat, tuna, and cream cheese among others, through increased menu prices. There have been, and there may be in the future, delays in implementing such menu price increases, and competitive pressures may limit our ability to recover such cost increases in their entirety. Historically, the effects of inflation on our consolidated results of operations have not been materially adverse. However, inherent volatility experienced in certain commodity markets, such as those for wheat, proteins, including chicken raised without antibiotics, and fuel may have an adverse effect on us in the future. The extent of the impact will depend on our ability and timing to increase food prices.

A majority of our associates are paid hourly rates regulated by federal and state minimum wage laws. Although we have and will continue to attempt to pass along any increased labor costs through food price increases, there can be no assurance that all such increased labor costs can be reflected in our prices or that increased prices will be absorbed by consumers without diminishing to some degree consumer spending at the bakery-cafes.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In August 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or the FASB, issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-15, “Presentation of Financial Statements - Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40); Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern”. This update requires management to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about

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our ability to continue as a going concern. This update is effective for the annual period ending after December 15, 2016, and for annual and interim periods thereafter. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the effect of the standard but its adoption is not expected to have an impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)”. This update provides a comprehensive new revenue recognition model that requires a company to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to a customer at an amount that reflects the consideration it expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. The guidance also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts. This update is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016, which will require us to adopt these provisions in the first quarter of fiscal 2017. Early application is not permitted. This update permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. We are evaluating the impact this guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. We have not yet selected a transition method nor have we determined the effect of the standard on our ongoing financial reporting.

In July 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2013-11, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists”. This guidance requires an unrecognized tax benefit related to a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward to be presented as a reduction to a deferred tax asset, unless the tax benefit is not available at the reporting date to settle any additional income taxes under the tax law of the applicable tax jurisdiction. The guidance became effective for us at the beginning of our first quarter of fiscal 2014 and did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Commodity Risk

We manage our commodity risk in several ways. We purchase certain commodities, such as flour, coffee, and proteins, for use in our business. These commodities are sometimes purchased under agreements with terms of one month to one year, usually at a fixed price. As a result, we are subject to market risk that current market prices may be above or below our contractual price. In fiscal 2014, 2013, and 2012, we did not utilize derivative instruments in managing commodity risk.

Interest Rate Sensitivity

We are exposed to market risk primarily from fluctuations in interest rates on our $100 million term loan and any borrowings we may make under our credit facility of $250 million. Under the term loan and credit facility, we may select interest rates equal to (1) LIBOR plus the Applicable Rate for LIBOR loans (which is an amount ranging from 1.00 percent to 1.50 percent for the term loan and 1.00 to 2.00 percent for the credit facility depending on our consolidated leverage ratio) or (2) the Base Rate (which is defined as the highest of the Bank of America prime rate, the Federal funds rate plus 0.50 percent, or LIBOR plus 1.00 percent) plus the Applicable Rate for Base Rate loans (which is an amount ranging from 0.00 percent to 0.50 percent for the term loan and 0.00 percent to 1.00 percent for the credit facility depending on our consolidated leverage ratio). The effective interest rate on the term loan borrowings was 1.15% as of December 30, 2014. An increase in the present interest rate of 100 basis points on the term loan borrowings would increase annual interest expense by approximately $1.2 million. We did not have an outstanding balance on our credit facility at December 30, 2014 or December 31, 2013. We may have future borrowings under our credit facility, which could result in an interest rate change that may have an impact on our consolidated results of operations.

Foreign Currency Exchange Risk

As of December 30, 2014, we had nine Canadian Company-owned bakery-cafes, one Canadian Company-owned fresh dough facility, and six Canadian franchise-operated bakery-cafes. As a result, certain of our operating revenues, expenses, and capital purchasing activities are subject to fluctuations in the exchange rate of the Canadian Dollar. To date, we have not entered into any hedging contracts, although we may do so in the future. Fluctuations in currency exchange rates could affect our business in the future.

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

The following consolidated financial statements are included in response to this item:

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm	39
Consolidated Balance Sheets	40
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income	41
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows	42
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity	43
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements	44
Schedule II — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts — is included in Item 15(a)(2). All other schedules are omitted because they are not applicable or the required information is shown in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto.	69

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To Board of Directors and Stockholders of Panera Bread Company:

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of comprehensive income, of changes in equity and of cash flowspresent fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Panera Bread Company and its subsidiaries at December 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 30, 2014 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule listed in the accompanying index appearing under Item 15(a)(2)presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 30, 2014, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company's management is responsible for these financial statements and financial statement schedule, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting under Item 9A. Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements, on the financial statement schedule, and on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our integrated audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

St. Louis, Missouri

February 20, 2015

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PANERA BREAD COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands, except share and per share information)

	December 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	196,493		$	125,245
Trade accounts receivable, net	36,584			32,965
Other accounts receivable	70,069			51,637
Inventories	22,811			21,916
Prepaid expenses and other	51,588			43,064
Deferred income taxes	28,621			27,889
Total current assets	406,166			302,716
Property and equipment, net	787,294			669,409
Other assets:
Goodwill	120,778			123,013
Other intangible assets, net	70,940			79,768
Deposits and other	5,724			5,956
Total other assets	197,442			208,737
Total assets	$	1,390,902		$	1,180,862
LIABILITIES
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	19,511		$	17,533
Accrued expenses	333,201			285,792
Total current liabilities	352,712			303,325
Long-term debt	100,000			—
Deferred rent	67,390			65,974
Deferred income taxes	76,589			65,398
Other long-term liabilities	58,027			46,273
Total liabilities	654,718			480,970
Commitments and contingencies (Note 13)
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common stock, $.0001 par value per share:
Class A, 112,500,000 shares authorized; 30,703,472 shares issued and 25,442,728 shares outstanding at December 30, 2014 and 30,573,851 shares issued and 26,290,446 shares outstanding at December 31, 2013	3			3
Class B, 10,000,000 shares authorized; 1,381,865 shares issued and outstanding at December 30, 2014 and 1,382,393 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2013	—			—
Treasury stock, carried at cost; 5,260,744 shares at December 30, 2014 and 4,283,405 shares at December 31, 2013	(706,073		)	(546,570		)
Preferred stock, $.0001 par value per share; 2,000,000 shares authorized and no shares issued or outstanding at December 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013	—			—
Additional paid-in capital	214,437			196,908
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	(1,360		)	(333		)
Retained earnings	1,229,177			1,049,884
Total stockholders' equity	736,184			699,892
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	1,390,902		$	1,180,862

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

40

PANERA BREAD COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(in thousands, except per share information)

	For the fiscal year ended
	December 30, 2014			December 31, 2013			December 25, 2012
Revenues:
Bakery-cafe sales, net	$	2,230,370		$	2,108,908		$	1,879,280
Franchise royalties and fees	123,686			112,641			102,076
Fresh dough and other product sales to franchisees	175,139			163,453			148,701
Total revenues	$	2,529,195		$	2,385,002		$	2,130,057
Costs and expenses:
Bakery-cafe expenses:
Cost of food and paper products	$	669,860		$	625,622		$	552,580
Labor	685,576			625,457			559,446
Occupancy	159,794			148,816			130,793
Other operating expenses	314,879			295,539			256,029
Total bakery-cafe expenses	1,830,109			1,695,434			1,498,848
Fresh dough and other product cost of sales to franchisees	152,267			142,160			131,006
Depreciation and amortization	124,109			106,523			90,939
General and administrative expenses	138,060			123,335			117,932
Pre-opening expenses	8,707			7,794			8,462
Total costs and expenses	2,253,252			2,075,246			1,847,187
Operating profit	275,943			309,756			282,870
Interest expense	1,824			1,053			1,082
Other (income) expense, net	(3,175		)	(4,017		)	(1,208		)
Income before income taxes	277,294			312,720			282,996
Income taxes	98,001			116,551			109,548
Net income	$	179,293		$	196,169		$	173,448
Earnings per common share:
Basic	$	6.67		$	6.85		$	5.94
Diluted	$	6.64		$	6.81		$	5.89
Weighted average shares of common and common equivalent shares outstanding:
Basic	26,881			28,629			29,217
Diluted	26,999			28,794			29,455
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustment	$	(1,027	)	$	(1,005	)	$	364
Other comprehensive (loss) income	$	(1,027	)	$	(1,005	)	$	364
Comprehensive income	$	178,266		$	195,164		$	173,812

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

41

PANERA BREAD COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands)

	For the fiscal year ended
	December 30, 2014			December 31, 2013			December 25, 2012
Cash flows from operations:
Net income	$	179,293		$	196,169		$	173,448
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	124,109			106,523			90,939
Stock-based compensation expense	10,077			10,703			9,094
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options	(3,089		)	(8,100		)	(8,587		)
Deferred income taxes	10,459			10,356			20,334
Loss on disposals of property and equipment	1,547			5,764			3,995
Other	3,070			589			475
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, excluding the effect of acquisitions and dispositions:
Trade and other accounts receivable, net	(22,139		)	3,021			(31,414		)
Inventories	(895		)	(2,186		)	(2,440		)
Prepaid expenses and other	(8,524		)	(841		)	(10,995		)
Deposits and other	239			1,449			161
Accounts payable	1,978			8,162			(6,513		)
Accrued expenses	35,288			13,372			49,246
Deferred rent	1,067			5,868			5,718
Other long-term liabilities	2,599			(2,432		)	(4,005		)
Net cash provided by operating activities	335,079			348,417			289,456
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to property and equipment	(224,217		)	(192,010		)	(152,328		)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	—			(2,446		)	(47,951		)
Purchase of investments	—			(97,919		)	—
Proceeds from sale of investments	—			97,936			—
Proceeds from sale-leaseback transactions	12,900			6,132			4,538
Net cash used in investing activities	(211,317		)	(188,307		)	(195,741		)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	100,000			—			—
Debt issuance costs	(193		)	—			(1,097		)
Repurchase of common stock	(159,503		)	(339,409		)	(31,566		)
Exercise of employee stock options	1,116			573			4,455
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options	3,089			8,100			8,587
Proceeds from issuance of common stock under employee benefit plans	3,247			2,842			2,462
Payment of deferred acquisition holdback	(270		)	(4,112		)	(2,055		)
Net cash used in financing activities	(52,514		)	(332,006		)	(19,214		)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	71,248			(171,896		)	74,501
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	125,245			297,141			222,640
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	196,493		$	125,245		$	297,141

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

42

PANERA BREAD COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

(in thousands)

	Common Stock												Additional Paid-in Capital			Retained Earnings		Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	Class A				Class B				Treasury Stock
	Shares		Amount		Shares		Amount		Shares	Amount											Total
Balance, December 27, 2011	28,266		$	3	1,384		$	—	2,048	$	(175,595	)	$	150,093		$	680,267	$	308		$	655,076
Comprehensive income:
Net income	—		—		—		—		—	—			—			173,448		—			173,448
Other comprehensive income (loss)	—		—		—		—		—	—			—			—		364			364
Comprehensive income																					173,812
Issuance of common stock	20		—		—		—		—	—			2,462			—		—			2,462
Issuance of restricted stock (net of forfeitures)	28		—		—		—		—	—			—			—		—			—
Exercise of employee stock options	96		—		—		—		—	—			4,455			—		—			4,455
Stock-based compensation expense	—		—		—		—		—	—			9,094			—		—			9,094
Conversion of Class B to Class A	—		—		—		—		—	—			—			—		—			—
Exercise of SSARs	1		—		—		—		—	—			(1		)	—		—			(1		)
Repurchase of common stock	(202	)	—		—		—		202	(31,566		)	—			—		—			(31,566		)
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options	—		—		—		—		—	—			8,587			—		—			8,587
Balance, December 25, 2012	28,209		$	3	1,384		$	—	2,250	$	(207,161	)	$	174,690		$	853,715	$	672		$	821,919
Comprehensive income:
Net income	—		—		—		—		—	—			—			196,169		—			196,169
Other comprehensive income (loss)	—		—		—		—		—	—			—			—		(1,005		)	(1,005		)
Comprehensive income																					195,164
Issuance of common stock	20		—		—		—		—	—			2,841			—		—			2,841
Issuance of restricted stock (net of forfeitures)	78		—		—		—		—	—			—			—		—			—
Exercise of employee stock options	12		—		—		—		—	—			575			—		—			575
Stock-based compensation expense	—		—		—		—		—	—			10,703			—		—			10,703
Conversion of Class B to Class A	2		—		(2	)	—		—	—			—			—		—			—
Exercise of SSARs	2		—		—		—		—	—			(1		)	—		—			(1		)
Repurchase of common stock	(2,033	)	—		—		—		2,033	(339,409		)	—			—		—			(339,409		)
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options	—		—		—		—		—	—			8,100			—		—			8,100
Balance, December 31, 2013	26,290		$	3	1,382		$	—	4,283	$	(546,570	)	$	196,908		$	1,049,884	$	(333	)	$	699,892
Comprehensive income:
Net income	—		—		—		—		—	—			—			179,293		—			179,293
Other comprehensive income (loss)	—		—		—		—		—	—			—			—		(1,027		)	(1,027		)
Comprehensive income																					178,266
Issuance of common stock	23		—		—		—		—	—			3,247			—		—			3,247
Issuance of restricted stock (net of forfeitures)	82		—		—		—		—	—			—			—		—			—
Exercise of employee stock options	23		—		—		—		—	—			1,117			—		—			1,117
Stock-based compensation expense	—		—		—		—		—	—			10,077			—		—			10,077
Conversion of Class B to Class A	—		—		—		—		—	—			—			—		—			—
Exercise of SSARs	3		—		—		—		—	—			(1		)	—		—			(1		)
Repurchase of common stock	(978	)	—		—		—		978	(159,503		)	—			—		—			(159,503		)
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options	—		—		—		—		—	—			3,089			—		—			3,089
Balance, December 30, 2014	25,443		$	3	1,382		$	—	5,261	$	(706,073	)	$	214,437		$	1,229,177	$	(1,360	)	$	736,184

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

43

PANERA BREAD COMPANY

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. Nature of Business

Panera Bread Company and its subsidiaries (the "Company") operate a retail bakery-cafe business and franchising business under the concept names Panera Bread^®, Saint Louis Bread Co.^®, and Paradise Bakery & Café^®. As of December 30, 2014, retail operations consisted of 925 Company-owned bakery-cafes and 955 franchise-operated bakery-cafes. The Company specializes in meeting consumer dining needs by providing high-quality food, including the following: fresh baked goods, made-to-order sandwiches on freshly baked breads, soups, pasta dishes, salads, and cafe beverages, and targets urban and suburban dwellers and workers by offering a premium specialty bakery-cafe experience with a neighborhood emphasis. Bakery-cafes are located in urban, suburban, strip mall and regional mall locations and currently operate in the United States and Canada. Bakery-cafes use fresh dough for their artisan and sourdough breads and bagels. In addition to the in-bakery-cafe dining experience, the Company offers Panera Catering, a nation-wide catering service that provides breakfast assortments, sandwiches, salads, soups, pasta dishes, drinks, and bakery items using the same high-quality, fresh ingredients enjoyed in bakery-cafes. As of December 30, 2014, the Company’s fresh dough and other product operations, which supply fresh dough, produce, tuna, and cream cheese items daily to most Company-owned and franchise-operated bakery-cafes, consisted of 22 Company-owned and two franchise-operated fresh dough facilities.

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) and under the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). The consolidated financial statements consist of the accounts of Panera Bread Company and its wholly owned direct and indirect subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Fiscal Year

The Company's fiscal year ends on the last Tuesday in December. The fiscal years ended December 30, 2014 (“fiscal 2014”) and December 25, 2012 (“fiscal 2012”) each had 52 weeks. The fiscal year ended December 31, 2013 (“fiscal 2013”) had 53 weeks with the fourth quarter comprising 14 weeks.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity at the time of purchase of three months or less to be cash equivalents. The Company maintains cash balances with financial institutions that exceed federally insured limits. The Company has not experienced any losses related to these balances and believes credit risk to be minimal.

Investments

Management designates the classification of its investments at the time of purchase based upon its intended holding period. See Note 4 and Note 5 for further information with respect to the Company’s investments.

Trade Accounts Receivable, net and Other Accounts Receivable

Trade accounts receivable, net consists primarily of amounts due to the Company from its franchisees for purchases of fresh dough and other products from the Company’s fresh dough facilities, royalties due to the Company from franchisee sales, and receivables from credit card and catering on-account sales.

As of December 30, 2014, other accounts receivable consisted primarily of $33.4 million due from income tax refunds, $24.5 million due from wholesalers of the Company’s gift cards, and tenant allowances due from landlords of $7.0 million. As of December 31, 2013, other accounts receivable consisted primarily of $22.8 million due from income tax refunds, $16.9 million due from wholesalers of the Company’s gift cards, and tenant allowances due from landlords of $7.1 million.

44

PANERA BREAD COMPANY

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

The Company does not require collateral and maintains reserves for potential uncollectible accounts based on historical losses and existing economic conditions, when relevant. The allowance for doubtful accounts at December 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 was $0.1 million, respectively.

Inventories

Inventories, which consist of food products, paper goods, and supplies, are valued at the lower of cost or market, with cost determined under the first-in, first-out method.

Property and Equipment, net

Property, equipment, leasehold improvements, and land are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Leasehold improvements are depreciated using the straight-line method over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the related reasonably assured lease term. Costs incurred in connection with the development of internal-use software are capitalized in accordance with the accounting standard for internal-use software, and are amortized over the expected useful life of the software. The estimated useful lives used for financial statement purposes are:

Leasehold improvements	15	-	20	years
Machinery and equipment	3	-	15	years
Furniture and fixtures	2	-	7	years
Computer hardware and software	3	-	5	years

Interest, to the extent it is incurred in connection with the construction of new locations or facilities, is capitalized. The capitalized interest is recorded as part of the asset to which it relates and is amortized over the asset’s estimated useful life. Interest incurred for such purposes during fiscal 2014 was $0.1 million. No interest was incurred for such purposes in fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012.

Upon retirement or sale, the cost of assets disposed and their related accumulated depreciation are removed from the Company’s accounts. Any resulting gain or loss is credited or charged to operations. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense when incurred, while certain improvements are capitalized. The total amounts expensed for maintenance and repairs was $62.0 million, $56.6 million, and $48.0 million, for fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012, respectively.

Goodwill

The Company evaluates goodwill for impairment on an annual basis during the fourth quarter, or more frequently if circumstances indicate impairment might exist. Goodwill is evaluated for impairment through the comparison of the fair value of reporting units to their carrying values. When evaluating goodwill for impairment, the Company may first perform an assessment of qualitative factors to determine if the fair value of the reporting unit is more-likely-than-not greater than its carrying amount. This qualitative assessment is referred to as a “step zero” approach.  If, based on the review of the qualitative factors, the Company determines it is not more-likely-than-not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, the Company bypasses the required two-step impairment test. If the Company does not perform a qualitative assessment or if the fair value of the reporting unit is not more-likely- than-not greater than its carrying value, the Company performs the first step (“step one”) of the two-step impairment test and calculates the estimated fair value of the reporting unit. If the carrying value of goodwill exceeds the estimated fair value, there is an indication that impairment may exist and the second step must be performed to measure the amount of impairment loss. The amount of impairment is determined by comparing the implied fair value of reporting unit goodwill to the carrying value of the goodwill in the same manner as if the reporting unit was being acquired in a business combination. If the implied fair value of goodwill is less than the recorded goodwill, the Company would record an impairment loss for the difference.

In considering the step zero approach to testing goodwill for impairment, the Company performs a qualitative analysis evaluating factors including, but not limited to, macro-economic conditions, market and industry conditions, internal cost factors, competitive environment, share price fluctuations, results of past impairment tests, and the operational stability and the overall financial performance of the reporting units. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014, the Company utilized a qualitative assessment for reporting units where no significant change occurred and no potential impairment indicators existed since the previous annual evaluation of goodwill, and concluded it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value was more than its carrying value on a reporting unit basis. Using these criteria, one reporting unit, the reporting unit for the Company's Canadian bakery-cafe operations, was excluded from the qualitative assessment.

45

PANERA BREAD COMPANY

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

In considering the step one approach to testing goodwill for impairment, the Company utilized a quantitative assessment to test goodwill for impairment for the Canadian reporting unit during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014. The fair value of a reporting unit is the price a willing buyer would pay for the reporting unit and is estimated using a discounted cash flow model. The Company's discounted cash flow estimate was based upon, among other things, certain assumptions about expected future operating performance, such as revenue growth rates, operating margins, risk-adjusted discount rates, and future economic and market conditions. The Company determined the carrying value of the Canadian reporting unit exceeded its fair value and thus step two of the goodwill impairment test was completed. The step two analysis indicated the entire balance of goodwill for the Canadian reporting unit was impaired and the Company recorded a full goodwill impairment charge of $2.1 million.  This charge was recorded in other (income) expense, net in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.

Other Intangible Assets, net

Other intangible assets, net consist primarily of favorable lease agreements, re-acquired territory rights, and trademarks. The Company amortizes the fair value of favorable lease agreements over the remaining related lease terms at the time of the acquisition, which ranged from approximately one year to 17 years as of December 30, 2014. The fair value of re-acquired territory rights was based on the present value of the acquired bakery-cafe cash flows. The Company amortizes the fair value of re-acquired territory rights over the remaining contractual terms of the re-acquired territory rights at the time of the acquisition, which ranged from approximately five years to 20 years as of December 30, 2014. The fair value of trademarks is amortized over their estimated useful life of 22 years.

The Company reviews intangible assets with finite lives for impairment when events or circumstances indicate these assets might be impaired. When warranted, the Company tests intangible assets with finite lives for impairment using historical cash flows and other relevant facts and circumstances as the primary basis for an estimate of future cash flows. There were no other intangible asset impairment charges recorded during fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012. There can be no assurance that future intangible asset impairment tests will not result in a charge to earnings.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

The Company evaluates whether events and circumstances have occurred that indicate the remaining estimated useful life of long-lived assets may warrant revision or that the remaining balance of an asset may not be recoverable. The Company compares anticipated undiscounted cash flows from the related long-lived assets of a bakery-cafe or fresh dough facility with their respective carrying values to determine if the long-lived assets are recoverable. If the sum of the anticipated undiscounted cash flows for the long-lived assets is less than their carrying value, an impairment loss is recognized for the difference between the anticipated discounted cash flows, which approximates fair value, and the carrying value of the long-lived assets. In performing this analysis, management estimates cash flows based upon, among other things, certain assumptions about expected future operating performance, such as revenue growth rates, operating margins, risk-adjusted discount rates, and future economic and market conditions. Estimates of cash flow may differ from actual cash flow due to, among other things, economic conditions, changes to the Company's business model or changes in operating performance. The long-term financial forecasts that management utilizes represent the best estimate that management has at this time and management believes that the underlying assumptions are reasonable.

The Company recognized impairment losses of $0.9 million, $0.8 million, and $0.3 million during fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012, respectively, related to distinct, underperforming Company-owned bakery-cafes. These losses were recorded in other operating expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.

Self-Insurance Reserves

The Company is self-insured for a significant portion of its workers’ compensation, group health, and general, auto, and property liability insurance with varying deductibles of as much as $0.8 million for individual claims, depending on the type of claim. The Company also purchases aggregate stop-loss and/or layers of loss insurance in many categories of loss. The Company utilizes third party actuarial experts’ estimates of expected losses based on statistical analyses of historical industry data, as well as its own estimates based on the Company’s actual historical data to determine required self-insurance reserves. The assumptions are closely reviewed, monitored, and adjusted when warranted by changing circumstances. The estimated accruals for these liabilities could be affected if actual experience related to the number of claims and cost per claim differs from these assumptions and historical trends. Based on information known at December 30, 2014, the Company believes it has provided adequate reserves for its self-insurance exposure. As of December 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, self-insurance reserves were $32.6 million and $31.5 million, respectively, and were included in accrued expenses in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The total amounts expensed for self-insurance were $50.7 million, $46.9 million, and $41.8 million for fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012, respectively.

46

PANERA BREAD COMPANY

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

Income Taxes

The Company recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted income tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Any effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities from a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance is recognized if the Company determines it is more likely than not that all or some portion of the deferred tax asset will not be recognized. As of December 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 the Company had recorded a valuation allowance related to deferred tax assets of the Company's Canadian operations of $4.6 million and $3.2 million, respectively.

In accordance with the authoritative guidance on income taxes, the Company establishes additional provisions for income taxes when, despite the belief that tax positions are fully supportable, there remain certain positions that do not meet the minimum probability threshold, which is a tax position that is more likely than not to be sustained upon ultimate settlement with tax authorities assuming full knowledge of the position and all relevant facts. In the normal course of business, the Company and its subsidiaries are examined by various federal, state, foreign, and other tax authorities. The Company regularly assesses the potential outcomes of these examinations and any future examinations for the current or prior years in determining the adequacy of its provision for income taxes. The Company routinely assesses the likelihood and amount of potential adjustments and adjusts the income tax provision, the current tax liability and deferred taxes in the period in which the facts that give rise to a revision become known. The Company classifies estimated interest and penalties related to the unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income taxes in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.

Capitalization of Certain Development Costs

The Company has elected to account for construction costs in accordance with the accounting standard for real estate in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The Company capitalizes direct costs clearly associated with the acquisition, development, design, and construction of bakery-cafe locations and fresh dough facilities as these costs have a future benefit to the Company. The types of specifically identifiable costs capitalized by the Company include primarily payroll and payroll related taxes and benefit costs incurred by those individuals directly involved in development activities, including the acquisition, development, design, and construction of bakery-cafes and fresh dough facilities. The Company does not consider for capitalization payroll or payroll-related costs incurred by individuals that do not directly support the acquisition, development, design, and construction of bakery-cafes and fresh dough facilities. The Company uses an activity-based methodology to determine the amount of costs incurred for Company-owned projects, which are capitalized, and those for franchise-operated projects and general and administrative activities, which both are expensed as incurred. If the Company subsequently makes a determination that sites for which development costs have been capitalized will not be acquired or developed, any previously capitalized development costs are expensed and included in general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.

The Company capitalized $10.4 million, $9.6 million, and $9.0 million of direct costs related to the development of Company-owned bakery-cafes during fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012, respectively. The Company amortizes capitalized development costs for each bakery-cafe and fresh dough facility using the straight-line method over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the related reasonably assured lease term and includes such amounts in depreciation and amortization in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. In addition, the Company assesses the recoverability of capitalized costs through the performance of impairment analyses on an individual bakery-cafe and fresh dough facility basis pursuant to the accounting standard for property and equipment, net specifically related to the accounting for the impairment or disposal of long-lived assets.

Deferred Financing Costs

Debt issuance costs incurred in connection with the issuance of long-term debt are capitalized and amortized to interest expense based on the related debt agreement using the straight-line method, which approximates the effective interest method. The unamortized amounts are included in deposits and other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and were $0.8 million at both December 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.

Revenue Recognition

The Company records revenues from bakery-cafe sales upon delivery of the related food and other products to the customer. Revenues from fresh dough and other product sales to franchisees are recorded upon delivery to the franchisees. Sales of soup and other branded products outside of the Company's bakery-cafes are recognized upon delivery to customers.

Franchise fees are the result of the sale of area development rights and the sale of individual franchise locations to third parties. The initial franchise fee is generally $35,000 per bakery-cafe to be developed under an Area Development Agreement, or ADA.

47

PANERA BREAD COMPANY

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

Of this fee, $5,000 is generally paid at the time of the signing of the ADA and is recognized as revenue when it is received as it is non-refundable and the Company has to perform no other service to earn this fee. The remainder of the fee is paid at the time an individual franchise agreement is signed and is recognized as revenue upon the opening of the bakery-cafe. Franchise fees also include information technology-related fees for access to and the usage of proprietary systems. Franchise fees were $3.6 million, $2.2 million, and $1.9 million for fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012, respectively. Royalties are generally paid weekly based on the percentage of franchisee sales specified in each ADA (generally five percent of net sales). Royalties are recognized as revenue when they are earned. Royalties were $120.1 million, $110.5 million, and $100.2 million for fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012, respectively.

The Company maintains a customer loyalty program referred to as MyPanera in which customers earn rewards based on registration in the program and purchases within Panera Bread bakery-cafes. The Company records the full retail value of loyalty program rewards as a reduction of net bakery-cafe sales and a liability is established within accrued expenses in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as rewards are earned while considering historical redemption rates. Fully earned rewards generally expire if unredeemed after 60 days. Partially earned awards generally expire if inactive for a period of one year. The accrued liability related to the Company’s loyalty program was $2.5 million and $3.4 million as of December 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. Costs associated with coupons are classified as a reduction of net bakery-cafe sales in the period in which the coupon is redeemed.

The Company sells gift cards that do not have an expiration date and from which the Company does not deduct non-usage fees from outstanding gift card balances. Gift cards are redeemable at both Company-owned and franchise-operated bakery-cafes. Gift cards sold by either Company-owned bakery-cafes or through wholesalers and redeemed at franchise-operated bakery-cafes reduce the Company's gift card liability but do not result in the recognition of revenue. When gift cards are redeemed at Company-owned bakery-cafes, the Company recognizes revenue and reduces the gift card liability. When the Company determines the likelihood of the gift card being redeemed by the customer is remote ("gift card breakage"), based upon Company-specific historical redemption patterns, and there is no legal obligation to remit the unredeemed gift card balance in the relevant jurisdiction, gift card breakage is recorded as a reduction of general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income; however, such gift cards will continue to be honored. During fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012, the Company recognized gift card breakage as a reduction of general and administrative expenses of $4.9 million, $2.8 million, and $1.8 million respectively. Incremental direct costs related to the sale of gift cards are deferred until the associated gift card is redeemed or breakage is deemed appropriate. These deferred incremental direct costs are reflected as a reduction of the unredeemed gift card liability, net which is a component of accrued expenses in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and, when recognized, as a reduction of bakery-cafe sales, net in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.

Advertising Costs

National advertising fund and marketing administration contributions received from franchise-operated bakery-cafes are consolidated with those from the Company in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Liabilities for unexpended funds received from franchisees are included in accrued expenses in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company’s contributions to the national advertising and marketing administration funds are recorded as part of general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, while the Company’s own local bakery-cafe media costs are recorded as part of other operating expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. The Company’s policy is to record advertising costs as expense in the period in which the costs are incurred. The Company’s advertising costs include national, regional, and local expenditures utilizing primarily radio, billboards, social networking, television, and print. The total amounts recorded as advertising expense were $65.5 million, $55.6 million, and $44.5 million for fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012, respectively.

Pre-Opening Expenses

Pre-opening expenses directly associated with the opening of new bakery-cafe locations, which consists primarily of pre-opening rent expense, labor, and food costs incurred during in-store training and preparation for opening, but exclude manager training costs which are included in labor expense in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, are expensed when incurred.

Rent Expense

The Company recognizes rent expense on a straight-line basis over the reasonably assured lease term as defined in the accounting standard for leases. The reasonably assured lease term for most bakery-cafe leases is the initial non-cancelable lease term plus one renewal option period, which generally equates to an aggregate of 15 years. The reasonably assured lease term on most fresh dough facility leases is the initial non-cancelable lease term plus one to two renewal option periods, which generally equates to an aggregate of 20 years. In addition, certain of the Company’s lease agreements provide for scheduled rent increases during the lease terms or for rental payments commencing at a date other than the date of initial occupancy. The Company includes any rent escalations and construction period and other rent holidays in its determination of straight-line rent expense. Therefore, rent

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expense for new locations is charged to expense beginning on the date at which the Company has the right to control the use of the property. Many of the Company's lease agreements also contain provisions that require additional rental payments based upon net bakery-cafe sales volume, which the Company refers to as contingent rent. Contingent rent is accrued each period as the liability is incurred, in addition to the straight-line rent expense noted above. This results in variability in occupancy expense over the term of the lease in bakery-cafes where the Company pays contingent rent.

The Company records landlord allowances and incentives received as deferred rent in the Consolidated Balance Sheets based on their short-term or long-term nature. This deferred rent is amortized on a straight-line basis over the reasonably assured lease term as a reduction of rent expense. Additionally, payments made by the Company and reimbursed by the landlord for improvements deemed to be lessor assets have no impact on the Statements of Comprehensive Income. The Company considers improvements to be a lessor asset if all of the following criteria are met:

• the lease specifically requires the lessee to make the improvement;

• the improvement is fairly generic;

• the improvement increases the fair value of the property to the lessor; and

• the useful life of the improvement is longer than the lease term.

The Company reports the period to period change in the landlord receivable within the operating activities section of its Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the fiscal year. Diluted earnings per common share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding and dilutive securities outstanding during the year.

Foreign Currency Translation

The Company has nine Company-owned bakery-cafes, one Company-owned fresh dough facility, and six franchise-operated bakery-cafes in Canada which use the Canadian Dollar as their functional currency. Assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars using the current exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date, while revenues and expenses are translated at the weighted-average exchange rate during the fiscal period. The resulting translation adjustments are recorded as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity. Gains and losses resulting from foreign currency transactions have not historically been significant and are included in other (income) expense, net in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The carrying amounts of cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and other accrued expenses approximate their fair values due to the short-term nature of these assets and liabilities.

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company accounts for stock-based compensation in accordance with the accounting standard for stock-based compensation, which requires the Company to measure and record compensation expense in the Company’s consolidated financial statements for all stock-based compensation awards using a fair value method. The Company maintains several stock-based incentive plans under which the Company may grant incentive stock options, non-statutory stock options and stock settled appreciation rights (collectively, “option awards”) and restricted stock and restricted stock units to certain directors, officers, employees and consultants. The Company also offers a stock purchase plan where employees may purchase the Company’s common stock each calendar quarter through payroll deductions at 85 percent of market value on the purchase date and the Company recognizes compensation expense on the 15 percent discount.

For option awards, fair value is determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, while restricted stock is valued using the closing stock price on the date of grant. The Black-Scholes option pricing model requires the input of subjective assumptions. These assumptions include estimating the expected term until the option awards are either exercised or canceled, the expected volatility of the Company’s stock price, for a period approximating the expected term, the risk-free interest rate with a maturity that approximates the option awards expected term, and the dividend yield based on the Company’s anticipated dividend payout over the expected term of the option awards. These assumptions are evaluated and revised, as necessary, to reflect market conditions

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and historical experience. Stock-based compensation expense is recognized only for those awards expected to vest, with forfeitures estimated at the date of grant based on historical experience. The fair value of the awards expected to vest is amortized over the vesting period. Options and restricted stock generally vest 25 percent after two years and thereafter 25 percent each year for the next three years and options generally have a six-year term. Stock-based compensation expense is included in general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.

Asset Retirement Obligations

The Company recognizes the future cost to comply with lease obligations at the end of a lease as it relates to tangible long-lived assets in accordance with the accounting standard for the asset retirement and environmental obligations ("ARO") in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Most lease agreements require the Company to restore the leased property to its original condition, including removal of certain long-lived assets the Company has installed, at the end of the lease. A liability for the fair value of an asset retirement obligation along with a corresponding increase to the carrying value of the related long-lived asset is recorded at the time a lease agreement is executed. The Company amortizes the amount added to property and equipment, net and recognizes accretion expense in connection with the discounted liability over the reasonably assured lease term. The estimated liability is based on the Company’s historical experience in closing bakery-cafes, fresh dough facilities, and support centers and the related external cost associated with these activities. Revisions to the liability could occur due to changes in estimated retirement costs or changes in lease terms. As of December 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company's net ARO asset included in property and equipment, net was $13.3 million and $4.6 million, respectively, and its net ARO liability included in other long-term liabilities was $19.8 million and $10.2 million, respectively. ARO accretion expense was $0.6 million, $0.6 million, and $0.4 million for fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012, respectively.

Variable Interest Entities

The Company applies the guidance issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) on accounting for variable interest entities (“VIE”), which defines the process for how an enterprise determines which party consolidates a VIE as primarily a qualitative analysis. The enterprise that consolidates the VIE (the primary beneficiary) is defined as the enterprise with (1) the power to direct activities of the VIE that most significantly affect the VIE’s economic performance and (2) the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE. The Company does not possess any ownership interests in franchise entities or other affiliates. The franchise agreements are designed to provide the franchisee with key decision-making ability to enable it to oversee its operations and to have a significant impact on the success of the franchise, while the Company’s decision-making rights are related to protecting its brand. Based upon its analysis of all the relevant facts and considerations of the franchise entities and other affiliates, the Company has concluded that these entities are not variable interest entities and they have not been consolidated as of December 30, 2014.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In August 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-15, “Presentation of Financial Statements - Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40); Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern”. This update requires management of the Company to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. This update is effective for the annual period ending after December 15, 2016, and for annual and interim periods thereafter. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the effect of the standard but its adoption is not expected to have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)”. This update provides a comprehensive new revenue recognition model that requires a company to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to a customer at an amount that reflects the consideration it expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. The guidance also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts. This update is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016, which will require the Company to adopt these provisions in the first quarter of fiscal 2017. Early application is not permitted. This update permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. The Company is evaluating the effect this guidance will have on the Company's consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. The Company has not yet selected a transition method nor has it determined the effect of the standard on its ongoing financial reporting.

In July 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2013-11, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists”. This guidance requires an unrecognized tax benefit related to a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward to be presented as a reduction to a deferred tax asset, unless the tax benefit is not available at the reporting date to settle any additional income taxes under the tax law of the applicable tax jurisdiction. The guidance became effective at the

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beginning of the Company's first quarter of fiscal 2014 and did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

3. Business Combinations

Florida Bakery-cafe Acquisition

On April 9, 2013, the Company acquired substantially all the assets of one bakery-cafe from its Hallandale, Florida franchisee for a purchase price of $2.7 million. The Company paid approximately $2.4 million of the purchase price on April 9, 2013 and paid the remaining $0.3 million with interest during fiscal 2014. The Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income include the results of operations for the bakery-cafe from the date of its acquisition. The pro-forma impact of the acquisition on prior periods is not presented, as the impact is not material to reported results.

The Company allocated the purchase price to the tangible and intangible assets acquired in the acquisition at their estimated fair values with the remainder allocated to tax deductible goodwill as follows: $0.4 million to property and equipment; $1.0 million to intangible assets, which represents the fair value of re-acquired territory rights and the favorable lease agreement and are expected to be amortized on average over approximately 12 years; and $1.3 million to goodwill. The fair value measurement of tangible and intangible assets as of the acquisition date was based on significant inputs not observable in the market and thus represented a Level 3 measurement.

Goodwill recorded in connection with this acquisition was attributable to the workforce of the acquired bakery-cafe and synergies expected to arise from cost savings opportunities. All of the recorded goodwill is tax deductible and is included in the Company Bakery-Cafe Operations segment.

North Carolina Franchisee Acquisition

On March 28, 2012, the Company acquired substantially all the assets and certain liabilities of 16 bakery-cafes and the related area development rights from its Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina franchisee for a purchase price of $48.0 million. The Company paid approximately $44.4 million of the purchase price on March 27, 2012 and paid the remaining $3.6 million with interest during fiscal 2013. The Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income include the results of operations from the operating bakery-cafes from the date of their acquisition.

The acquired business contributed revenues of $36.0 million and net income of approximately $2.9 million for the period from March 28, 2012 through December 25, 2012. The supplemental pro forma information set forth in the following table has been prepared for comparative purposes and does not purport to be indicative of what would have occurred had the acquisition been made on December 28, 2011, nor is it indicative of any future results (in thousands):

	Pro Forma for the Fiscal Year Ended
	December 25, 2012
Bakery-cafe sales, net	$	1,888,914
Net income	173,763

The pro forma amounts included in the table above reflect the application of the Company’s accounting policies and adjustment of the results of the Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina bakery-cafes to reflect the additional depreciation and amortization that would have been charged assuming the fair value adjustments to property and equipment and intangible assets had been applied from December 28, 2011, together with the consequential tax impacts.    

The Company allocated the purchase price to the tangible and intangible assets acquired in the acquisition at their estimated fair values with the remainder allocated to tax deductible goodwill as follows: $0.1 million to accounts receivable; $0.3 million to inventories; $6.4 million to property and equipment; $29.1 million to intangible assets, which represent the fair value of re-acquired territory rights and favorable lease agreements that the Company estimated to have an average useful life of approximately 12 years; $1.4 million to liabilities; and $13.5 million to goodwill. The fair value measurement of tangible and intangible assets and liabilities as of the acquisition date was based on significant inputs not observable in the market and thus represented a Level 3 measurement. In addition, the Company recorded a $0.1 million measurement period adjustment increasing goodwill during fiscal 2012.

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

Goodwill recorded in connection with this acquisition was attributable to the workforce of the acquired bakery-cafes and synergies expected to arise from cost savings opportunities. All of the recorded goodwill is tax deductible and is included in the Company Bakery-Cafe Operations segment.

Accrued Purchase Price Payments

During fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012, the Company paid approximately $0.3 million, $4.1 million, and $2.1 million, respectively, including accrued interest, of previously accrued acquisition purchase price in accordance with the asset purchase agreements. There was no accrued purchase price remaining as of December 30, 2014 and $0.3 million of accrued purchase price remaining as of December 31, 2013.

4. Investments Held to Maturity

During fiscal 2013, the Company purchased and sold seven zero-coupon discount notes that were classified as held-to-maturity. The amortized cost of the investments sold was $97.9 million. The Company realized a loss on the sale of less than $0.1 million. The Company sold the investments prior to maturity during fiscal 2013 as a result of higher than anticipated liquidity needs.

5. Fair Value Measurements

The Company’s $92.3 million and $18.1 million in cash equivalents at December 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, were carried at fair value in the Consolidated Balance Sheets based on quoted market prices for identical securities (Level 1 inputs).

6. Inventories

Inventories consisted of the following (in thousands):

	December 30, 2014		December 31, 2013
Food:
Fresh dough facilities:
Raw materials	$	3,413	$	3,377
Finished goods	460		545
Bakery-cafes:
Raw materials	15,152		14,329
Paper goods	3,786		3,665
Total	$	22,811	$	21,916

7. Property and Equipment, net

Major classes of property and equipment consisted of the following (in thousands):

	December 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
Leasehold improvements	$	693,503		$	607,472
Machinery and equipment	340,854			305,060
Furniture and fixtures	167,383			149,445
Computer hardware and software	137,663			87,316
Construction in progress	99,255			80,108
Smallwares	29,841			27,031
Land	2,060			2,856
	1,470,559			1,259,288
Less: accumulated depreciation	(683,265		)	(589,879		)
Property and equipment, net	$	787,294		$	669,409

The Company recorded depreciation expense related to these assets of $115.4 million, $97.2 million, and $82.7 million during fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012, respectively.

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PANERA BREAD COMPANY

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

8. Goodwill

The following is a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of the Company’s goodwill by reportable segment at December 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (in thousands):

	Company Bakery- Cafe Operations			Franchise Operations		Fresh Dough and Other Product Operations		Total
Balance as of December 25, 2012	$	118,274		$	1,934	$	1,695	$	121,903
Acquisition of Florida bakery-cafe	1,278			—		—		1,278
Currency translation	(173		)	—		—		(173		)
Measurement period adjustments	5			—		—		5
Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	119,384		$	1,934	$	1,695	$	123,013
Impairment charge	(2,057		)	—		—		(2,057		)
Currency translation	(178		)	—		—		(178		)
Balance as of December 30, 2014	$	117,149		$	1,934	$	1,695	$	120,778

The Company recorded a $2.1 million full impairment charge of goodwill for the Canadian bakery-cafe operations reporting unit during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014. The Company did not record a goodwill impairment charge in either fiscal 2013 or fiscal 2012.

9. Other Intangible Assets

Other intangible assets consisted of the following (in thousands):

	December 30, 2014							December 31, 2013
	Gross Carrying Value		Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Value		Gross Carrying Value		Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Value
Trademark	$	5,610	$	(2,017	)	$	3,593	$	5,610	$	(1,763	)	$	3,847
Re-acquired territory rights	97,865		(32,369		)	65,496		97,865		(24,254		)	73,611
Favorable leases	4,825		(2,974		)	1,851		4,866		(2,556		)	2,310
Total other intangible assets	$	108,300	$	(37,360	)	$	70,940	$	108,341	$	(28,573	)	$	79,768

Amortization expense on these intangible assets for fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012, was approximately $8.7 million, $9.3 million, and $8.2 million, respectively. Future amortization expense on these intangible assets as of December 30, 2014 is estimated to be approximately: $8.7 million in fiscal 2015, $8.6 million in fiscal 2016, $8.6 million in fiscal 2017, $8.5 million in fiscal 2018, $8.1 million in fiscal 2019 and $28.4 million thereafter.

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

10. Accrued Expenses

Accrued expenses consisted of the following (in thousands):

	December 30, 2014		December 31, 2013
Unredeemed gift cards, net	$	105,576	$	86,287
Compensation and related employment taxes	59,442		60,123
Capital expenditures	56,808		41,329
Insurance	32,559		31,545
Taxes, other than income tax	21,068		17,618
Advertising	10,147		5,729
Occupancy costs	7,263		5,017
Fresh dough and other product operations	6,812		8,236
Utilities	5,527		5,488
Deferred revenue	5,291		2,852
Loyalty program	2,525		3,362
Other	20,183		18,206
Total	$	333,201	$	285,792

11. Debt

On June 11, 2014, the Company entered into a term loan agreement (the “Term Loan Agreement”), by and among the Company, as borrower, Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, and other lenders party thereto. The Term Loan Agreement provides for an unsecured term loan (the "Term Loan") in the amount of $100 million that is scheduled to mature on June 11, 2019, subject to acceleration upon certain specified events of defaults, including breaches of representations or covenants, failure to pay other material indebtedness or a change of control of the Company, as defined in the Term Loan Agreement. The Term Loan bears interest at a rate equal to, at the Company's option, (1) LIBOR plus a margin ranging from 1.00 percent to 1.50 percent depending on the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio or (2) the highest of (a) the Bank of America prime rate, (b) the Federal funds rate plus 0.50 percent or (c) LIBOR plus 1.00 percent, plus a margin ranging from 0.00 percent to 0.50 percent depending on the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio. The Company incurred debt issuance costs of $0.2 million in connection with the issuance of the Term Loan. The debt issuance costs are being amortized to expense over the term of the Term Loan. The weighted-average interest rate of the Term Loan, excluding the amortization of debt issuance costs, was 1.15 percent for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2014. As of December 30, 2014, the carrying amount of the Term Loan of $100 million approximates fair value as the interest rate on the Term Loan approximates current market rates (Level 2 inputs).

On November 30, 2012, the Company entered into a credit agreement (the "Credit Agreement") with Bank of America, N.A. and other lenders party thereto. The Credit Agreement provides for an unsecured revolving credit facility of $250 million that will become due on November 30, 2017. As of December 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company had no loans outstanding under the Credit Agreement.

Both the Term Loan Agreement and the Credit Agreement contain customary affirmative and negative covenants, including covenants limiting liens, dispositions, fundamental changes, investments, indebtedness, and certain transactions and payments. In addition, the Term Loan Agreement and the Credit Agreement contain various financial covenants that, among other things, require the Company to satisfy two financial covenants at the end of each fiscal quarter: (1) a consolidated leverage ratio less than or equal to 3.00 to 1.00, and (2) a consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio of greater than or equal to 2.00 to 1.00. As of December 30, 2014, the Company was in compliance with all covenant requirements in the Term Loan Agreement and the Credit Agreement.

12. Share Repurchase Authorization

On November 17, 2009, the Company's Board of Directors approved a three year share repurchase authorization of up to $600 million of the Company's Class A common stock, pursuant to which the Company repurchased shares on the open market under a Rule 10b5-1 plan. During fiscal 2012, the Company repurchased an aggregate of 34,600 shares under this share repurchase authorization, at an average price of $144.24 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of $5.0 million. On August 23, 2012, the Company's Board of Directors terminated this repurchase authorization. Prior to its termination, the Company had repurchased a

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

total of 2,844,669 shares of its Class A common stock under this share repurchase authorization, at a weighted-average price of $87.03 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $247.6 million.

On August 23, 2012, the Company's Board of Directors approved a three year share repurchase authorization of up to $600 million of the Company's Class A common stock (the "2012 repurchase authorization"), pursuant to which the Company repurchased shares on the open market under a Rule 10b5-1 plan. During fiscal 2014, the Company repurchased an aggregate of 514,357 shares under the 2012 share repurchase authorization, at an average price of $170.15 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of $87.5 million. During fiscal 2013, the Company repurchased an aggregate of 1,992,250 shares under the 2012 repurchase authorization, at an average price of $166.73 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of $332.1 million. During fiscal 2012, the Company repurchased an aggregate of 124,100 shares under the 2012 repurchase authorization, at an average price of $161.00 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $20.0 million. On June 5, 2014, the Company's Board of Directors terminated the 2012 repurchase authorization. Prior to its termination, the Company had repurchased a total of 2,630,707 shares of its Class A common stock cumulatively under the 2012 repurchase authorization, at a weighted-average price of $167.13 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $439.7 million.

On June 5, 2014, the Company's Board of Directors approved a new three year share repurchase authorization of up to $600 million of the Company's Class A common stock (the "2014 repurchase authorization"), pursuant to which the Company may repurchase shares from time to time on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions and which may be made under a Rule 10b5-1 plan. Repurchased shares may be retired immediately and resume the status of authorized but unissued shares or may be held by the Company as treasury stock. The 2014 repurchase authorization may be modified, suspended, or discontinued by the Company's Board of Directors at any time. As of December 30, 2014, under the 2014 repurchase authorization, the Company has repurchased an aggregate of 427,521 shares, at a weighted-average price of $155.78 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $66.6 million. There is approximately $533.4 million available under the 2014 repurchase authorization as of December 30, 2014.

In total, during fiscal 2014, the Company repurchased an aggregate of 941,878 shares under the 2012 and 2014 repurchase authorizations, at an average price of $163.62 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $154.1 million.

In addition, the Company has repurchased shares of its Class A common stock through a share repurchase authorization approved by its Board of Directors from participants of the Panera Bread 1992 Stock Incentive Plan and the Panera Bread 2006 Stock Incentive Plan, which are netted and surrendered as payment for applicable tax withholding on the vesting of their restricted stock. Shares surrendered by the participants are repurchased by the Company pursuant to the terms of those plans and the applicable award agreements and not pursuant to publicly announced share repurchase authorizations. See Note 15 for further information with respect to the Company’s repurchase of the shares.

13. Commitments and Contingent Liabilities

Lease Commitments

The Company is obligated under operating leases for its bakery-cafes, fresh dough facilities and trucks, and support centers. Lease terms for its trucks are generally for five to seven years. The reasonably assured lease term for most bakery-cafe and support center leases is the initial non-cancelable lease term plus one renewal option period, which generally equates to an aggregate of 15 years. The reasonably assured lease term for most fresh dough facility leases is the initial non-cancelable lease term plus one to two renewal periods, which generally equates to an aggregate of 20 years. Lease terms generally require the Company to pay a proportionate share of real estate taxes, insurance, common area, and other operating costs. Certain bakery-cafe leases provide for contingent rental (i.e., percentage rent) payments based on sales in excess of specified amounts, scheduled rent increases during the lease terms, and/or rental payments commencing at a date other than the date of initial occupancy.

Aggregate minimum requirements under non-cancelable operating leases, excluding contingent payments, as of December 30, 2014, were as follows (in thousands):

Fiscal Years
2015		2016	2017	2018	2019	Thereafter	Total
$	146,357	146,009	143,843	140,961	134,190	692,745	$	1,404,105

Rental expense under operating leases was approximately $138.0 million, $130.0 million, and $114.8 million, in fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012, respectively, which included contingent (i.e., percentage rent) expense of $1.5 million, $2.2 million, and $2.0 million, respectively.

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

In accordance with the accounting guidance for asset retirement obligations the Company complies with lease obligations at the end of a lease as it relates to tangible long-lived assets. The liability as of December 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 was $19.8 million and $10.2 million, respectively, and is included in other long-term liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

In connection with the Company’s relocation of its St. Louis, Missouri support center in fiscal 2010, it simultaneously entered into a capital lease for certain personal property and purchased municipal industrial revenue bonds of a similar amount from St. Louis County, Missouri. As of December 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company held industrial revenue bonds and had recorded a capital lease of $1.1 million and $1.3 million in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, respectively.

The following table summarizes sale-leaseback transactions for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands):

	For the fiscal year ended
	December 30, 2014		December 31, 2013		December 25, 2012
Number of bakery-cafes sold and leased back	6		3		2
Proceeds from sale-leaseback transactions	$	12,900	$	6,132	$	4,538

The leases have been classified as either capital or operating leases, depending on the substance of the transaction, and have initial terms of 15 years, with renewal options of up to 20 years. The Company realized gains on these sales totaling $0.3 million, $0.3 million, and $1.0 million during fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012, respectively, which have been deferred and are being recognized on a straight-line basis over the reasonably assured lease term for the leases.

Lease Guarantees

As of December 30, 2014, the Company guaranteed the operating leases of 23 franchisee or affiliate locations, which the Company accounted for in accordance with the accounting requirements for guarantees. These guarantees are primarily a result of the Company's sales of Company-owned bakery-cafes to franchisees and affiliates, pursuant to which the Company exercised its right to assign the lease or sublease for the bakery-cafe but remains liable to the landlord for the remaining lease term in the event of a default by the assignee. These leases have terms expiring on various dates from December 31, 2014 to September 30, 2027 and have a potential amount of future rental payments of approximately $16.6 million as of December 30, 2014. The obligation from these leases will decrease over time as these operating leases expire. The Company has not recorded a liability for certain of these guarantees as they arose prior to the implementation of the accounting requirements for guarantees and, unless modified, are exempt from its requirements. The Company has not recorded a liability for those guarantees issued after the effective date of the accounting requirements because the fair value of these lease guarantees was determined by the Company to be insignificant individually, and in the aggregate, based on analysis of the facts and circumstances of each such lease and each such assignee’s performance, and the Company did not believe it was probable that it would be required to perform under any guarantees at the time the guarantees were issued. The Company has not had to make any payments related to any of these guaranteed leases. Applicable assignees continue to have primary liability for these operating leases. As of December 30, 2014, future commitments under these leases were as follows (in thousands):

Fiscal Years
2015		2016	2017	2018	2019	Thereafter	Total
$	2,574	2,140	2,066	1,984	1,873	5,983	$	16,620

Employee Commitments

The Company has executed confidential and proprietary information and non-competition agreements (“non-compete agreements”) with certain employees. These non-compete agreements contain a provision whereby employees would be due a certain number of weeks of their salary if their employment was terminated by the Company as specified in the non-compete agreement. The Company has not recorded a liability for these amounts potentially due employees. Rather, the Company will record a liability for these amounts when an amount becomes due to an employee in accordance with the appropriate authoritative literature. As of December 30, 2014, the total amount potentially owed employees under these non-compete agreements was $24.3 million.

Legal Proceedings

On July 2, 2014, a purported class action lawsuit was filed against one of the Company's subsidiaries by Jason Lofstedt, a former employee of one of the Company's subsidiaries. The lawsuit was filed in the California Superior Court, County of Riverside. The complaint alleges, among other things, violations of the California Labor Code, failure to pay overtime, failure to provide meal and rest periods, and violations of California's Unfair Competition Law. The complaint seeks, among other relief, collective and

56

PANERA BREAD COMPANY

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

class certification of the lawsuit, unspecified damages, costs and expenses, including attorneys’ fees, and such other relief as the Court might find just and proper. The Company believes its subsidiary has meritorious defenses to each of the claims in the lawsuit and is prepared to vigorously defend the lawsuit. There can be no assurance, however, that the Company's subsidiary will be successful, and an adverse resolution of the lawsuit could have a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated financial position and results of operations in the period in which the lawsuit is resolved. The Company is not presently able to reasonably estimate potential losses, if any, related to the lawsuit.

In addition to the legal matter described above, the Company is subject to various legal proceedings, claims, and litigation that arise in the ordinary course of its business. Defending lawsuits requires significant management attention and financial resources and the outcome of any litigation, including the matter described above, is inherently uncertain. The Company does not believe the ultimate resolution of these actions will have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial statements. However, a significant increase in the number of these claims, or one or more successful claims under which the Company incurs greater liabilities than is currently anticipated, could materially and adversely affect its consolidated financial statements.

Other

The Company is subject to on-going federal and state income tax audits and sales and use tax audits. The Company does not believe the ultimate resolution of these actions will have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial statements. However, a significant increase in the number of these audits, or one or more audits under which the Company incurs greater liabilities than is currently anticipated, could materially and adversely affect its consolidated financial statements. The Company believes reserves for these matters are adequately provided for in its consolidated financial statements.

14. Income Taxes

The components of income (loss) before income taxes, by tax jurisdiction, were as follows for the periods indicated (in thousands):

	For the fiscal year ended
	December 30, 2014			December 31, 2013			December 25, 2012
United States	$	285,564		$	317,479		$	286,702
Canada	(8,270		)	(4,759		)	(3,706		)
Income before income taxes	$	277,294		$	312,720		$	282,996

The provision for income taxes consisted of the following for the periods indicated (in thousands):

	For the fiscal year ended
	December 30, 2014			December 31, 2013		December 25, 2012
Current:
U.S. federal	$	73,234		$	87,548	$	72,434
U.S. state and local	14,306			18,638		15,955
	87,540			106,186		88,389
Deferred:
U.S. federal	9,609			8,547		16,640
U.S. state and local	950			1,804		3,603
Foreign	(98		)	14		916
	$	10,461		$	10,365	$	21,159
Total provision for income taxes	$	98,001		$	116,551	$	109,548

57

PANERA BREAD COMPANY

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

A reconciliation of the statutory U.S. federal income tax rate to the Company's effective tax rate is as follows for the periods indicated:

	For the fiscal year ended
	December 30, 2014		December 31, 2013		December 25, 2012
Statutory U.S. federal rate	35.0	%	35.0	%	35.0	%
U.S. state and local income taxes, net of federal tax benefit	4.1		4.5		4.5
U.S. federal tax credits	(1.4	)	(0.8	)	(0.4	)
Other, including discrete tax items	(2.4	)	(1.4	)	(0.4	)
Effective tax rate	35.3	%	37.3	%	38.7	%

The Company’s lower effective tax rate for fiscal 2014 was primarily driven by certain discrete income tax benefit items for prior fiscal years related to additional federal and state tax credits and an increased deduction for domestic production activities.

The tax effects of the significant temporary differences which comprise the deferred tax assets and liabilities were as follows for the periods indicated (in thousands):

	December 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
Deferred tax assets:
Accrued expenses	$	72,891		$	71,245
Foreign net operating loss carryforward	4,178			3,124
Stock-based compensation	3,125			3,534
Other	1,701			1,008
Less: valuation allowance	(4,625		)	(3,173		)
Total deferred tax assets	$	77,270		$	75,738
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property and equipment	$	(101,533	)	$	(90,940	)
Goodwill and other intangibles	(23,705		)	(22,307		)
Total deferred tax liabilities	$	(125,238	)	$	(113,247	)
Net deferred tax liability	$	(47,968	)	$	(37,509	)
Current deferred income tax assets	$	28,621		$	27,889
Long-term deferred income tax liabilities	$	(76,589	)	$	(65,398	)

In assessing the realization of deferred tax assets, the Company considers the generation of future taxable income and utilizes a more likely than not standard to determine if deferred tax assets will be realized. Based on this assessment, the Company has recorded a valuation allowance of $4.6 million and $3.2 million as of December 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, as a full valuation allowance against all Canadian deferred tax assets, including the net operating loss carryforwards of the Company's Canadian operations. The Company’s Canadian net operating loss carryforwards begin expiring in 2027.

As of December 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized in full, would be recorded as a reduction of income tax expense was $6.1 million and $2.7 million, inclusive of applicable interest and penalties and net of federal tax benefits, respectively. Estimated interest and penalties related to the underpayment of income taxes are classified as a component of income tax expense in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income and these amounts were expense of $0.3 million, income of $0.1 million, and expense of $0.2 million during fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012, respectively. Accrued interest and penalties were $1.4 million and $0.9 million as of December 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.

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PANERA BREAD COMPANY

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

The following is a rollforward of the Company’s liability for unrecognized tax benefits for the periods indicated (in thousands):

	December 30, 2014			December 31, 2013			December 25, 2012
Beginning balance	$	2,999		$	3,051		$	3,544
Tax positions related to the current year:
Additions	1,536			653			530
Tax positions related to prior years:
Additions	2,671			256			217
Reductions	—			(49		)	(341		)
Settlements	(131		)	(425		)	(58		)
Expiration of statutes of limitations	(620		)	(487		)	(841		)
Ending balance	$	6,455		$	2,999		$	3,051

The U.S. Internal Revenue Service has completed exams of the Company’s U.S. federal tax returns for fiscal years 2011 and prior. While certain state returns in fiscal years 2002 through 2010 may be subject to future assessment by taxing authorities, the Company is no longer subject to examination in Canada and most states in fiscal years prior to 2011.

It is reasonably possible that the Company’s liability for unrecognized tax benefits with respect to the Company’s uncertain tax positions will increase or decrease during the next twelve months; however, an estimate of the amount or range of the change cannot be made at this time.

15. Stockholders’ Equity

Common Stock

The holders of Class A common stock are entitled to one vote for each share owned. The holders of Class B common stock are entitled to three votes for each share owned. Each share of Class B common stock has the same dividend and liquidation rights as each share of Class A common stock. Each share of Class B common stock is convertible, at the stockholder’s option, into Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis. At December 30, 2014, the Company had reserved 2,240,406 shares of its Class A common stock for issuance upon exercise of awards granted under the Company’s 1992 Equity Incentive Plan, 2001 Employee, Director, and Consultant Stock Option Plan, and the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan, and upon conversion of Class B common stock.

Registration Rights

At December 30, 2014, 94.9 percent of the outstanding Class B common stock was owned by the Company’s Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer (the “Chairman”). Pursuant to stock subscription agreements, certain holders of Class B common stock, including the Chairman, can require the Company under certain circumstances to register their shares under the Securities Act of 1933, or have included in certain registrations all or part of such shares at the Company’s expense.

Preferred Stock

The Company is authorized to issue 2,000,000 shares of Class B preferred stock with a par value of $0.0001. The voting, redemption, dividend, liquidation rights, and other terms and conditions are determined by the Board of Directors upon approval of issuance. There were no shares issued or outstanding in fiscal 2014 and 2013.

Treasury Stock

Pursuant to the terms of the Panera Bread 1992 Stock Incentive Plan and the Panera Bread 2006 Stock Incentive Plan and the applicable award agreements, the Company repurchased 35,461 shares of Class A common stock at a weighted-average cost of $151.17 per share during fiscal 2014, 41,601 shares of Class A common stock at a weighted-average cost of $172.79 per share during fiscal 2013, and 42,100 shares of Class A common stock at a weighted-average cost of $156.53 per share during fiscal 2012, as were surrendered by participants as payment of applicable tax withholdings on the vesting of restricted stock and SSARs. Shares so surrendered by the participants are repurchased by the Company at fair market value pursuant to the terms of those plans and the applicable award agreements and not pursuant to publicly announced share repurchase authorizations. The shares surrendered to the Company by participants and repurchased by the Company are currently held by the Company as treasury stock.

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PANERA BREAD COMPANY

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

Share Repurchase Authorization

During fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012, the Company purchased shares of Class A common stock under authorized share repurchase authorizations. Repurchased shares may be retired immediately and resume the status of authorized but unissued shares or may be held by the Company as treasury stock. See Note 12 for further information with respect to the Company’s share repurchase authorizations.

16. Stock-Based Compensation

As of December 30, 2014, the Company had one active stock-based compensation plan, the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2006 Plan”), and had incentive stock options, non-statutory stock options and stock settled appreciation rights (collectively “option awards”) and restricted stock outstanding (but can make no future grants) under two other stock-based compensation plans, the 1992 Equity Incentive Plan (the “1992 Plan”) and the 2001 Employee, Director, and Consultant Stock Option Plan (the “2001 Plan”).

2006 Stock Incentive Plan

In fiscal 2006, the Company’s Board of Directors adopted the 2006 Plan, which was approved by the Company’s stockholders in May 2006. The 2006 Plan provided for the grant of up to 1,500,000 shares of the Company’s Class A common stock (subject to adjustment in the event of stock splits or other similar events) as option awards, restricted stock, restricted stock units, and other stock-based awards. Effective May 13, 2010, the 2006 Plan was amended to increase the number of the Company’s Class A common stock shares available to grant to 2,300,000. As a result of stockholder approval of the 2006 Plan, effective as of May 25, 2006, the Company will grant no further stock options, restricted stock or other awards under the 2001 Plan or the 1992 Plan. The Company’s Board of Directors administers the 2006 Plan and has sole discretion to grant awards under the 2006 Plan. The Company’s Board of Directors has delegated the authority to grant awards under the 2006 Plan, other than to the Company’s Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, to the Company’s Compensation and Management Development Committee (the “Compensation Committee”).

Long-Term Incentive Program

In fiscal 2005, the Company adopted the 2005 Long Term Incentive Plan (the “2005 LTIP”) as a sub-plan under the 2001 Plan and the 1992 Plan. In May 2006, the Company amended the 2005 LTIP to provide that the 2005 LTIP is a sub-plan under the 2006 Plan. Under the amended 2005 LTIP, certain directors, officers, employees, and consultants, subject to approval by the Compensation Committee, may be selected as participants eligible to receive a percentage of their annual salary in future years, subject to the terms of the 2006 Plan. This percentage is based on the participant's level in the Company. In addition, the payment of this incentive can be made in several forms based on the participant's level including performance awards (payable in cash or common stock or some combination of cash and common stock as determined by the Compensation Committee), restricted stock, choice awards of restricted stock or options, or deferred annual bonus match awards. On July 23, 2009, the Compensation Committee further amended the 2005 LTIP to permit the Company to grant stock settled appreciation rights (“SSARs”) under the choice awards and to clarify that the Compensation Committee may consider the Company’s performance relative to the performance of its peers in determining the payout of performance awards, as further discussed below. For fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012, compensation expense related to performance awards, restricted stock, options, SSARs, and deferred annual bonus match was $11.1 million, $16.0 million, and $16.7 million, net of capitalized compensation expense of $1.1 million, $0.9 million, and $1.0 million, respectively.

Performance awards under the 2005 LTIP are earned by participants based on achievement of performance goals established by the Compensation Committee. The performance period relating to the performance awards is a three-fiscal-year period. The performance goals, including each performance metric, weighting of each metric, and award levels for each metric, for such awards are communicated to each participant and are based on various predetermined earnings metrics. The performance awards are earned based on achievement of predetermined earnings performance metrics at the end of the three-fiscal-year performance period, assuming continued employment, and after the Compensation Committee’s consideration of the Company’s performance relative to the performance of its peers. The performance awards range from 0 percent to 300 percent of the participant's salary based on their level in the Company and the level of achievement of each performance metric. However, the actual award payment will be adjusted, based on the Company’s performance over a three-consecutive fiscal year measurement period, and any other factors as determined by the Compensation Committee. The actual award payment for the performance award component could double the individual’s targeted award payment, if the Company achieves maximum performance in all of its performance metrics, subject to any adjustments as determined by the Compensation Committee. The performance awards are payable 50 percent in cash and 50 percent in common stock or some combination of cash and common stock as determined by the Compensation Committee. For fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012, compensation expense related to the performance awards was $1.2

60

PANERA BREAD COMPANY

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

million, $4.3 million, and $6.3 million, net of capitalized compensation expense of $0.1 million, $0.2 million, and $0.3 million, respectively.

Restricted stock of the Company under the 2005 LTIP is granted at no cost to participants. While participants are generally entitled to voting rights with respect to their respective shares of restricted stock, participants are generally not entitled to receive accrued cash dividends, if any, on restricted stock unless and until such shares have vested. The Company does not currently pay a dividend, and has no current plans to do so. For awards of restricted stock granted to date under the 2005 LTIP, restrictions generally limit the sale or transfer of these shares during a five year period whereby the restrictions lapse on 25 percent of these shares after two years and thereafter 25 percent each year for the next three years, subject to continued employment with the Company. In the event a participant is no longer employed by the Company, any unvested shares of restricted stock held by that participant will be forfeited. Upon issuance of restricted stock under the 2005 LTIP, unearned compensation is recorded at fair value on the date of grant to stockholders’ equity and subsequently amortized to expense over the five year restriction period. The fair value of restricted stock is based on the market value of the Company’s stock on the grant date. As of December 30, 2014, there was $39.1 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted stock included in additional paid-in capital in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. This unrecognized compensation cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 3.7 years. For fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012, restricted stock expense was $8.3 million, $9.2 million and $7.6 million, net of capitalized compensation expense of $0.9 million, $0.6 million, and $0.5 million, respectively. For fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012, the income tax benefit related to restricted stock expense was $3.3 million, $3.4 million, and $3.0 million, respectively.

A summary of the status of the Company’s restricted stock activity is set forth below:

	Restricted Stock (in thousands)		Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Non-vested at December 31, 2013	351		$	124.26
Granted	117		150.14
Vested	(106	)	92.47
Forfeited	(37	)	137.75
Non-vested at December 30, 2014	325		$	142.41

Under the deferred annual bonus match award portion of the 2005 LTIP, eligible participants received an additional 50 percent of their annual bonus, which was to be paid three years after the date of the original bonus payment provided the participant was still employed by the Company. For fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012, compensation expense related to deferred annual bonus match awards was $1.3 million, $2.1 million, and $2.3 million, net of capitalized compensation expense of $0.1 million, $0.1 million, and $0.2 million, respectively, and was included in general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. The Company determined that it would no longer grant the deferred annual bonus match award portion under the 2005 LTIP beginning with the 2014 measurement year. Compensation expense related to deferred annual bonus match awards for years prior to fiscal 2014 will continue to be recognized through fiscal 2016.

Stock options under the 2005 LTIP are granted with an exercise price equal to the quoted market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. In addition, stock options generally vest 25 percent after two years from the date of grant and thereafter 25 percent each year for the next three years and have a six-year term. The Company uses historical data to estimate pre-vesting forfeiture rates. As of December 30, 2014, there was no unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested options.

For fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012, stock-based compensation expense related to stock options charged to general and administrative expenses was $0.1 million, $0.2 million and $0.4 million, respectively. For fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012, the income tax benefit related to stock-based compensation expense was less than $0.1 million, $0.1 million, and $0.2 million, respectively.

61

PANERA BREAD COMPANY

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

The following table summarizes the Company’s stock option activity under its stock-based compensation plans during fiscal 2014:

	Shares (in thousands)		Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Contractual Term Remaining (Years)	Aggregate Intrinsic Value (1) (in thousands)
Outstanding at December 31, 2013	36		$	71.93
Granted	3		176.07
Exercised	(23	)	49.75			2,459
Cancelled	—		—
Outstanding at December 30, 2014	16		$	120.97	2.7	861
Exercisable at December 30, 2014	16		$	120.97	2.7	$	861

(1) Intrinsic value for activities other than exercises is defined as the difference between the grant price and the market value on the last day of fiscal 2014 of $174.87 for those stock options where the market value is greater than the exercise price. For exercises, intrinsic value is defined as the difference between the grant price and the market value on the date of exercise.

Cash received from the exercise of stock options in fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012 was $1.1 million, $0.6 million, and $4.5 million respectively. Windfall tax benefits realized from exercised stock options in fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012 were $3.1 million, $8.1 million, and $8.6 million, respectively, and were included as cash flows from financing activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

A SSAR is an award that allows the recipient to receive common stock equal to the appreciation in the fair market value of the Company’s Class A common stock between the date the award was granted and the conversion date for the number of shares vested. SSARs under the 2005 LTIP are granted with an exercise price equal to the quoted market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. In addition, SSARs generally vest 25 percent after two years from the date of grant and thereafter 25 percent each year for the next three years and have a six-year term. As of December 30, 2014, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested SSARs was $1.0 million, and is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 3.6 years. The Company uses historical data to estimate pre-vesting forfeiture rates. For fiscal 2014, 2013, and 2012, stock-based compensation expense related to SSARs was $0.2 million, $0.2 million, and $0.1 million, respectively, and was charged to general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.

The following table summarizes the Company’s SSAR activity under its stock-based compensation plan during fiscal 2014:

	Shares (in thousands)		Weighted Average Conversion Price (1)		Weighted Average Contractual Term Remaining (Years)	Aggregate Intrinsic Value (2) (in thousands)
Outstanding at December 31, 2013	33		$	135.73	4.5	$	1,343
Granted	3		152.59
Converted	(3	)	61.49
Cancelled	(4	)	144.01
Outstanding at December 30, 2014	29		$	144.63	4.0	$	885
Convertible at December 30, 2014	5		$	92.43	2.0	$	410

(1) Conversion price is defined as the price from which SSARs are measured and is equal to the market value on the date of issuance.

(2) Intrinsic value for activities other than conversions is defined as the difference between the grant price and the market value on the last day of fiscal 2014 of $174.87 for those SSARs where the market value is greater than the conversion price. For conversions, intrinsic value is defined as the difference between the grant price and the market value on the date of conversion.

All SSARs outstanding at December 30, 2014 have a conversion price ranging from $75.80 to $192.65 and are expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 4.0 years.

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PANERA BREAD COMPANY

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

The fair value for both stock options and SSARs (collectively “option awards”) is estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The assumptions used to calculate the fair value of option awards are evaluated and revised, as necessary, to reflect market conditions and historical experience.

The weighted-average fair value of option awards granted and assumptions used for the Black-Scholes option pricing model were as follows for the periods indicated:

	For the fiscal year ended
	December 30, 2014			December 31, 2013			December 25, 2012
Fair value per option awards	$	46.01		$	55.63		$	53.18
Assumptions:
Expected term (years)	5			5			5
Expected volatility	28.8		%	36.5		%	40.3		%
Risk-free interest rate	1.6		%	1.3		%	0.8		%
Dividend yield	0.0		%	0.0		%	0.0		%

• Expected term — The expected term of the option awards represents the period of time between the grant date of the option awards and the date the option awards are either exercised or canceled, including an estimate for those option awards still outstanding, and is derived from historical terms and other factors.

• Expected volatility — The expected volatility is based on an average of the historical volatility of the Company’s stock price, for a period approximating the expected term, and the implied volatility of externally traded options of the Company’s stock that were entered into during the period.

• Risk-free interest rate — The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant and with a maturity that approximates the option awards expected term.

• Dividend yield — The dividend yield is based on the Company’s anticipated dividend payout over the expected term of the option awards.

The amounts presented for the weighted-average fair value of option awards granted are before the estimated effect of forfeitures, which reduce the amount of stock-based compensation expense recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.

1992 Equity Incentive Plan

The Company adopted the 1992 Plan in May 1992. A total of 8,600,000 shares of Class A common stock were authorized for issuance under the 1992 Plan as awards, which could have been in the form of stock options (both qualified and non-qualified), stock appreciation rights, performance shares, restricted stock, or stock units, to employees and consultants. As a result of stockholder approval of the 2006 Plan, effective as of May 25, 2006, the Company will grant no further stock options, restricted stock, or other awards under the 1992 Plan.

2001 Employee, Director, and Consultant Stock Option Plan

The Company adopted the 2001 Plan in June 2001. A total of 3,000,000 shares of Class A common stock were authorized for issuance under the 2001 Plan as awards, which could have been in the form of stock options to employees, directors, and consultants. As a result of stockholder approval of the 2006 Plan, effective as of May 25, 2006, the Company will grant no further stock options under the 2001 Plan.

1992 Employee Stock Purchase Plan

In May 1992, the Company adopted the 1992 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “ESPP”). The ESPP was subsequently amended in years prior to fiscal 2014 to increase the number of shares of the Company's Class A common stock authorized for issuance to 950,000. The ESPP gives eligible employees the option to purchase Class A common stock (total purchases in a year may not exceed 10 percent of an employee’s current year compensation) at 85 percent of the fair market value of the Class A common stock at the end of each calendar quarter. There were approximately 23,000, 20,000, and 19,000 shares purchased with a weighted-average fair value of purchase rights of $24.71, $25.01, and $22.68 during fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012, respectively. For fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012, the Company recognized expense of approximately $0.6 million, $0.5 million, and $0.5 million in each of the respective years related to stock purchase plan discounts. Effective June 5, 2014, the Plan was amended to further increase the number of the Company’s Class A common stock shares authorized for issuance to 1,050,000. Cumulatively,

63

PANERA BREAD COMPANY

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

there were approximately 901,000 shares issued under this plan as of December 30, 2014, 878,000 shares issued under this plan as of December 31, 2013, and 858,000 shares issued under this plan as of December 25, 2012.

17. Defined Contribution Benefit Plan

The Panera Bread Company 401(k) Savings Plan (the “Plan”) was formed under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code (“the Code”). The Plan covers substantially all employees who meet certain service requirements. Participating employees may elect to defer a percentage of his or her salary on a pre-tax basis, subject to the limitations imposed by the Plan and the Code. The Plan provides for a matching contribution by the Company equal to 50 percent of the first three percent of the participant’s eligible pay. All employee contributions vest immediately. Company matching contributions vest beginning in the second year of employment at 25 percent per year, and are fully vested after five years. The Company contributed $2.2 million, $2.0 million, and $1.8 million to the Plan in fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012, respectively.

18. Business Segment Information

The Company operates three business segments. The Company Bakery-Cafe Operations segment is comprised of the operating activities of the bakery-cafes owned directly and indirectly by the Company. The Company-owned bakery-cafes conduct business under the Panera Bread^®, Saint Louis Bread Co.^® or Paradise Bakery & Café^® names. These bakery-cafes offer some or all of the following: fresh baked goods, made-to-order sandwiches on freshly baked breads, soups, salads, pasta dishes, custom roasted coffees, and other complementary products through on-premise sales, as well as catering.

The Franchise Operations segment is comprised of the operating activities of the franchise business unit, which licenses qualified operators to conduct business under the Panera Bread or Paradise Bakery & Café names and also monitors the operations of these bakery-cafes. Under the terms of most of the agreements, the licensed operators pay royalties and fees to the Company in return for the use of the Panera Bread or Paradise Bakery & Café names.

The Fresh Dough and Other Product Operations segment supplies fresh dough, produce, tuna, cream cheese, and indirectly supplies proprietary sweet goods items through a contract manufacturing arrangement, to Company-owned and franchise-operated bakery-cafes. The fresh dough is sold to a number of both Company-owned and franchise-operated bakery-cafes at a delivered cost generally not to exceed 27 percent of the retail value of the end product. The sales and related costs to the franchise-operated bakery-cafes are separately stated line items in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. The sales, costs, and operating profit related to the sales to Company-owned bakery-cafes are eliminated in consolidation in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.

64

PANERA BREAD COMPANY

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

The accounting policies applicable to each segment are consistent with those described in Note 2, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.” Segment information related to the Company’s three business segments is as follows (in thousands):

	For the fiscal year ended
	December 30, 2014			December 31, 2013			December 25, 2012
Revenues:
Company bakery-cafe operations	$	2,230,370		$	2,108,908		$	1,879,280
Franchise operations	123,686			112,641			102,076
Fresh dough and other product operations	370,004			347,922			312,308
Intercompany sales eliminations	(194,865		)	(184,469		)	(163,607		)
Total revenues	$	2,529,195		$	2,385,002		$	2,130,057
Segment profit:
Company bakery-cafe operations	$	400,261		$	413,474		$	380,432
Franchise operations	117,770			106,395			95,420
Fresh dough and other product operations	22,872			21,293			17,695
Total segment profit	$	540,903		$	541,162		$	493,547
Depreciation and amortization	$	124,109		$	106,523		$	90,939
Unallocated general and administrative expenses	132,144			117,089			111,276
Pre-opening expenses	8,707			7,794			8,462
Interest expense	1,824			1,053			1,082
Other (income) expense, net	(3,175		)	(4,017		)	(1,208		)
Income before income taxes	$	277,294		$	312,720		$	282,996
Depreciation and amortization:
Company bakery-cafe operations	$	103,239		$	90,872		$	78,198
Fresh dough and other product operations	8,613			8,239			6,793
Corporate administration	12,257			7,412			5,948
Total depreciation and amortization	$	124,109		$	106,523		$	90,939
Capital expenditures:
Company bakery-cafe operations	$	167,856		$	153,584		$	122,868
Fresh dough and other product operations	12,178			11,461			13,434
Corporate administration	44,183			26,965			16,026
Total capital expenditures	$	224,217		$	192,010		$	152,328

	December 30, 2014		December 31, 2013
Segment assets:
Company bakery-cafe operations	$	953,896	$	867,093
Franchise operations	13,145		10,156
Fresh dough and other product operations	65,219		62,854
Total segment assets	$	1,032,260	$	940,103
Unallocated cash and cash equivalents	$	196,493	$	125,245
Unallocated trade and other accounts receivable	3,104		2,281
Unallocated property and equipment	84,224		53,587
Unallocated deposits and other	3,791		3,865
Other unallocated assets	71,030		55,781
Total assets	$	1,390,902	$	1,180,862

65

PANERA BREAD COMPANY

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

“Unallocated cash and cash equivalents” relates primarily to corporate cash and cash equivalents, “unallocated trade and other accounts receivable” relates primarily to rebates and interest receivable, “unallocated property and equipment” relates primarily to corporate fixed assets, “unallocated deposits and other” relates primarily to insurance deposits, and “other unallocated assets” relates primarily to deferred income taxes.

19. Earnings Per Share

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share (in thousands, except for per share data):

	For the fiscal year ended
	December 30, 2014		December 31, 2013		December 25, 2012
Amounts used for basic and diluted per share calculations:
Net income	$	179,293	$	196,169	$	173,448
Weighted average number of shares outstanding — basic	26,881		28,629		29,217
Effect of dilutive stock-based employee compensation awards	118		165		238
Weighted average number of shares outstanding — diluted	26,999		28,794		29,455
Earnings per common share:
Basic	$	6.67	$	6.85	$	5.94
Diluted	$	6.64	$	6.81	$	5.89

For each of fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012, weighted-average outstanding stock options, restricted stock and stock-settled appreciation rights of less than 0.1 million shares were excluded in calculating diluted earnings per share as the exercise price exceeded fair market value and the inclusion of such shares would have been antidilutive.

20. Supplemental Cash Flow Information

The following table sets forth supplemental cash flow information for the periods indicated (in thousands):

	For the fiscal year ended
	December 30, 2014			December 31, 2013			December 25, 2012
Cash paid during the year for:
Interest	$	773		$	253		$	370
Income taxes	91,187			104,072			90,054
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Change in accrued property and equipment purchases	$	15,479		$	16,194		$	6,019
Accrued purchase price of North Carolina acquisition	—			—			3,601
Accrued purchase price of Florida acquisition	—			270			—
Investment in municipal industrial revenue bonds	(186		)	(186		)	(186		)
Asset retirement obligations	9,341			664			2,885
Capital lease obligations	—			—			3,481

66

PANERA BREAD COMPANY

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

21. Selected Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)

The following table presents selected unaudited quarterly financial data for the periods indicated (in thousands, except per share data):

	Fiscal 2014 - quarters ended (1)
	April 1		July 1		September 30		December 30
Revenues	$	605,753	$	631,055	$	619,890	$	672,497
Operating profit	67,005		73,942		57,959		77,037
Net income	42,395		49,192		39,214		48,492
Earnings per common share:
Basic	$	1.55	$	1.83	$	1.47	$	1.82
Diluted	$	1.55	$	1.82	$	1.46	$	1.82

	Fiscal 2013 - quarters ended (1)
	March 26		June 25		September 24		December 31
Revenues	$	561,779	$	589,011	$	572,480	$	661,732
Operating profit	76,305		83,435		64,569		85,447
Net income	48,117		51,042		42,762		54,248
Earnings per common share:
Basic	$	1.65	$	1.75	$	1.49	$	1.97
Diluted	$	1.64	$	1.74	$	1.48	$	1.96

(1) Fiscal quarters may not sum to the fiscal year reported amounts due to rounding.

The fiscal year ended December 31, 2013 had 53 weeks. As a result, the quarterly financial data for the fiscal fourth quarter 2013 reflects 14 weeks.

ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None.

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Disclosure Controls and Procedures and Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

The Company’s management, with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of December 30, 2014. The term “disclosure controls and procedures,” as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act, means controls and other procedures of a company that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the company’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives and management necessarily applies its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures. Based on the evaluation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of December 30, 2014, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of such date, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level.

No change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting occurred during the fiscal quarter ended December 30, 2014 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

67

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

The Company’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Internal control over financial reporting is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act as a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company’s principal executive and principal financial officers and effected by the company’s board of directors, management and other associates, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and those policies and procedures that:

(1) Pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company;

(2) Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and

(3) Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

The Company’s management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 30, 2014. In making this assessment, the Company’s management used the criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013), issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on its assessment, management has concluded that, as of December 30, 2014, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective to provide reasonable assurance based on those criteria. The scope of management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting includes all of the Company’s consolidated operations.

The Company’s independent registered public accounting firm audited the financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and has audited the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Their report is included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

None.

PART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Incorporated by reference from the information in the Company’s proxy statement for the 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which the Company intends to file with the SEC within 120 days of the end of the fiscal year to which this report relates.

The Company has adopted a code of ethics, called the Standards of Business Conduct that applies to its officers, including its principal executive, financial and accounting officers, and its directors and employees. The Company has posted the Standards of Business Conduct on its website at www.panerabread.com under the "Corporate Governance" section of the "Our Company - Investor Relations" webpage. The Company intends to make all required disclosures concerning any amendments to, or waivers from, the Standards of Business Conduct on its website.

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Incorporated by reference from the information in the Company’s proxy statement for the 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which the Company intends to file with the SEC within 120 days of the end of the fiscal year to which this report relates.

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

Incorporated by reference from the information in the Company’s proxy statement for the 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which the Company intends to file with the SEC within 120 days of the end of the fiscal year to which this report relates.

68

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

Incorporated by reference from the information in the Company’s proxy statement for the 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which the Company intends to file with the SEC within 120 days of the end of the fiscal year to which this report relates.

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

Incorporated by reference from the information in the Company’s proxy statement for the 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which the Company intends to file with the SEC within 120 days of the end of the fiscal year to which this report relates.

PART IV

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

(a)(1) All Financial Statements:

Consolidated financial statements filed as part of this report are listed under Item 8: "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data".

(a)(2) Financial Statement Schedule:

The following financial statement schedule for the Company is filed herewith:

Schedule II — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

PANERA BREAD COMPANY

VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

(in thousands)

Description	Balance - Beginning of Period		Additions Charged to Expense		Deductions/Other Additions			Balance - End of Period
Self-insurance reserves:
Fiscal year ended December 25, 2012	$	23,629	$	41,807	$	(36,533	)	$	28,903
Fiscal year ended December 31, 2013	$	28,903	$	46,930	$	(44,288	)	$	31,545
Fiscal year ended December 30, 2014	$	31,545	$	50,729	$	(49,715	)	$	32,559
Deferred tax assets, valuation allowance:
Fiscal year ended December 25, 2012	$	—	$	1,761	$	—		$	1,761
Fiscal year ended December 31, 2013	$	1,761	$	1,412	$	—		$	3,173
Fiscal year ended December 30, 2014	$	3,173	$	1,452	$	—		$	4,625

_____________

(a)(3) Exhibits:

See Exhibit Index incorporated into this item by reference.

69

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

PANERA BREAD COMPANY
By:	/s/ RONALD M. SHAICH
	Ronald M. Shaich Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
	Date: February 20, 2015

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signature	Title	Date
/s/ RONALD M. SHAICH	Chairman and Chief Executive Officer	February 20, 2015
Ronald M. Shaich	(Principal Executive Officer)
/s/ WILLIAM W. MORETON	Executive Vice Chairman, Chief Financial Officer	February 20, 2015
William W. Moreton	(Principal Financial Officer)
/s/ MARK D. WOOLDRIDGE	VP, Controller, Chief Accounting Officer	February 20, 2015
Mark D. Wooldridge	(Principal Accounting Officer)
/s/ DOMENIC COLASACCO	Director	February 20, 2015
Domenic Colasacco
/s/ FRED K. FOULKES	Director	February 20, 2015
Fred K. Foulkes
/s/ LARRY J. FRANKLIN	Director	February 20, 2015
Larry J. Franklin
/s/ DIANE HESSAN	Director	February 20, 2015
Diane Hessan
/s/ THOMAS E. LYNCH	Director	February 20, 2015
Thomas E. Lynch

70

EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit Number	Description
3.1	Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant, as amended and restated through June 7, 2002 (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended July 13, 2002 (File No. 0-19253), as filed with the Commission on August 26, 2002 and incorporated herein by reference).
3.2	Certificate of Amendment of Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 0-19253), as filed with the Commission on May 25, 2011 and incorporated herein by reference).
3.3	Second Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Registrant, as amended through March 9, 2012 (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 0-19253), as filed with the Commission on March 15, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.1	Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as amended (filed as Appendix A to the Registrant's Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A dated April 22, 2014 (File No. 0-19253), as filed with the Commission on April 22, 2014 and incorporated herein by reference.†
10.2	Formula Stock Option Plan for Independent Directors, as amended (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 29, 2001 (File No. 0-19253), as filed with the Commission on March 22, 2002 and incorporated herein by reference).†
10.3	1992 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File No. 333-128049), as filed with the Commission on September 1, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference).†
10.4	2001 Employee, Director and Consultant Stock Option Plan (filed as Appendix A to the Registrant’s Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A dated April 21, 2005 (File No. 0-19253), as filed with the Commission on April 21, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference).†
10.5	Amended and Restated 2005 Long-Term Incentive Program (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 0-19253), as filed with the Commission on July 29, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference).†
10.6	2006 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended (filed as Exhibit A to the Registrant’s Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A dated April 12, 2010 (File No. 0-19253), as filed with the Commission on April 12, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference).†
10.7	Form of Non-qualified Stock Option Agreement under the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 0-19253), as filed with the Commission on May 25, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference).†
10.8	Form of Non-qualified Stock Option Agreement under the 2005 Long Term Incentive Program (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 0-19253), as filed with the Commission on May 25, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference).†
10.9	Form of Restricted Stock Agreement under the 2005 Long-Term Incentive Program (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 0-19253), as filed with the Commission on May 25, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference).†
10.10	Form of amended Restricted Stock Agreement under the 2005 Long-Term Incentive Program (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 0-19253), as filed with the Commission on May 28, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference).†
10.11	Form of Stock Settled Appreciation Rights Agreement under the 2005 Long-Term Incentive Program (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 0-19253), as filed with the Commission on July 29, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference).†
10.12	Employment Letter between the Registrant and Mark Borland (filed as Exhibit 10.6.17 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended October 5, 2002 (File No. 0-19253), as filed with the Commission on November 18, 2002 and incorporated herein by reference).†
10.13	Form of Panera, LLC Confidential and Proprietary Information and Non-Competition Agreement executed by Senior Vice Presidents (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 4, 2003 (File No. 0-19253), as filed with the Commission on November 18, 2003 and incorporated herein by reference).†

71

Exhibit Number	Description
10.14	Description of Compensation Arrangements with Non-Employee Directors (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 28, 2006 (File No. 0-19253), as filed with the Commission on May 4, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference).†
10.15	Form of Panera, LLC Confidential and Proprietary Information and Non-Competition Agreement executed by Executive and Senior Vice Presidents (filed as Exhibit 10.19 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 (File No. 0-19253), as filed with the Commission on February 20, 2014 and incorporated herein by reference).†
10.16	Credit Agreement dated as of November 30, 2012 by and among Panera Bread Company, as borrower, Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, swing line lender and L/C issuer, and each lender party thereto (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 0-19253), as filed with the Commission on December 4, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.17	Term Loan Agreement, dated as of June 11, 2014 by and among Panera Bread Company, as borrower, Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and each lender party thereto (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 0-19253), as filed with the Commission on June 12, 2014 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.18	Office lease, dated September 20, 2010, by and between TREF I Laumeier I LLC, as successor in interest to Duke Reality Limited Partnership, and Panera, LLC (filed as Exhibit 10.19 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 0-19253), as filed with the Commission on February 15, 2013 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.19	Amendment No. 1, dated December 27, 2012, to Office lease, dated September 20, 2010, by and between TREF I Laumeier I LLC, as successor in interest to Duke Realty Limited Partnership, and Panera, LLC (filed as Exhibit 10.20 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 0-19253), as filed with the Commission on February 15, 2013 and incorporated herein by reference).
21*	Registrant’s Subsidiaries.
23.1*	Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
31.1*	Certification by Chief Executive Officer.
31.2*	Certification by Chief Financial Officer.
32*	Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, by Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer.
101.INS*	XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH*	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL*	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.LAB*	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE*	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
101.DEF*	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

*	Filed herewith.
†	Management contract or compensatory plan required to be filed as an exhibit hereto pursuant to Item 15(a) of Form 10-K.

72

EX-21

EXHIBIT 21

REGISTRANT'S SUBSIDIARIES

PANERA BREAD COMPANY

LIST OF DIRECT SUBSIDIARIES

AS OF DECEMBER 30, 2014

ENTITY NAME	% OWNERSHIP	JURISDICTION OF ORGANIZATION
Panera, LLC	100	Delaware
Pumpernickel, Inc.	100	Delaware
Paradise Bakery & Café, Inc.	100	Delaware

PANERA BREAD COMPANY

LIST OF INDIRECT SUBSIDIARIES

AS OF DECEMBER 30, 2014

ENTITY NAME	PARENT	% OWNERSHIP	JURISDICTION OF ORGANIZATION
Pumpernickel Associates, LLC	Panera, LLC	99	Delaware
	Pumpernickel, Inc.	1
Panera Enterprises, Inc.	Panera, LLC	100	Delaware
Bakery Cafe Cards, LLC	Panera, LLC	100	Virginia
Artisan Bread, LLC	Panera, LLC	100	Delaware
Cap City Bread, LLC	Artisan Bread, LLC	100	Delaware
Panera International Holdings, Inc.	Panera, LLC	100	Delaware
Panera Canada Holdings, Inc.	Panera, LLC	100	Delaware
Panera Holding Canada ULC	Panera International Holdings, Inc.	100	Nova Scotia
Panera Canada GP Ltd.	Panera Holding Canada ULC	100	Nova Scotia
Panera Canada LP	Panera Holding Canada ULC	99	Nova Scotia
	Panera Canada GP Ltd.	1
Panera Bread ULC	Panera Canada LP	100	Nova Scotia

EX-23.1

EXHIBIT 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on Form S‑8 (Nos.333-168762, 333-143277, 333-134460, 333-128049, 333-128046, 333-64222, 333-31855, 333-31857) and Form S-3 (Nos. 333-80927) of Panera Bread Company of our report dated February 20, 2015 relating to the consolidated financial statements, financial statement schedule and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, which appears in this Form 10‑K.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

St. Louis, Missouri

February 20, 2015

EX-31.1

EXHIBIT 31.1

CERTIFICATION

I, Ronald M. Shaich, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2014 of Panera Bread Company;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date:	February 20, 2015	/s/ RONALD M. SHAICH
		Ronald M. Shaich
		Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

EX-31.2

EXHIBIT 31.2

CERTIFICATION

I, William W. Moreton, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2014 of Panera Bread Company;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date:	February 20, 2015	/s/ WILLIAM W. MORETON
		William W. Moreton
		Executive Vice Chairman, Chief Financial Officer

EX-32

EXHIBIT 32

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906

OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Annual Report of Panera Bread Company on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2014 (the “Annual Report”), as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, we, Ronald M. Shaich, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and William W. Moreton, Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer, certify, to the best of our knowledge and belief, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

1. The Annual Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

2. The information contained in this Annual Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operation of Panera Bread Company.

Date:	February 20, 2015	/s/ RONALD M. SHAICH
		Ronald M. Shaich
		Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Date:	February 20, 2015	/s/ WILLIAM W. MORETON
		William W. Moreton
		Executive Vice Chairman, Chief Financial Officer

XML

Business Segment Information Business Segment Information (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 30, 2014

Business Segment Information [Abstract]

Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]

	For the fiscal year ended
	December 30, 2014			December 31, 2013			December 25, 2012
Revenues:
Company bakery-cafe operations	$	2,230,370		$	2,108,908		$	1,879,280
Franchise operations	123,686			112,641			102,076
Fresh dough and other product operations	370,004			347,922			312,308
Intercompany sales eliminations	(194,865		)	(184,469		)	(163,607		)
Total revenues	$	2,529,195		$	2,385,002		$	2,130,057
Segment profit:
Company bakery-cafe operations	$	400,261		$	413,474		$	380,432
Franchise operations	117,770			106,395			95,420
Fresh dough and other product operations	22,872			21,293			17,695
Total segment profit	$	540,903		$	541,162		$	493,547
Depreciation and amortization	$	124,109		$	106,523		$	90,939
Unallocated general and administrative expenses	132,144			117,089			111,276
Pre-opening expenses	8,707			7,794			8,462
Interest expense	1,824			1,053			1,082
Other (income) expense, net	(3,175		)	(4,017		)	(1,208		)
Income before income taxes	$	277,294		$	312,720		$	282,996
Depreciation and amortization:
Company bakery-cafe operations	$	103,239		$	90,872		$	78,198
Fresh dough and other product operations	8,613			8,239			6,793
Corporate administration	12,257			7,412			5,948
Total depreciation and amortization	$	124,109		$	106,523		$	90,939
Capital expenditures:
Company bakery-cafe operations	$	167,856		$	153,584		$	122,868
Fresh dough and other product operations	12,178			11,461			13,434
Corporate administration	44,183			26,965			16,026
Total capital expenditures	$	224,217		$	192,010		$	152,328

	December 30, 2014		December 31, 2013
Segment assets:
Company bakery-cafe operations	$	953,896	$	867,093
Franchise operations	13,145		10,156
Fresh dough and other product operations	65,219		62,854
Total segment assets	$	1,032,260	$	940,103
Unallocated cash and cash equivalents	$	196,493	$	125,245
Unallocated trade and other accounts receivable	3,104		2,281
Unallocated property and equipment	84,224		53,587
Unallocated deposits and other	3,791		3,865
Other unallocated assets	71,030		55,781
Total assets	$	1,390,902	$	1,180,862

XML

Other Intangible Assets Other Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Value	$ 108,300	$ 108,341
Accumulated Amortization	(37,360)	(28,573)
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	70,940	79,768
Trademarks [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Value	5,610	5,610
Accumulated Amortization	(2,017)	(1,763)
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	3,593	3,847
Distribution Rights [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Value	97,865	97,865
Accumulated Amortization	(32,369)	(24,254)
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	65,496	73,611
Lease Agreements [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Value	4,825	4,866
Accumulated Amortization	(2,974)	(2,556)
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	$ 1,851	$ 2,310

XML

Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Measurements (Details Textuals) (Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member], USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 92.3	$ 18.1

XML

Business Segment Information Business Segment Information (Details Textuals)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2014 segments
Business Segment Information [Abstract]
Number Of Business Segments (in segments)	3
Maximum Delivered Cost On Fresh Dough Based On Retail Value Of End Product (as a percent)	27.00%

XML

Other Intangible Assets Other Intangible Assets (Details Textuals) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 25, 2012
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization of Intangible Assets	$ 8.7	$ 9.3	$ 8.2
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months	8.7
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two	8.6
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three	8.6
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four	8.5
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five	8.1
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, after Year Five	$ 28.4

XML

Business Combination Business Combinations and Divestitures (Details Textuals) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended			3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jul. 01, 2014	Apr. 01, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 24, 2013	Jun. 25, 2013	Mar. 26, 2013	Dec. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 25, 2012	Apr. 08, 2013	Mar. 27, 2012	Dec. 25, 2012	Apr. 09, 2013 bakery-cafes	Mar. 28, 2012 bakery-cafes
Business Acquisitions and Divestitures [Line Items]
Payment of Deferred Acquisition Holdback									$ 270,000	$ 4,112,000	$ 2,055,000
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Intangibles										5,000
Net income attributable to Panera Bread Company	48,492,000	39,214,000	49,192,000	42,395,000	54,248,000	42,762,000	51,042,000	48,117,000	179,293,000	196,169,000	173,448,000
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration, Potential Cash Payment	0				300,000				0	300,000
Florida Franchise Acquisition [Member]
Business Acquisitions and Divestitures [Line Items]
Number of bakery cafe															1
Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Purchase Price															2,700,000
Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Cash Paid												2,400,000
Payment of Deferred Acquisition Holdback			300,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment															400,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles															1,000,000
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life									12 years
Business Acquisition, Goodwill, Expected Tax Deductible Amount															1,300,000
North Carolina Franchise Acquisition [Member]
Business Acquisitions and Divestitures [Line Items]
Number of bakery cafe																16
Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Purchase Price																48,000,000
Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Cash Paid													44,400,000
Payment of Deferred Acquisition Holdback										3,600,000
Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Current Assets, Receivables																100,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Inventory																300,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment																6,400,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles																29,100,000
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life									12 years
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities, Accounts Payable																1,400,000
Business Acquisition, Goodwill, Expected Tax Deductible Amount																13,500,000
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Intangibles											100,000
Sales Revenue, Goods, Net														36,000,000
Net income attributable to Panera Bread Company														$ 2,900,000

XML

Goodwill Goodwill (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 30, 2014

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block]

	Company Bakery- Cafe Operations			Franchise Operations		Fresh Dough and Other Product Operations		Total
Balance as of December 25, 2012	$	118,274		$	1,934	$	1,695	$	121,903
Acquisition of Florida bakery-cafe	1,278			—		—		1,278
Currency translation	(173		)	—		—		(173		)
Measurement period adjustments	5			—		—		5
Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	119,384		$	1,934	$	1,695	$	123,013
Impairment charge	(2,057		)	—		—		(2,057		)
Currency translation	(178		)	—		—		(178		)
Balance as of December 30, 2014	$	117,149		$	1,934	$	1,695	$	120,778

XML

Supplemental Cash Flow Information Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 25, 2012
Other Significant Noncash Transactions [Line Items]
Interest Paid	$ 773,000	$ 253,000	$ 370,000
Income Taxes Paid	91,187,000	104,072,000	90,054,000
Non-cash investing and financing activities (in thousands):
Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid	15,479,000	16,194,000	6,019,000
Other Noncash Income (Expense)	(3,070,000)	(589,000)	(475,000)
Costs Incurred, Asset Retirement Obligation Incurred	9,341,000	664,000	2,885,000
Capital Lease Obligations Incurred	0	0	3,481,000
North Carolina Franchise Acquisition [Member]
Non-cash investing and financing activities (in thousands):
Business Combination Purchase Price Not Yet Paid	0	0	3,601,000
Florida Franchise Acquisition [Member]
Non-cash investing and financing activities (in thousands):
Business Combination Purchase Price Not Yet Paid	0	270,000	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Non-cash investing and financing activities (in thousands):
Other Noncash Income (Expense)	$ (186,000)	$ (186,000)	$ (186,000)

XML

Debt Term Loan (Details Textuals) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2014	Jun. 11, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 100,000,000	$ 100,000,000	$ 0
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	Jun. 11, 2019
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	250,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date	Nov. 30, 2017
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding	0		0
Consolidated Leverage Ratio	3.00
Consolidated Leverage Ratio Denominator	1.00
Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio	2.00
Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio Denominator	1.00
LIBOR Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.00%
Federal Funds Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	0.50%
Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Issuance Cost	$ 200,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate During Period	1.15%
Minimum [Member] | LIBOR Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.00%
Minimum [Member] | Base Rate Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	0.00%
Maximum [Member] | LIBOR Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.50%
Maximum [Member] | Base Rate Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	0.50%

XML

Earnings Per Share Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jul. 01, 2014	Apr. 01, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 24, 2013	Jun. 25, 2013	Mar. 26, 2013	Dec. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 25, 2012
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income attributable to Panera Bread Company	$ 48,492	$ 39,214	$ 49,192	$ 42,395	$ 54,248	$ 42,762	$ 51,042	$ 48,117	$ 179,293	$ 196,169	$ 173,448
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic (in shares)									26,881	28,629	29,217
Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements									118	165	238
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted (in shares)									26,999	28,794	29,455
Earnings Per Share, Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 1.82	$ 1.47	$ 1.83	$ 1.55	$ 1.97	$ 1.49	$ 1.75	$ 1.65	$ 6.67	$ 6.85	$ 5.94
Earnings Per Share, Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 1.82	$ 1.46	$ 1.82	$ 1.55	$ 1.96	$ 1.48	$ 1.74	$ 1.64	$ 6.64	$ 6.81	$ 5.89

XML

Earnings Per Share

12 Months Ended

Dec. 30, 2014

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Earnings Per Share [Text Block]

Earnings Per Share

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share (in thousands, except for per share data):

	For the fiscal year ended
	December 30, 2014		December 31, 2013		December 25, 2012
Amounts used for basic and diluted per share calculations:
Net income	$	179,293	$	196,169	$	173,448
Weighted average number of shares outstanding — basic	26,881		28,629		29,217
Effect of dilutive stock-based employee compensation awards	118		165		238
Weighted average number of shares outstanding — diluted	26,999		28,794		29,455
Earnings per common share:
Basic	$	6.67	$	6.85	$	5.94
Diluted	$	6.64	$	6.81	$	5.89

For each of fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012, weighted-average outstanding stock options, restricted stock and stock-settled appreciation rights of less than 0.1 million shares were excluded in calculating diluted earnings per share as the exercise price exceeded fair market value and the inclusion of such shares would have been antidilutive.

XML

Property and Equipment Property and Equipment (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	$ 1,470,559	$ 1,259,288
Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment	(683,265)	(589,879)
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	787,294	669,409
Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	693,503	607,472
Machinery and Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	340,854	305,060
Furniture and Fixtures [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	167,383	149,445
Software [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	137,663	87,316
Property, Plant and Equipment, Other Types [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	29,841	27,031
Construction in Progress [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	99,255	80,108
Land [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	$ 2,060	$ 2,856

XML

Selected Quarterly Financial Data Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 30, 2014

Selected Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract]

Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block]

	Fiscal 2014 - quarters ended (1)
	April 1		July 1		September 30		December 30
Revenues	$	605,753	$	631,055	$	619,890	$	672,497
Operating profit	67,005		73,942		57,959		77,037
Net income	42,395		49,192		39,214		48,492
Earnings per common share:
Basic	$	1.55	$	1.83	$	1.47	$	1.82
Diluted	$	1.55	$	1.82	$	1.46	$	1.82

	Fiscal 2013 - quarters ended (1)
	March 26		June 25		September 24		December 31
Revenues	$	561,779	$	589,011	$	572,480	$	661,732
Operating profit	76,305		83,435		64,569		85,447
Net income	48,117		51,042		42,762		54,248
Earnings per common share:
Basic	$	1.65	$	1.75	$	1.49	$	1.97
Diluted	$	1.64	$	1.74	$	1.48	$	1.96

XML

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 25, 2012
Self Insurance Reserve [Member]
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance	$ 31,545,000	$ 28,903,000	$ 23,629,000
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to Cost and Expense	50,729,000	46,930,000	41,807,000
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Deductions	(49,715,000)	(44,288,000)	(36,533,000)
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance	32,559,000	31,545,000	28,903,000
Valuation Allowance of Deferred Tax Assets [Member]
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance	3,173,000	1,761,000	0
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to Cost and Expense	1,452,000	1,412,000	1,761,000
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Deductions	0	0	0
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance	$ 4,625,000	$ 3,173,000	$ 1,761,000

XML

Income Taxes Income Taxes (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 30, 2014

Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract]

Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign [Table Text Block]

	For the fiscal year ended
	December 30, 2014			December 31, 2013			December 25, 2012
United States	$	285,564		$	317,479		$	286,702
Canada	(8,270		)	(4,759		)	(3,706		)
Income before income taxes	$	277,294		$	312,720		$	282,996

Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]

	For the fiscal year ended
	December 30, 2014			December 31, 2013		December 25, 2012
Current:
U.S. federal	$	73,234		$	87,548	$	72,434
U.S. state and local	14,306			18,638		15,955
	87,540			106,186		88,389
Deferred:
U.S. federal	9,609			8,547		16,640
U.S. state and local	950			1,804		3,603
Foreign	(98		)	14		916
	$	10,461		$	10,365	$	21,159
Total provision for income taxes	$	98,001		$	116,551	$	109,548

Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]

	For the fiscal year ended
	December 30, 2014		December 31, 2013		December 25, 2012
Statutory U.S. federal rate	35.0	%	35.0	%	35.0	%
U.S. state and local income taxes, net of federal tax benefit	4.1		4.5		4.5
U.S. federal tax credits	(1.4	)	(0.8	)	(0.4	)
Other, including discrete tax items	(2.4	)	(1.4	)	(0.4	)
Effective tax rate	35.3	%	37.3	%	38.7	%

Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]

	December 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
Deferred tax assets:
Accrued expenses	$	72,891		$	71,245
Foreign net operating loss carryforward	4,178			3,124
Stock-based compensation	3,125			3,534
Other	1,701			1,008
Less: valuation allowance	(4,625		)	(3,173		)
Total deferred tax assets	$	77,270		$	75,738
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property and equipment	$	(101,533	)	$	(90,940	)
Goodwill and other intangibles	(23,705		)	(22,307		)
Total deferred tax liabilities	$	(125,238	)	$	(113,247	)
Net deferred tax liability	$	(47,968	)	$	(37,509	)
Current deferred income tax assets	$	28,621		$	27,889
Long-term deferred income tax liabilities	$	(76,589	)	$	(65,398	)

Summary of Deferred Tax Liability Not Recognized [Table Text Block]

	December 30, 2014			December 31, 2013			December 25, 2012
Beginning balance	$	2,999		$	3,051		$	3,544
Tax positions related to the current year:
Additions	1,536			653			530
Tax positions related to prior years:
Additions	2,671			256			217
Reductions	—			(49		)	(341		)
Settlements	(131		)	(425		)	(58		)
Expiration of statutes of limitations	(620		)	(487		)	(841		)
Ending balance	$	6,455		$	2,999		$	3,051

XML

Goodwill Goodwill (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 25, 2012
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	$ (2,057,000)
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill Start	123,013,000	121,903,000
Goodwill, Translation Adjustments	(178,000)	(173,000)
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Intangibles		5,000
Goodwill End	120,778,000	123,013,000
Florida Franchisee Acquisition [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Acquired During Period		1,278,000
Company Bakery Cafe Operations [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	(2,057,000)	0	0
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill Start	119,384,000	118,274,000
Goodwill, Translation Adjustments	(178,000)	(173,000)
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Intangibles		5,000
Goodwill End	117,149,000	119,384,000	118,274,000
Company Bakery Cafe Operations [Member] | Florida Franchisee Acquisition [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Acquired During Period		1,278,000
Franchise Operations [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	0
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill Start	1,934,000	1,934,000
Goodwill, Translation Adjustments	0	0
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Intangibles		0
Goodwill End	1,934,000	1,934,000
Franchise Operations [Member] | Florida Franchisee Acquisition [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Acquired During Period		0
Fresh dough and other product operations [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	0
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill Start	1,695,000	1,695,000
Goodwill, Translation Adjustments	0	0
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Intangibles		0
Goodwill End	1,695,000	1,695,000
Fresh dough and other product operations [Member] | Florida Franchisee Acquisition [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Acquired During Period		$ 0

XML

Stock Based Compensation Stock Based Compensation (Details Textuals) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 25, 2012	Jun. 05, 2014	May 13, 2010	May 01, 2006	May 01, 1992	Jun. 01, 2001
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Incentive Compensation Expense	$ 11,100,000	$ 16,000,000	$ 16,700,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs, Capitalized Amount	1,100,000	900,000	1,000,000
Vesting Percentage (as a percent)	25.00%
Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised	1,116,000	573,000	4,455,000
Tax Benefit from Exercise of Stock Options	3,089,000	8,100,000	8,587,000
Performance Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Incentive Compensation Expense	1,200,000	4,300,000	6,300,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs, Capitalized Amount	100,000	200,000	300,000
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Award Performance Period	3 years
Percentage paid in Cash (as a percent)	50.00%
Percentage paid in stock (as a percent)	50.00%
Performance Plan [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award AchievementMeasurement	300.00%
Performance Plan [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award AchievementMeasurement	0.00%
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Incentive Compensation Expense	8,300,000	9,200,000	7,600,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs, Capitalized Amount	900,000	600,000	500,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period (in years)	5 years
Vesting Percentage (as a percent)	25.00%
Holding Period (in years)	2 years
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Award Vesting Period After Initial Holding Period	3 years
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	39,100,000
Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition (in years)	3 years 7 months 25 days
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense	3,300,000	3,400,000	3,000,000
Deferred Bonus [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Incentive Compensation Expense	1,300,000	2,100,000	2,300,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs, Capitalized Amount	100,000	100,000	200,000
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award AchievementMeasurement	50.00%
Holding Period (in years)	3 years
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period (in years)	6 years
Vesting Percentage (as a percent)	25.00%
Holding Period (in years)	2 years
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Award Vesting Period After Initial Holding Period	3 years
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	0
Day Closing Stock Price	$ 174.87
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense	100,000	100,000	200,000
Compensation Expense Charged to general and administrative	100,000	200,000	400,000
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period (in years)	6 years
Vesting Percentage (as a percent)	25.00%
Holding Period (in years)	2 years
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Award Vesting Period After Initial Holding Period	3 years
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	1,000,000
Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition (in years)	3 years 7 months
Day Closing Stock Price	$ 174.87
SSARs outstanding weighted average period of conversion (in years)	4 years	4 years 5 months 25 days
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member] | General and Administrative Expense [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Incentive Compensation Expense	200,000	200,000	100,000
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
SSARs conversion price range (in dollars per share)	$ 192.65
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
SSARs conversion price range (in dollars per share)	$ 75.80
1992 Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of Shares Authorized (in shares)		950,000		1,050,000
Incentive Compensation Expense	600,000	500,000	500,000
Employee limit for stock purchase plan (as a percent)	10.00%
Percent of Stock paid by Employee (as a percent)	85.00%
Stock Issued During Period, Employee Stock Purchase Plans (in shares)	23,000	20,000	19,000
Fair Value of Purchase Rights for ESPP (in dollars per share)	$ 24.71	$ 25.01	$ 22.68
Stock Issued Cumulative Employee Stock Purchase Plan	901,000	878,000	858,000
2006 Stock Incentive Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of Shares Authorized (in shares)					2,300,000	1,500,000
Equity Incentive Plan 1992 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of Shares Authorized (in shares)							8,600,000
Employee Director And Consultant Stock Plan 2001 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of Shares Authorized (in shares)								3,000,000
Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Tax Benefit from Exercise of Stock Options	$ 3,089,000	$ 8,100,000	$ 8,587,000

XML

Commitments and Contingencies Commitments (Details Textuals) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2014 bakery-cafes	Dec. 31, 2013 bakery-cafes	Dec. 25, 2012 bakery-cafes
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Net	$ 138,000,000	$ 130,000,000	$ 114,800,000
Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Contingent Rentals	1,500,000	2,200,000	2,000,000
Asset Retirement Obligation	19,800,000	10,200,000
Capital Lease Obligations	1,100,000	1,300,000
Bakery-cafes involved in sale-leaseback transaction	6	3	2
Proceeds from sale-leaseback transactions	12,900,000	6,132,000	4,538,000
Sale Leaseback Transaction, Deferred Gain, Gross	$ 300,000	$ 300,000	$ 1,000,000
Trucks [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Lease Term	5 years
Trucks [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Lease Term	7 years
Leaseholds and Leasehold Improvements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Lease Term	15 years
Leaseholds and Leasehold Improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Lease Term	20 years

XML

Investments Held to Maturity Investments Held to Maturity (Detail Textuals) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 25, 2013
Investments held to maturity [Abstract]
Held-to-maturity Securities, Sold Security, at Carrying Value		$ 97.9
Held-to-maturity Securities, Sold Security, Realized Gain (Loss)	$ (0.1)

XML

Business Combination

12 Months Ended

Dec. 30, 2014

Business Combinations [Abstract]

Business Combinations and Divestitures [Text Block]

Business Combinations

Florida Bakery-cafe Acquisition

On April 9, 2013, the Company acquired substantially all the assets of one bakery-cafe from its Hallandale, Florida franchisee for a purchase price of $2.7 million. The Company paid approximately $2.4 million of the purchase price on April 9, 2013 and paid the remaining $0.3 million with interest during fiscal 2014. The Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income include the results of operations for the bakery-cafe from the date of its acquisition. The pro-forma impact of the acquisition on prior periods is not presented, as the impact is not material to reported results.

The Company allocated the purchase price to the tangible and intangible assets acquired in the acquisition at their estimated fair values with the remainder allocated to tax deductible goodwill as follows: $0.4 million to property and equipment; $1.0 million to intangible assets, which represents the fair value of re-acquired territory rights and the favorable lease agreement and are expected to be amortized on average over approximately 12 years; and $1.3 million to goodwill. The fair value measurement of tangible and intangible assets as of the acquisition date was based on significant inputs not observable in the market and thus represented a Level 3 measurement.

Goodwill recorded in connection with this acquisition was attributable to the workforce of the acquired bakery-cafe and synergies expected to arise from cost savings opportunities. All of the recorded goodwill is tax deductible and is included in the Company Bakery-Cafe Operations segment.

North Carolina Franchisee Acquisition

On March 28, 2012, the Company acquired substantially all the assets and certain liabilities of 16 bakery-cafes and the related area development rights from its Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina franchisee for a purchase price of $48.0 million. The Company paid approximately $44.4 million of the purchase price on March 27, 2012 and paid the remaining $3.6 million with interest during fiscal 2013. The Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income include the results of operations from the operating bakery-cafes from the date of their acquisition.

The acquired business contributed revenues of $36.0 million and net income of approximately $2.9 million for the period from March 28, 2012 through December 25, 2012. The supplemental pro forma information set forth in the following table has been prepared for comparative purposes and does not purport to be indicative of what would have occurred had the acquisition been made on December 28, 2011, nor is it indicative of any future results (in thousands):

	Pro Forma for the Fiscal Year Ended
	December 25, 2012
Bakery-cafe sales, net	$	1,888,914
Net income	173,763

The pro forma amounts included in the table above reflect the application of the Company’s accounting policies and adjustment of the results of the Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina bakery-cafes to reflect the additional depreciation and amortization that would have been charged assuming the fair value adjustments to property and equipment and intangible assets had been applied from December 28, 2011, together with the consequential tax impacts.    

The Company allocated the purchase price to the tangible and intangible assets acquired in the acquisition at their estimated fair values with the remainder allocated to tax deductible goodwill as follows: $0.1 million to accounts receivable; $0.3 million to inventories; $6.4 million to property and equipment; $29.1 million to intangible assets, which represent the fair value of re-acquired territory rights and favorable lease agreements that the Company estimated to have an average useful life of approximately 12 years; $1.4 million to liabilities; and $13.5 million to goodwill. The fair value measurement of tangible and intangible assets and liabilities as of the acquisition date was based on significant inputs not observable in the market and thus represented a Level 3 measurement. In addition, the Company recorded a $0.1 million measurement period adjustment increasing goodwill during fiscal 2012.

Goodwill recorded in connection with this acquisition was attributable to the workforce of the acquired bakery-cafes and synergies expected to arise from cost savings opportunities. All of the recorded goodwill is tax deductible and is included in the Company Bakery-Cafe Operations segment.

Accrued Purchase Price Payments

During fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012, the Company paid approximately $0.3 million, $4.1 million, and $2.1 million, respectively, including accrued interest, of previously accrued acquisition purchase price in accordance with the asset purchase agreements. There was no accrued purchase price remaining as of December 30, 2014 and $0.3 million of accrued purchase price remaining as of December 31, 2013.

XML

Commitments and Contingencies Contingencies (Details Textuals) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 30, 2014 franchisee
Guarantee of Indebtedness of Others [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Franchisees Guaranteed Under Operating Leases	23
Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted	$ 16.6
Noncompete Agreements [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted	$ 24.3

XML

Nature of Business Nature of Business (Details Textuals)	Dec. 30, 2014 dough_facilities bakery-cafes
Nature of Business [Line Items]
Company Owned Bakery Cafes (in bakery-cafes)	925
Franchise Operated Bakery Cafes (in bakery-cafes)	955
Company Owned Fresh Dough Facilities (in dough facilities)	22
Franchise Operated Fresh Dough Facilities	2

XML

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 30, 2014

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) and under the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). The consolidated financial statements consist of the accounts of Panera Bread Company and its wholly owned direct and indirect subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Fiscal Period, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Fiscal Year

The Company's fiscal year ends on the last Tuesday in December. The fiscal years ended December 30, 2014 (“fiscal 2014”) and December 25, 2012 (“fiscal 2012”) each had 52 weeks. The fiscal year ended December 31, 2013 (“fiscal 2013”) had 53 weeks with the fourth quarter comprising 14 weeks.

Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity at the time of purchase of three months or less to be cash equivalents. The Company maintains cash balances with financial institutions that exceed federally insured limits. The Company has not experienced any losses related to these balances and believes credit risk to be minimal.

Investment, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Investments

Management designates the classification of its investments at the time of purchase based upon its intended holding period. See Note 4 and Note 5 for further information with respect to the Company’s investments.

Trade and Other Accounts Receivable, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Trade Accounts Receivable, net and Other Accounts Receivable

Trade accounts receivable, net consists primarily of amounts due to the Company from its franchisees for purchases of fresh dough and other products from the Company’s fresh dough facilities, royalties due to the Company from franchisee sales, and receivables from credit card and catering on-account sales.

As of December 30, 2014, other accounts receivable consisted primarily of $33.4 million due from income tax refunds, $24.5 million due from wholesalers of the Company’s gift cards, and tenant allowances due from landlords of $7.0 million. As of December 31, 2013, other accounts receivable consisted primarily of $22.8 million due from income tax refunds, $16.9 million due from wholesalers of the Company’s gift cards, and tenant allowances due from landlords of $7.1 million.

The Company does not require collateral and maintains reserves for potential uncollectible accounts based on historical losses and existing economic conditions, when relevant. The allowance for doubtful accounts at December 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 was $0.1 million, respectively.

Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Inventories

Inventories, which consist of food products, paper goods, and supplies, are valued at the lower of cost or market, with cost determined under the first-in, first-out method.

Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Property and Equipment, net

Property, equipment, leasehold improvements, and land are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Leasehold improvements are depreciated using the straight-line method over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the related reasonably assured lease term. Costs incurred in connection with the development of internal-use software are capitalized in accordance with the accounting standard for internal-use software, and are amortized over the expected useful life of the software. The estimated useful lives used for financial statement purposes are:

Leasehold improvements	15	-	20	years
Machinery and equipment	3	-	15	years
Furniture and fixtures	2	-	7	years
Computer hardware and software	3	-	5	years

Interest, to the extent it is incurred in connection with the construction of new locations or facilities, is capitalized. The capitalized interest is recorded as part of the asset to which it relates and is amortized over the asset’s estimated useful life. Interest incurred for such purposes during fiscal 2014 was $0.1 million. No interest was incurred for such purposes in fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012.

Upon retirement or sale, the cost of assets disposed and their related accumulated depreciation are removed from the Company’s accounts. Any resulting gain or loss is credited or charged to operations. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense when incurred, while certain improvements are capitalized. The total amounts expensed for maintenance and repairs was $62.0 million, $56.6 million, and $48.0 million, for fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012, respectively.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Goodwill, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Goodwill

The Company evaluates goodwill for impairment on an annual basis during the fourth quarter, or more frequently if circumstances indicate impairment might exist. Goodwill is evaluated for impairment through the comparison of the fair value of reporting units to their carrying values. When evaluating goodwill for impairment, the Company may first perform an assessment of qualitative factors to determine if the fair value of the reporting unit is more-likely-than-not greater than its carrying amount. This qualitative assessment is referred to as a “step zero” approach.  If, based on the review of the qualitative factors, the Company determines it is not more-likely-than-not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, the Company bypasses the required two-step impairment test. If the Company does not perform a qualitative assessment or if the fair value of the reporting unit is not more-likely- than-not greater than its carrying value, the Company performs the first step (“step one”) of the two-step impairment test and calculates the estimated fair value of the reporting unit. If the carrying value of goodwill exceeds the estimated fair value, there is an indication that impairment may exist and the second step must be performed to measure the amount of impairment loss. The amount of impairment is determined by comparing the implied fair value of reporting unit goodwill to the carrying value of the goodwill in the same manner as if the reporting unit was being acquired in a business combination. If the implied fair value of goodwill is less than the recorded goodwill, the Company would record an impairment loss for the difference.

In considering the step zero approach to testing goodwill for impairment, the Company performs a qualitative analysis evaluating factors including, but not limited to, macro-economic conditions, market and industry conditions, internal cost factors, competitive environment, share price fluctuations, results of past impairment tests, and the operational stability and the overall financial performance of the reporting units. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014, the Company utilized a qualitative assessment for reporting units where no significant change occurred and no potential impairment indicators existed since the previous annual evaluation of goodwill, and concluded it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value was more than its carrying value on a reporting unit basis. Using these criteria, one reporting unit, the reporting unit for the Company's Canadian bakery-cafe operations, was excluded from the qualitative assessment.

In considering the step one approach to testing goodwill for impairment, the Company utilized a quantitative assessment to test goodwill for impairment for the Canadian reporting unit during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014. The fair value of a reporting unit is the price a willing buyer would pay for the reporting unit and is estimated using a discounted cash flow model. The Company's discounted cash flow estimate was based upon, among other things, certain assumptions about expected future operating performance, such as revenue growth rates, operating margins, risk-adjusted discount rates, and future economic and market conditions. The Company determined the carrying value of the Canadian reporting unit exceeded its fair value and thus step two of the goodwill impairment test was completed. The step two analysis indicated the entire balance of goodwill for the Canadian reporting unit was impaired and the Company recorded a full goodwill impairment charge of $2.1 million.  This charge was recorded in other (income) expense, net in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Other Intangible Assets, net

Other intangible assets, net consist primarily of favorable lease agreements, re-acquired territory rights, and trademarks. The Company amortizes the fair value of favorable lease agreements over the remaining related lease terms at the time of the acquisition, which ranged from approximately one year to 17 years as of December 30, 2014. The fair value of re-acquired territory rights was based on the present value of the acquired bakery-cafe cash flows. The Company amortizes the fair value of re-acquired territory rights over the remaining contractual terms of the re-acquired territory rights at the time of the acquisition, which ranged from approximately five years to 20 years as of December 30, 2014. The fair value of trademarks is amortized over their estimated useful life of 22 years.

The Company reviews intangible assets with finite lives for impairment when events or circumstances indicate these assets might be impaired. When warranted, the Company tests intangible assets with finite lives for impairment using historical cash flows and other relevant facts and circumstances as the primary basis for an estimate of future cash flows. There were no other intangible asset impairment charges recorded during fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012. There can be no assurance that future intangible asset impairment tests will not result in a charge to earnings.

Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

The Company evaluates whether events and circumstances have occurred that indicate the remaining estimated useful life of long-lived assets may warrant revision or that the remaining balance of an asset may not be recoverable. The Company compares anticipated undiscounted cash flows from the related long-lived assets of a bakery-cafe or fresh dough facility with their respective carrying values to determine if the long-lived assets are recoverable. If the sum of the anticipated undiscounted cash flows for the long-lived assets is less than their carrying value, an impairment loss is recognized for the difference between the anticipated discounted cash flows, which approximates fair value, and the carrying value of the long-lived assets. In performing this analysis, management estimates cash flows based upon, among other things, certain assumptions about expected future operating performance, such as revenue growth rates, operating margins, risk-adjusted discount rates, and future economic and market conditions. Estimates of cash flow may differ from actual cash flow due to, among other things, economic conditions, changes to the Company's business model or changes in operating performance. The long-term financial forecasts that management utilizes represent the best estimate that management has at this time and management believes that the underlying assumptions are reasonable.

The Company recognized impairment losses of $0.9 million, $0.8 million, and $0.3 million during fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012, respectively, related to distinct, underperforming Company-owned bakery-cafes. These losses were recorded in other operating expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.

Liability Reserve Estimate, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Self-Insurance Reserves

The Company is self-insured for a significant portion of its workers’ compensation, group health, and general, auto, and property liability insurance with varying deductibles of as much as $0.8 million for individual claims, depending on the type of claim. The Company also purchases aggregate stop-loss and/or layers of loss insurance in many categories of loss. The Company utilizes third party actuarial experts’ estimates of expected losses based on statistical analyses of historical industry data, as well as its own estimates based on the Company’s actual historical data to determine required self-insurance reserves. The assumptions are closely reviewed, monitored, and adjusted when warranted by changing circumstances. The estimated accruals for these liabilities could be affected if actual experience related to the number of claims and cost per claim differs from these assumptions and historical trends. Based on information known at December 30, 2014, the Company believes it has provided adequate reserves for its self-insurance exposure. As of December 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, self-insurance reserves were $32.6 million and $31.5 million, respectively, and were included in accrued expenses in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The total amounts expensed for self-insurance were $50.7 million, $46.9 million, and $41.8 million for fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012, respectively.

Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Income Taxes

The Company recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted income tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Any effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities from a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance is recognized if the Company determines it is more likely than not that all or some portion of the deferred tax asset will not be recognized. As of December 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 the Company had recorded a valuation allowance related to deferred tax assets of the Company's Canadian operations of $4.6 million and $3.2 million, respectively.

In accordance with the authoritative guidance on income taxes, the Company establishes additional provisions for income taxes when, despite the belief that tax positions are fully supportable, there remain certain positions that do not meet the minimum probability threshold, which is a tax position that is more likely than not to be sustained upon ultimate settlement with tax authorities assuming full knowledge of the position and all relevant facts. In the normal course of business, the Company and its subsidiaries are examined by various federal, state, foreign, and other tax authorities. The Company regularly assesses the potential outcomes of these examinations and any future examinations for the current or prior years in determining the adequacy of its provision for income taxes. The Company routinely assesses the likelihood and amount of potential adjustments and adjusts the income tax provision, the current tax liability and deferred taxes in the period in which the facts that give rise to a revision become known. The Company classifies estimated interest and penalties related to the unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income taxes in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.

Real Estate Held for Development and Sale, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Capitalization of Certain Development Costs

The Company has elected to account for construction costs in accordance with the accounting standard for real estate in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The Company capitalizes direct costs clearly associated with the acquisition, development, design, and construction of bakery-cafe locations and fresh dough facilities as these costs have a future benefit to the Company. The types of specifically identifiable costs capitalized by the Company include primarily payroll and payroll related taxes and benefit costs incurred by those individuals directly involved in development activities, including the acquisition, development, design, and construction of bakery-cafes and fresh dough facilities. The Company does not consider for capitalization payroll or payroll-related costs incurred by individuals that do not directly support the acquisition, development, design, and construction of bakery-cafes and fresh dough facilities. The Company uses an activity-based methodology to determine the amount of costs incurred for Company-owned projects, which are capitalized, and those for franchise-operated projects and general and administrative activities, which both are expensed as incurred. If the Company subsequently makes a determination that sites for which development costs have been capitalized will not be acquired or developed, any previously capitalized development costs are expensed and included in general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.

The Company capitalized $10.4 million, $9.6 million, and $9.0 million of direct costs related to the development of Company-owned bakery-cafes during fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012, respectively. The Company amortizes capitalized development costs for each bakery-cafe and fresh dough facility using the straight-line method over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the related reasonably assured lease term and includes such amounts in depreciation and amortization in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. In addition, the Company assesses the recoverability of capitalized costs through the performance of impairment analyses on an individual bakery-cafe and fresh dough facility basis pursuant to the accounting standard for property and equipment, net specifically related to the accounting for the impairment or disposal of long-lived assets.

Debt, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Deferred Financing Costs

Debt issuance costs incurred in connection with the issuance of long-term debt are capitalized and amortized to interest expense based on the related debt agreement using the straight-line method, which approximates the effective interest method. The unamortized amounts are included in deposits and other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and were $0.8 million at both December 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.

Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Revenue Recognition

The Company records revenues from bakery-cafe sales upon delivery of the related food and other products to the customer. Revenues from fresh dough and other product sales to franchisees are recorded upon delivery to the franchisees. Sales of soup and other branded products outside of the Company's bakery-cafes are recognized upon delivery to customers.

Franchise fees are the result of the sale of area development rights and the sale of individual franchise locations to third parties. The initial franchise fee is generally $35,000 per bakery-cafe to be developed under an Area Development Agreement, or ADA. Of this fee, $5,000 is generally paid at the time of the signing of the ADA and is recognized as revenue when it is received as it is non-refundable and the Company has to perform no other service to earn this fee. The remainder of the fee is paid at the time an individual franchise agreement is signed and is recognized as revenue upon the opening of the bakery-cafe. Franchise fees also include information technology-related fees for access to and the usage of proprietary systems. Franchise fees were $3.6 million, $2.2 million, and $1.9 million for fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012, respectively. Royalties are generally paid weekly based on the percentage of franchisee sales specified in each ADA (generally five percent of net sales). Royalties are recognized as revenue when they are earned. Royalties were $120.1 million, $110.5 million, and $100.2 million for fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012, respectively.

The Company maintains a customer loyalty program referred to as MyPanera in which customers earn rewards based on registration in the program and purchases within Panera Bread bakery-cafes. The Company records the full retail value of loyalty program rewards as a reduction of net bakery-cafe sales and a liability is established within accrued expenses in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as rewards are earned while considering historical redemption rates. Fully earned rewards generally expire if unredeemed after 60 days. Partially earned awards generally expire if inactive for a period of one year. The accrued liability related to the Company’s loyalty program was $2.5 million and $3.4 million as of December 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. Costs associated with coupons are classified as a reduction of net bakery-cafe sales in the period in which the coupon is redeemed.

The Company sells gift cards that do not have an expiration date and from which the Company does not deduct non-usage fees from outstanding gift card balances. Gift cards are redeemable at both Company-owned and franchise-operated bakery-cafes. Gift cards sold by either Company-owned bakery-cafes or through wholesalers and redeemed at franchise-operated bakery-cafes reduce the Company's gift card liability but do not result in the recognition of revenue. When gift cards are redeemed at Company-owned bakery-cafes, the Company recognizes revenue and reduces the gift card liability. When the Company determines the likelihood of the gift card being redeemed by the customer is remote ("gift card breakage"), based upon Company-specific historical redemption patterns, and there is no legal obligation to remit the unredeemed gift card balance in the relevant jurisdiction, gift card breakage is recorded as a reduction of general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income; however, such gift cards will continue to be honored. During fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012, the Company recognized gift card breakage as a reduction of general and administrative expenses of $4.9 million, $2.8 million, and $1.8 million respectively. Incremental direct costs related to the sale of gift cards are deferred until the associated gift card is redeemed or breakage is deemed appropriate. These deferred incremental direct costs are reflected as a reduction of the unredeemed gift card liability, net which is a component of accrued expenses in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and, when recognized, as a reduction of bakery-cafe sales, net in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.

Advertising Cost, Policy, Expensed Advertising Cost [Policy Text Block]

Advertising Costs

National advertising fund and marketing administration contributions received from franchise-operated bakery-cafes are consolidated with those from the Company in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Liabilities for unexpended funds received from franchisees are included in accrued expenses in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company’s contributions to the national advertising and marketing administration funds are recorded as part of general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, while the Company’s own local bakery-cafe media costs are recorded as part of other operating expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. The Company’s policy is to record advertising costs as expense in the period in which the costs are incurred. The Company’s advertising costs include national, regional, and local expenditures utilizing primarily radio, billboards, social networking, television, and print. The total amounts recorded as advertising expense were $65.5 million, $55.6 million, and $44.5 million for fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012, respectively.

Start-up Activities, Cost Policy [Policy Text Block]

Pre-Opening Expenses

Pre-opening expenses directly associated with the opening of new bakery-cafe locations, which consists primarily of pre-opening rent expense, labor, and food costs incurred during in-store training and preparation for opening, but exclude manager training costs which are included in labor expense in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, are expensed when incurred.

Lease, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Rent Expense

The Company recognizes rent expense on a straight-line basis over the reasonably assured lease term as defined in the accounting standard for leases. The reasonably assured lease term for most bakery-cafe leases is the initial non-cancelable lease term plus one renewal option period, which generally equates to an aggregate of 15 years. The reasonably assured lease term on most fresh dough facility leases is the initial non-cancelable lease term plus one to two renewal option periods, which generally equates to an aggregate of 20 years. In addition, certain of the Company’s lease agreements provide for scheduled rent increases during the lease terms or for rental payments commencing at a date other than the date of initial occupancy. The Company includes any rent escalations and construction period and other rent holidays in its determination of straight-line rent expense. Therefore, rent expense for new locations is charged to expense beginning on the date at which the Company has the right to control the use of the property. Many of the Company's lease agreements also contain provisions that require additional rental payments based upon net bakery-cafe sales volume, which the Company refers to as contingent rent. Contingent rent is accrued each period as the liability is incurred, in addition to the straight-line rent expense noted above. This results in variability in occupancy expense over the term of the lease in bakery-cafes where the Company pays contingent rent.

The Company records landlord allowances and incentives received as deferred rent in the Consolidated Balance Sheets based on their short-term or long-term nature. This deferred rent is amortized on a straight-line basis over the reasonably assured lease term as a reduction of rent expense. Additionally, payments made by the Company and reimbursed by the landlord for improvements deemed to be lessor assets have no impact on the Statements of Comprehensive Income. The Company considers improvements to be a lessor asset if all of the following criteria are met:

• the lease specifically requires the lessee to make the improvement;

• the improvement is fairly generic;

• the improvement increases the fair value of the property to the lessor; and

• the useful life of the improvement is longer than the lease term.

The Company reports the period to period change in the landlord receivable within the operating activities section of its Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the fiscal year. Diluted earnings per common share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding and dilutive securities outstanding during the year.

Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block]

Foreign Currency Translation

The Company has nine Company-owned bakery-cafes, one Company-owned fresh dough facility, and six franchise-operated bakery-cafes in Canada which use the Canadian Dollar as their functional currency. Assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars using the current exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date, while revenues and expenses are translated at the weighted-average exchange rate during the fiscal period. The resulting translation adjustments are recorded as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity. Gains and losses resulting from foreign currency transactions have not historically been significant and are included in other (income) expense, net in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The carrying amounts of cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and other accrued expenses approximate their fair values due to the short-term nature of these assets and liabilities.

Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block]

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company accounts for stock-based compensation in accordance with the accounting standard for stock-based compensation, which requires the Company to measure and record compensation expense in the Company’s consolidated financial statements for all stock-based compensation awards using a fair value method. The Company maintains several stock-based incentive plans under which the Company may grant incentive stock options, non-statutory stock options and stock settled appreciation rights (collectively, “option awards”) and restricted stock and restricted stock units to certain directors, officers, employees and consultants. The Company also offers a stock purchase plan where employees may purchase the Company’s common stock each calendar quarter through payroll deductions at 85 percent of market value on the purchase date and the Company recognizes compensation expense on the 15 percent discount.

For option awards, fair value is determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, while restricted stock is valued using the closing stock price on the date of grant. The Black-Scholes option pricing model requires the input of subjective assumptions. These assumptions include estimating the expected term until the option awards are either exercised or canceled, the expected volatility of the Company’s stock price, for a period approximating the expected term, the risk-free interest rate with a maturity that approximates the option awards expected term, and the dividend yield based on the Company’s anticipated dividend payout over the expected term of the option awards. These assumptions are evaluated and revised, as necessary, to reflect market conditions and historical experience. Stock-based compensation expense is recognized only for those awards expected to vest, with forfeitures estimated at the date of grant based on historical experience. The fair value of the awards expected to vest is amortized over the vesting period. Options and restricted stock generally vest 25 percent after two years and thereafter 25 percent each year for the next three years and options generally have a six-year term. Stock-based compensation expense is included in general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.

Asset Retirement Obligations, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Asset Retirement Obligations

The Company recognizes the future cost to comply with lease obligations at the end of a lease as it relates to tangible long-lived assets in accordance with the accounting standard for the asset retirement and environmental obligations ("ARO") in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Most lease agreements require the Company to restore the leased property to its original condition, including removal of certain long-lived assets the Company has installed, at the end of the lease. A liability for the fair value of an asset retirement obligation along with a corresponding increase to the carrying value of the related long-lived asset is recorded at the time a lease agreement is executed. The Company amortizes the amount added to property and equipment, net and recognizes accretion expense in connection with the discounted liability over the reasonably assured lease term. The estimated liability is based on the Company’s historical experience in closing bakery-cafes, fresh dough facilities, and support centers and the related external cost associated with these activities. Revisions to the liability could occur due to changes in estimated retirement costs or changes in lease terms. As of December 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company's net ARO asset included in property and equipment, net was $13.3 million and $4.6 million, respectively, and its net ARO liability included in other long-term liabilities was $19.8 million and $10.2 million, respectively. ARO accretion expense was $0.6 million, $0.6 million, and $0.4 million for fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012, respectively.

Consolidation, Variable Interest Entity, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Variable Interest Entities

The Company applies the guidance issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) on accounting for variable interest entities (“VIE”), which defines the process for how an enterprise determines which party consolidates a VIE as primarily a qualitative analysis. The enterprise that consolidates the VIE (the primary beneficiary) is defined as the enterprise with (1) the power to direct activities of the VIE that most significantly affect the VIE’s economic performance and (2) the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE. The Company does not possess any ownership interests in franchise entities or other affiliates. The franchise agreements are designed to provide the franchisee with key decision-making ability to enable it to oversee its operations and to have a significant impact on the success of the franchise, while the Company’s decision-making rights are related to protecting its brand. Based upon its analysis of all the relevant facts and considerations of the franchise entities and other affiliates, the Company has concluded that these entities are not variable interest entities and they have not been consolidated as of December 30, 2014.

New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In August 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-15, “Presentation of Financial Statements - Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40); Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern”. This update requires management of the Company to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. This update is effective for the annual period ending after December 15, 2016, and for annual and interim periods thereafter. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the effect of the standard but its adoption is not expected to have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)”. This update provides a comprehensive new revenue recognition model that requires a company to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to a customer at an amount that reflects the consideration it expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. The guidance also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts. This update is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016, which will require the Company to adopt these provisions in the first quarter of fiscal 2017. Early application is not permitted. This update permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. The Company is evaluating the effect this guidance will have on the Company's consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. The Company has not yet selected a transition method nor has it determined the effect of the standard on its ongoing financial reporting.

In July 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2013-11, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists”. This guidance requires an unrecognized tax benefit related to a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward to be presented as a reduction to a deferred tax asset, unless the tax benefit is not available at the reporting date to settle any additional income taxes under the tax law of the applicable tax jurisdiction. The guidance became effective at the beginning of the Company's first quarter of fiscal 2014 and did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

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Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

12 Months Ended

Dec. 30, 2014

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]

Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Text Block]

Schedule II — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

PANERA BREAD COMPANY

VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

(in thousands)

Description	Balance - Beginning of Period		Additions Charged to Expense		Deductions/Other Additions			Balance - End of Period
Self-insurance reserves:
Fiscal year ended December 25, 2012	$	23,629	$	41,807	$	(36,533	)	$	28,903
Fiscal year ended December 31, 2013	$	28,903	$	46,930	$	(44,288	)	$	31,545
Fiscal year ended December 30, 2014	$	31,545	$	50,729	$	(49,715	)	$	32,559
Deferred tax assets, valuation allowance:
Fiscal year ended December 25, 2012	$	—	$	1,761	$	—		$	1,761
Fiscal year ended December 31, 2013	$	1,761	$	1,412	$	—		$	3,173
Fiscal year ended December 30, 2014	$	3,173	$	1,452	$	—		$	4,625

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Accrued Expenses Accrued Expenses (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Accrued Liabilities, Current [Abstract]
Unredeemed gift cards, net	$ 105,576	$ 86,287
Compensation and related employment taxes	59,442	60,123
Capital expenditures	56,808	41,329
Insurance	32,559	31,545
Taxes, other than income tax	21,068	17,618
Advertising	10,147	5,729
Rent	7,263	5,017
Fresh dough and other product operations	6,812	8,236
Utilities	5,527	5,488
Deferred revenue	5,291	2,852
Customer Loyalty Program Liability, Current	2,525	3,362
Other	20,183	18,206
Total Accrued Expenses	$ 333,201	$ 285,792

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details Textuals) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2014 bakery-cafes periods dough_facilities	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 25, 2012
Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Fiscal Period Number Of Weeks	364 days	371 days	364 days
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	$ 2,057,000
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use	900,000	800,000	300,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance	4,625,000	3,173,000
Receivables [Abstract]
Income Taxes Receivable	33,400,000	22,800,000
Other Receivables	24,500,000	16,900,000
Lease Incentive Receivable	7,000,000	7,100,000
Allowance for Doubtful Other Receivables, Current	100,000	100,000
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net [Abstract]
Capitalized Interest Costs, Including Allowance for Funds Used During Construction	100,000	0	0
Cost of Property Repairs and Maintenance	62,000,000	56,600,000	48,000,000
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract]
Impairment of Intangible Assets, Finite-lived	0	0	0
Insurance Loss Reserves [Abstract]
Self Insurance Reserve	32,600,000	31,500,000
Increase (Decrease) in Self Insurance Reserve	50,700,000	46,900,000	41,800,000
Capitalized Development Costs Incurred	10,400,000	9,600,000	9,000,000
Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense	800,000	800,000
Revenue Recognition [Abstract]
Initial Franchise Fees	35,000
Up Front Franchise Fee	5,000
Franchise Fees	3,600,000	2,200,000	1,900,000
Franchise Revenue	120,100,000	110,500,000	100,200,000
Loyalty Program Liability Term	60 days
Customer Loyalty Program Liability, Current	2,525,000	3,362,000
Revenue Recognition, Gift Cards, Breakage	4,900,000	2,800,000	1,800,000
Advertising Expense	65,500,000	55,600,000	44,500,000
Lease Term Renewal Options Number	1
Bakery-cafe Lease Term (in years)	15 years
FDF Lease Term (in years)	20 years
Bakery Cafe Using Canadian Dollar Functional Currency	9
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Percent of Stock paid by Company (as a percent)	15.00%
Vesting Percentage (as a percent)	25.00%
Capitalized Costs, Asset Retirement Costs	13,300,000	4,600,000
Asset Retirement Obligation	19,800,000	10,200,000
Asset Retirement Obligation, Accretion Expense	600,000	600,000	400,000
Franchise Dough Facility Using Canadian Functional Currency	1
Franchise Bakery-cafes Using Canadian Functional Currency	6
Maximum [Member]
Insurance Loss Reserves [Abstract]
Malpractice Insurance, Deductible	800,000
Lease Agreements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life, Minimum (in years)	1 year
Lease Agreements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life, Minimum (in years)	17 years
Contractual Rights [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life, Minimum (in years)	5 years
Contractual Rights [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life, Minimum (in years)	20 years
Trademarks [Member]
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life, Minimum (in years)	22 years
Franchise Rights [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Revenue Recognition [Abstract]
Franchise Royalty Rate	5.00%
Leasehold Improvements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life, Minimum (in years)	15 years
Leasehold Improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life, Minimum (in years)	20 years
Machinery and Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life, Minimum (in years)	3 years
Machinery and Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life, Minimum (in years)	15 years
Furniture and Fixtures [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life, Minimum (in years)	2 years
Furniture and Fixtures [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life, Minimum (in years)	7 years
Computer Software, Intangible Asset [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life, Minimum (in years)	3 years
Computer Software, Intangible Asset [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life, Minimum (in years)	5 years
1992 Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Percent of Stock paid by Employee (as a percent)	85.00%
Company Bakery Cafe Operations [Member]
Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	$ 2,057,000	$ 0	$ 0

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Business Combination Business Combinations and Divestitures (Tables) (North Carolina Franchise Acquisition [Member])

12 Months Ended

Dec. 30, 2014

North Carolina Franchise Acquisition [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block]

	Pro Forma for the Fiscal Year Ended
	December 25, 2012
Bakery-cafe sales, net	$	1,888,914
Net income	173,763

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Inventories Inventories (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 30, 2014

Inventory, Net [Abstract]

Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block]

	December 30, 2014		December 31, 2013
Food:
Fresh dough facilities:
Raw materials	$	3,413	$	3,377
Finished goods	460		545
Bakery-cafes:
Raw materials	15,152		14,329
Paper goods	3,786		3,665
Total	$	22,811	$	21,916

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 30, 2014

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) and under the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). The consolidated financial statements consist of the accounts of Panera Bread Company and its wholly owned direct and indirect subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Fiscal Year

The Company's fiscal year ends on the last Tuesday in December. The fiscal years ended December 30, 2014 (“fiscal 2014”) and December 25, 2012 (“fiscal 2012”) each had 52 weeks. The fiscal year ended December 31, 2013 (“fiscal 2013”) had 53 weeks with the fourth quarter comprising 14 weeks.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity at the time of purchase of three months or less to be cash equivalents. The Company maintains cash balances with financial institutions that exceed federally insured limits. The Company has not experienced any losses related to these balances and believes credit risk to be minimal.

Investments

Management designates the classification of its investments at the time of purchase based upon its intended holding period. See Note 4 and Note 5 for further information with respect to the Company’s investments.

Trade Accounts Receivable, net and Other Accounts Receivable

Trade accounts receivable, net consists primarily of amounts due to the Company from its franchisees for purchases of fresh dough and other products from the Company’s fresh dough facilities, royalties due to the Company from franchisee sales, and receivables from credit card and catering on-account sales.

As of December 30, 2014, other accounts receivable consisted primarily of $33.4 million due from income tax refunds, $24.5 million due from wholesalers of the Company’s gift cards, and tenant allowances due from landlords of $7.0 million. As of December 31, 2013, other accounts receivable consisted primarily of $22.8 million due from income tax refunds, $16.9 million due from wholesalers of the Company’s gift cards, and tenant allowances due from landlords of $7.1 million.

The Company does not require collateral and maintains reserves for potential uncollectible accounts based on historical losses and existing economic conditions, when relevant. The allowance for doubtful accounts at December 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 was $0.1 million, respectively.

Inventories

Inventories, which consist of food products, paper goods, and supplies, are valued at the lower of cost or market, with cost determined under the first-in, first-out method.

Property and Equipment, net

Property, equipment, leasehold improvements, and land are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Leasehold improvements are depreciated using the straight-line method over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the related reasonably assured lease term. Costs incurred in connection with the development of internal-use software are capitalized in accordance with the accounting standard for internal-use software, and are amortized over the expected useful life of the software. The estimated useful lives used for financial statement purposes are:

Leasehold improvements	15	-	20	years
Machinery and equipment	3	-	15	years
Furniture and fixtures	2	-	7	years
Computer hardware and software	3	-	5	years

Interest, to the extent it is incurred in connection with the construction of new locations or facilities, is capitalized. The capitalized interest is recorded as part of the asset to which it relates and is amortized over the asset’s estimated useful life. Interest incurred for such purposes during fiscal 2014 was $0.1 million. No interest was incurred for such purposes in fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012.

Upon retirement or sale, the cost of assets disposed and their related accumulated depreciation are removed from the Company’s accounts. Any resulting gain or loss is credited or charged to operations. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense when incurred, while certain improvements are capitalized. The total amounts expensed for maintenance and repairs was $62.0 million, $56.6 million, and $48.0 million, for fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012, respectively.

Goodwill

The Company evaluates goodwill for impairment on an annual basis during the fourth quarter, or more frequently if circumstances indicate impairment might exist. Goodwill is evaluated for impairment through the comparison of the fair value of reporting units to their carrying values. When evaluating goodwill for impairment, the Company may first perform an assessment of qualitative factors to determine if the fair value of the reporting unit is more-likely-than-not greater than its carrying amount. This qualitative assessment is referred to as a “step zero” approach.  If, based on the review of the qualitative factors, the Company determines it is not more-likely-than-not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, the Company bypasses the required two-step impairment test. If the Company does not perform a qualitative assessment or if the fair value of the reporting unit is not more-likely- than-not greater than its carrying value, the Company performs the first step (“step one”) of the two-step impairment test and calculates the estimated fair value of the reporting unit. If the carrying value of goodwill exceeds the estimated fair value, there is an indication that impairment may exist and the second step must be performed to measure the amount of impairment loss. The amount of impairment is determined by comparing the implied fair value of reporting unit goodwill to the carrying value of the goodwill in the same manner as if the reporting unit was being acquired in a business combination. If the implied fair value of goodwill is less than the recorded goodwill, the Company would record an impairment loss for the difference.

In considering the step zero approach to testing goodwill for impairment, the Company performs a qualitative analysis evaluating factors including, but not limited to, macro-economic conditions, market and industry conditions, internal cost factors, competitive environment, share price fluctuations, results of past impairment tests, and the operational stability and the overall financial performance of the reporting units. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014, the Company utilized a qualitative assessment for reporting units where no significant change occurred and no potential impairment indicators existed since the previous annual evaluation of goodwill, and concluded it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value was more than its carrying value on a reporting unit basis. Using these criteria, one reporting unit, the reporting unit for the Company's Canadian bakery-cafe operations, was excluded from the qualitative assessment.

In considering the step one approach to testing goodwill for impairment, the Company utilized a quantitative assessment to test goodwill for impairment for the Canadian reporting unit during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014. The fair value of a reporting unit is the price a willing buyer would pay for the reporting unit and is estimated using a discounted cash flow model. The Company's discounted cash flow estimate was based upon, among other things, certain assumptions about expected future operating performance, such as revenue growth rates, operating margins, risk-adjusted discount rates, and future economic and market conditions. The Company determined the carrying value of the Canadian reporting unit exceeded its fair value and thus step two of the goodwill impairment test was completed. The step two analysis indicated the entire balance of goodwill for the Canadian reporting unit was impaired and the Company recorded a full goodwill impairment charge of $2.1 million.  This charge was recorded in other (income) expense, net in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.

Other Intangible Assets, net

Other intangible assets, net consist primarily of favorable lease agreements, re-acquired territory rights, and trademarks. The Company amortizes the fair value of favorable lease agreements over the remaining related lease terms at the time of the acquisition, which ranged from approximately one year to 17 years as of December 30, 2014. The fair value of re-acquired territory rights was based on the present value of the acquired bakery-cafe cash flows. The Company amortizes the fair value of re-acquired territory rights over the remaining contractual terms of the re-acquired territory rights at the time of the acquisition, which ranged from approximately five years to 20 years as of December 30, 2014. The fair value of trademarks is amortized over their estimated useful life of 22 years.

The Company reviews intangible assets with finite lives for impairment when events or circumstances indicate these assets might be impaired. When warranted, the Company tests intangible assets with finite lives for impairment using historical cash flows and other relevant facts and circumstances as the primary basis for an estimate of future cash flows. There were no other intangible asset impairment charges recorded during fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012. There can be no assurance that future intangible asset impairment tests will not result in a charge to earnings.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

The Company evaluates whether events and circumstances have occurred that indicate the remaining estimated useful life of long-lived assets may warrant revision or that the remaining balance of an asset may not be recoverable. The Company compares anticipated undiscounted cash flows from the related long-lived assets of a bakery-cafe or fresh dough facility with their respective carrying values to determine if the long-lived assets are recoverable. If the sum of the anticipated undiscounted cash flows for the long-lived assets is less than their carrying value, an impairment loss is recognized for the difference between the anticipated discounted cash flows, which approximates fair value, and the carrying value of the long-lived assets. In performing this analysis, management estimates cash flows based upon, among other things, certain assumptions about expected future operating performance, such as revenue growth rates, operating margins, risk-adjusted discount rates, and future economic and market conditions. Estimates of cash flow may differ from actual cash flow due to, among other things, economic conditions, changes to the Company's business model or changes in operating performance. The long-term financial forecasts that management utilizes represent the best estimate that management has at this time and management believes that the underlying assumptions are reasonable.

The Company recognized impairment losses of $0.9 million, $0.8 million, and $0.3 million during fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012, respectively, related to distinct, underperforming Company-owned bakery-cafes. These losses were recorded in other operating expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.

Self-Insurance Reserves

The Company is self-insured for a significant portion of its workers’ compensation, group health, and general, auto, and property liability insurance with varying deductibles of as much as $0.8 million for individual claims, depending on the type of claim. The Company also purchases aggregate stop-loss and/or layers of loss insurance in many categories of loss. The Company utilizes third party actuarial experts’ estimates of expected losses based on statistical analyses of historical industry data, as well as its own estimates based on the Company’s actual historical data to determine required self-insurance reserves. The assumptions are closely reviewed, monitored, and adjusted when warranted by changing circumstances. The estimated accruals for these liabilities could be affected if actual experience related to the number of claims and cost per claim differs from these assumptions and historical trends. Based on information known at December 30, 2014, the Company believes it has provided adequate reserves for its self-insurance exposure. As of December 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, self-insurance reserves were $32.6 million and $31.5 million, respectively, and were included in accrued expenses in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The total amounts expensed for self-insurance were $50.7 million, $46.9 million, and $41.8 million for fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012, respectively.

Income Taxes

The Company recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted income tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Any effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities from a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance is recognized if the Company determines it is more likely than not that all or some portion of the deferred tax asset will not be recognized. As of December 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 the Company had recorded a valuation allowance related to deferred tax assets of the Company's Canadian operations of $4.6 million and $3.2 million, respectively.

In accordance with the authoritative guidance on income taxes, the Company establishes additional provisions for income taxes when, despite the belief that tax positions are fully supportable, there remain certain positions that do not meet the minimum probability threshold, which is a tax position that is more likely than not to be sustained upon ultimate settlement with tax authorities assuming full knowledge of the position and all relevant facts. In the normal course of business, the Company and its subsidiaries are examined by various federal, state, foreign, and other tax authorities. The Company regularly assesses the potential outcomes of these examinations and any future examinations for the current or prior years in determining the adequacy of its provision for income taxes. The Company routinely assesses the likelihood and amount of potential adjustments and adjusts the income tax provision, the current tax liability and deferred taxes in the period in which the facts that give rise to a revision become known. The Company classifies estimated interest and penalties related to the unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income taxes in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.

Capitalization of Certain Development Costs

The Company has elected to account for construction costs in accordance with the accounting standard for real estate in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The Company capitalizes direct costs clearly associated with the acquisition, development, design, and construction of bakery-cafe locations and fresh dough facilities as these costs have a future benefit to the Company. The types of specifically identifiable costs capitalized by the Company include primarily payroll and payroll related taxes and benefit costs incurred by those individuals directly involved in development activities, including the acquisition, development, design, and construction of bakery-cafes and fresh dough facilities. The Company does not consider for capitalization payroll or payroll-related costs incurred by individuals that do not directly support the acquisition, development, design, and construction of bakery-cafes and fresh dough facilities. The Company uses an activity-based methodology to determine the amount of costs incurred for Company-owned projects, which are capitalized, and those for franchise-operated projects and general and administrative activities, which both are expensed as incurred. If the Company subsequently makes a determination that sites for which development costs have been capitalized will not be acquired or developed, any previously capitalized development costs are expensed and included in general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.

The Company capitalized $10.4 million, $9.6 million, and $9.0 million of direct costs related to the development of Company-owned bakery-cafes during fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012, respectively. The Company amortizes capitalized development costs for each bakery-cafe and fresh dough facility using the straight-line method over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the related reasonably assured lease term and includes such amounts in depreciation and amortization in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. In addition, the Company assesses the recoverability of capitalized costs through the performance of impairment analyses on an individual bakery-cafe and fresh dough facility basis pursuant to the accounting standard for property and equipment, net specifically related to the accounting for the impairment or disposal of long-lived assets.

Deferred Financing Costs

Debt issuance costs incurred in connection with the issuance of long-term debt are capitalized and amortized to interest expense based on the related debt agreement using the straight-line method, which approximates the effective interest method. The unamortized amounts are included in deposits and other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and were $0.8 million at both December 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.

Revenue Recognition

The Company records revenues from bakery-cafe sales upon delivery of the related food and other products to the customer. Revenues from fresh dough and other product sales to franchisees are recorded upon delivery to the franchisees. Sales of soup and other branded products outside of the Company's bakery-cafes are recognized upon delivery to customers.

Franchise fees are the result of the sale of area development rights and the sale of individual franchise locations to third parties. The initial franchise fee is generally $35,000 per bakery-cafe to be developed under an Area Development Agreement, or ADA. Of this fee, $5,000 is generally paid at the time of the signing of the ADA and is recognized as revenue when it is received as it is non-refundable and the Company has to perform no other service to earn this fee. The remainder of the fee is paid at the time an individual franchise agreement is signed and is recognized as revenue upon the opening of the bakery-cafe. Franchise fees also include information technology-related fees for access to and the usage of proprietary systems. Franchise fees were $3.6 million, $2.2 million, and $1.9 million for fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012, respectively. Royalties are generally paid weekly based on the percentage of franchisee sales specified in each ADA (generally five percent of net sales). Royalties are recognized as revenue when they are earned. Royalties were $120.1 million, $110.5 million, and $100.2 million for fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012, respectively.

The Company maintains a customer loyalty program referred to as MyPanera in which customers earn rewards based on registration in the program and purchases within Panera Bread bakery-cafes. The Company records the full retail value of loyalty program rewards as a reduction of net bakery-cafe sales and a liability is established within accrued expenses in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as rewards are earned while considering historical redemption rates. Fully earned rewards generally expire if unredeemed after 60 days. Partially earned awards generally expire if inactive for a period of one year. The accrued liability related to the Company’s loyalty program was $2.5 million and $3.4 million as of December 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. Costs associated with coupons are classified as a reduction of net bakery-cafe sales in the period in which the coupon is redeemed.

The Company sells gift cards that do not have an expiration date and from which the Company does not deduct non-usage fees from outstanding gift card balances. Gift cards are redeemable at both Company-owned and franchise-operated bakery-cafes. Gift cards sold by either Company-owned bakery-cafes or through wholesalers and redeemed at franchise-operated bakery-cafes reduce the Company's gift card liability but do not result in the recognition of revenue. When gift cards are redeemed at Company-owned bakery-cafes, the Company recognizes revenue and reduces the gift card liability. When the Company determines the likelihood of the gift card being redeemed by the customer is remote ("gift card breakage"), based upon Company-specific historical redemption patterns, and there is no legal obligation to remit the unredeemed gift card balance in the relevant jurisdiction, gift card breakage is recorded as a reduction of general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income; however, such gift cards will continue to be honored. During fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012, the Company recognized gift card breakage as a reduction of general and administrative expenses of $4.9 million, $2.8 million, and $1.8 million respectively. Incremental direct costs related to the sale of gift cards are deferred until the associated gift card is redeemed or breakage is deemed appropriate. These deferred incremental direct costs are reflected as a reduction of the unredeemed gift card liability, net which is a component of accrued expenses in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and, when recognized, as a reduction of bakery-cafe sales, net in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.

Advertising Costs

National advertising fund and marketing administration contributions received from franchise-operated bakery-cafes are consolidated with those from the Company in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Liabilities for unexpended funds received from franchisees are included in accrued expenses in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company’s contributions to the national advertising and marketing administration funds are recorded as part of general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, while the Company’s own local bakery-cafe media costs are recorded as part of other operating expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. The Company’s policy is to record advertising costs as expense in the period in which the costs are incurred. The Company’s advertising costs include national, regional, and local expenditures utilizing primarily radio, billboards, social networking, television, and print. The total amounts recorded as advertising expense were $65.5 million, $55.6 million, and $44.5 million for fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012, respectively.

Pre-Opening Expenses

Pre-opening expenses directly associated with the opening of new bakery-cafe locations, which consists primarily of pre-opening rent expense, labor, and food costs incurred during in-store training and preparation for opening, but exclude manager training costs which are included in labor expense in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, are expensed when incurred.

Rent Expense

The Company recognizes rent expense on a straight-line basis over the reasonably assured lease term as defined in the accounting standard for leases. The reasonably assured lease term for most bakery-cafe leases is the initial non-cancelable lease term plus one renewal option period, which generally equates to an aggregate of 15 years. The reasonably assured lease term on most fresh dough facility leases is the initial non-cancelable lease term plus one to two renewal option periods, which generally equates to an aggregate of 20 years. In addition, certain of the Company’s lease agreements provide for scheduled rent increases during the lease terms or for rental payments commencing at a date other than the date of initial occupancy. The Company includes any rent escalations and construction period and other rent holidays in its determination of straight-line rent expense. Therefore, rent expense for new locations is charged to expense beginning on the date at which the Company has the right to control the use of the property. Many of the Company's lease agreements also contain provisions that require additional rental payments based upon net bakery-cafe sales volume, which the Company refers to as contingent rent. Contingent rent is accrued each period as the liability is incurred, in addition to the straight-line rent expense noted above. This results in variability in occupancy expense over the term of the lease in bakery-cafes where the Company pays contingent rent.

The Company records landlord allowances and incentives received as deferred rent in the Consolidated Balance Sheets based on their short-term or long-term nature. This deferred rent is amortized on a straight-line basis over the reasonably assured lease term as a reduction of rent expense. Additionally, payments made by the Company and reimbursed by the landlord for improvements deemed to be lessor assets have no impact on the Statements of Comprehensive Income. The Company considers improvements to be a lessor asset if all of the following criteria are met:

• the lease specifically requires the lessee to make the improvement;

• the improvement is fairly generic;

• the improvement increases the fair value of the property to the lessor; and

• the useful life of the improvement is longer than the lease term.

The Company reports the period to period change in the landlord receivable within the operating activities section of its Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the fiscal year. Diluted earnings per common share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding and dilutive securities outstanding during the year.

Foreign Currency Translation

The Company has nine Company-owned bakery-cafes, one Company-owned fresh dough facility, and six franchise-operated bakery-cafes in Canada which use the Canadian Dollar as their functional currency. Assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars using the current exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date, while revenues and expenses are translated at the weighted-average exchange rate during the fiscal period. The resulting translation adjustments are recorded as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity. Gains and losses resulting from foreign currency transactions have not historically been significant and are included in other (income) expense, net in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The carrying amounts of cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and other accrued expenses approximate their fair values due to the short-term nature of these assets and liabilities.

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company accounts for stock-based compensation in accordance with the accounting standard for stock-based compensation, which requires the Company to measure and record compensation expense in the Company’s consolidated financial statements for all stock-based compensation awards using a fair value method. The Company maintains several stock-based incentive plans under which the Company may grant incentive stock options, non-statutory stock options and stock settled appreciation rights (collectively, “option awards”) and restricted stock and restricted stock units to certain directors, officers, employees and consultants. The Company also offers a stock purchase plan where employees may purchase the Company’s common stock each calendar quarter through payroll deductions at 85 percent of market value on the purchase date and the Company recognizes compensation expense on the 15 percent discount.

For option awards, fair value is determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, while restricted stock is valued using the closing stock price on the date of grant. The Black-Scholes option pricing model requires the input of subjective assumptions. These assumptions include estimating the expected term until the option awards are either exercised or canceled, the expected volatility of the Company’s stock price, for a period approximating the expected term, the risk-free interest rate with a maturity that approximates the option awards expected term, and the dividend yield based on the Company’s anticipated dividend payout over the expected term of the option awards. These assumptions are evaluated and revised, as necessary, to reflect market conditions and historical experience. Stock-based compensation expense is recognized only for those awards expected to vest, with forfeitures estimated at the date of grant based on historical experience. The fair value of the awards expected to vest is amortized over the vesting period. Options and restricted stock generally vest 25 percent after two years and thereafter 25 percent each year for the next three years and options generally have a six-year term. Stock-based compensation expense is included in general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.

Asset Retirement Obligations

The Company recognizes the future cost to comply with lease obligations at the end of a lease as it relates to tangible long-lived assets in accordance with the accounting standard for the asset retirement and environmental obligations ("ARO") in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Most lease agreements require the Company to restore the leased property to its original condition, including removal of certain long-lived assets the Company has installed, at the end of the lease. A liability for the fair value of an asset retirement obligation along with a corresponding increase to the carrying value of the related long-lived asset is recorded at the time a lease agreement is executed. The Company amortizes the amount added to property and equipment, net and recognizes accretion expense in connection with the discounted liability over the reasonably assured lease term. The estimated liability is based on the Company’s historical experience in closing bakery-cafes, fresh dough facilities, and support centers and the related external cost associated with these activities. Revisions to the liability could occur due to changes in estimated retirement costs or changes in lease terms. As of December 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company's net ARO asset included in property and equipment, net was $13.3 million and $4.6 million, respectively, and its net ARO liability included in other long-term liabilities was $19.8 million and $10.2 million, respectively. ARO accretion expense was $0.6 million, $0.6 million, and $0.4 million for fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012, respectively.

Variable Interest Entities

The Company applies the guidance issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) on accounting for variable interest entities (“VIE”), which defines the process for how an enterprise determines which party consolidates a VIE as primarily a qualitative analysis. The enterprise that consolidates the VIE (the primary beneficiary) is defined as the enterprise with (1) the power to direct activities of the VIE that most significantly affect the VIE’s economic performance and (2) the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE. The Company does not possess any ownership interests in franchise entities or other affiliates. The franchise agreements are designed to provide the franchisee with key decision-making ability to enable it to oversee its operations and to have a significant impact on the success of the franchise, while the Company’s decision-making rights are related to protecting its brand. Based upon its analysis of all the relevant facts and considerations of the franchise entities and other affiliates, the Company has concluded that these entities are not variable interest entities and they have not been consolidated as of December 30, 2014.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In August 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-15, “Presentation of Financial Statements - Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40); Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern”. This update requires management of the Company to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. This update is effective for the annual period ending after December 15, 2016, and for annual and interim periods thereafter. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the effect of the standard but its adoption is not expected to have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)”. This update provides a comprehensive new revenue recognition model that requires a company to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to a customer at an amount that reflects the consideration it expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. The guidance also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts. This update is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016, which will require the Company to adopt these provisions in the first quarter of fiscal 2017. Early application is not permitted. This update permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. The Company is evaluating the effect this guidance will have on the Company's consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. The Company has not yet selected a transition method nor has it determined the effect of the standard on its ongoing financial reporting.

In July 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2013-11, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists”. This guidance requires an unrecognized tax benefit related to a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward to be presented as a reduction to a deferred tax asset, unless the tax benefit is not available at the reporting date to settle any additional income taxes under the tax law of the applicable tax jurisdiction. The guidance became effective at the beginning of the Company's first quarter of fiscal 2014 and did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

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Property and Equipment Property and Equipment (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 30, 2014

Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]

Schedule of Property Plant And Equipment [Table Text Block]

	December 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
Leasehold improvements	$	693,503		$	607,472
Machinery and equipment	340,854			305,060
Furniture and fixtures	167,383			149,445
Computer hardware and software	137,663			87,316
Construction in progress	99,255			80,108
Smallwares	29,841			27,031
Land	2,060			2,856
	1,470,559			1,259,288
Less: accumulated depreciation	(683,265		)	(589,879		)
Property and equipment, net	$	787,294		$	669,409

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Earnings Per Share Earnings Per Share (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 30, 2014

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]

	For the fiscal year ended
	December 30, 2014		December 31, 2013		December 25, 2012
Amounts used for basic and diluted per share calculations:
Net income	$	179,293	$	196,169	$	173,448
Weighted average number of shares outstanding — basic	26,881		28,629		29,217
Effect of dilutive stock-based employee compensation awards	118		165		238
Weighted average number of shares outstanding — diluted	26,999		28,794		29,455
Earnings per common share:
Basic	$	6.67	$	6.85	$	5.94
Diluted	$	6.64	$	6.81	$	5.89

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Goodwill Goodwill (Detail Textuals) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 25, 2012
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	$ (2,057,000)
Company Bakery Cafe Operations [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	$ (2,057,000)	$ 0	$ 0

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Earnings Per Share Earnings Per Share (Details Textuals) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 25, 2012
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	0.1	0.1	0.1

XML

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 196,493,000	$ 125,245,000
Trade accounts receivable, net	36,584,000	32,965,000
Other accounts receivable	70,069,000	51,637,000
Inventories	22,811,000	21,916,000
Prepaid expenses and other	51,588,000	43,064,000
Deferred income taxes	28,621,000	27,889,000
Total current assets	406,166,000	302,716,000
Property and equipment, net	787,294,000	669,409,000
Other assets:
Goodwill	120,778,000	123,013,000
Other intangible assets, net	70,940,000	79,768,000
Deposits Assets, Noncurrent	5,724,000	5,956,000
Total other assets	197,442,000	208,737,000
Total assets	1,390,902,000	1,180,862,000
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	19,511,000	17,533,000
Accrued expenses	333,201,000	285,792,000
Total current liabilities	352,712,000	303,325,000
Long-term debt	100,000,000	0
Deferred rent	67,390,000	65,974,000
Deferred income taxes	76,589,000	65,398,000
Other long-term liabilities	58,027,000	46,273,000
Total liabilities	654,718,000	480,970,000
Commitments and contingencies (Note 13)
Common stock, $.0001 par value:
Treasury stock, carried at cost; 5,260,744 shares at December 30, 2014 and 4,283,405 shares at December 31, 2013	(706,073,000)	(546,570,000)
Preferred stock, $.0001 par value per share; 2,000,000 shares authorized and no shares issued or outstanding at December 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013	0	0
Additional paid-in capital	214,437,000	196,908,000
Accumulated other comprehensive income	(1,360,000)	(333,000)
Retained earnings	1,229,177,000	1,049,884,000
Total stockholders' equity	736,184,000	699,892,000
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	1,390,902,000	1,180,862,000
Common Stock Class A [Member]
Common stock, $.0001 par value:
Common Stock	3,000	3,000
Common Class B [Member]
Common stock, $.0001 par value:
Common Stock	$ 0	$ 0

XML

Business Combination Business Combinations and Divestitures (Details) (North Carolina Franchise Acquisition [Member], USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
North Carolina Franchise Acquisition [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Bakery-cafe sales, net	$ 1,888,914
Net income	$ 173,763

XML

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 25, 2012	Dec. 30, 2014
Beginning Balance	$ 699,892,000	$ 821,919,000	$ 655,076,000	$ 736,184,000
Comprehensive income:
Net Income	179,293,000	196,169,000	173,448,000
Other comprehensive (loss) income	(1,027,000)	(1,005,000)	364,000
Comprehensive income	178,266,000	195,164,000	173,812,000
Issuance of common stock	3,247,000	2,841,000	2,462,000
Issuance of Restricted Stock, Net of Forfeitures	0	0	0
Exercise of employee stock options	1,117,000	575,000	4,455,000
Stock-based Compensation Expense	10,077,000	10,703,000	9,094,000
Conversion of Class B to Class A	0	0	0
Exercise of SSARs, value	(1,000)	(1,000)	(1,000)
Repurchase of common stock	(941,878)
Repurchase of common stock	159,503,000	339,409,000	31,566,000
Tax Benefit from Exercise of Stock Options	3,089,000	8,100,000	8,587,000
Common Stock [Member] | Common Stock Class A [Member]
Beginning Balance	3,000	3,000	3,000	3,000
Beginning Balance, Shares (in shares)	26,290,000	28,209,000	28,266,000	25,443,000
Comprehensive income:
Issuance of common stock	0	0	0
Issuance of common stock (in shares)	23,000	20,000	20,000
Issuance of Restricted Stock, Net of Forfeitures	0	0	0
Issuance of Restricted Stock, net of forfeitures (in shares)	82,000	78,000	28,000
Exercise of employee stock options	0	0	0
Exercise of employee stock options (in shares)	23,000	12,000	96,000
Conversion of Class B to Class A	0	0	0
Conversion of Class B to Class A	0	2,000	0
Exercise of SSARs, shares	3,000	2,000	1,000
Exercise of SSARs, value	0	0	0
Repurchase of common stock	(978,000)	(2,033,000)	(202,000)
Repurchase of common stock	0	0	0
Common Stock [Member] | Common Stock Class B [Member]
Beginning Balance	0	0	0	0
Beginning Balance, Shares (in shares)	1,382,000	1,384,000	1,384,000	1,382,000
Comprehensive income:
Issuance of common stock	0	0	0
Issuance of common stock (in shares)	0	0	0
Issuance of Restricted Stock, Net of Forfeitures	0	0	0
Issuance of Restricted Stock, net of forfeitures (in shares)	0	0	0
Exercise of employee stock options	0	0	0
Exercise of employee stock options (in shares)	0	0	0
Conversion of Class B to Class A	0	0	0
Conversion of Class B to Class A	0	(2,000)	0
Exercise of SSARs, shares	0	0	0
Exercise of SSARs, value	0	0	0
Repurchase of common stock	0	0	0
Repurchase of common stock	0	0	0
Treasury Stock [Member]
Beginning Balance	(546,570,000)	(207,161,000)	(175,595,000)	(706,073,000)
Beginning Balance, Shares (in shares)	4,283,000	2,250,000	2,048,000	5,261,000
Comprehensive income:
Issuance of common stock	0	0	0
Issuance of common stock (in shares)	0	0	0
Issuance of Restricted Stock, Net of Forfeitures	0	0	0
Issuance of Restricted Stock, net of forfeitures (in shares)	0	0	0
Exercise of employee stock options	0	0	0
Exercise of employee stock options (in shares)	0	0	0
Conversion of Class B to Class A	0	0	0
Conversion of Class B to Class A	0	0	0
Exercise of SSARs, shares	0	0	0
Exercise of SSARs, value	0	0	0
Repurchase of common stock	159,503,000	339,409,000	31,566,000
Repurchase of common stock	978,000	2,033,000	202,000
Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]
Beginning Balance	196,908,000	174,690,000	150,093,000	214,437,000
Comprehensive income:
Net Income	0	0	0
Other comprehensive (loss) income	0	0	0
Issuance of common stock	3,247,000	2,841,000	2,462,000
Issuance of Restricted Stock, Net of Forfeitures	0	0	0
Exercise of employee stock options	1,117,000	575,000	4,455,000
Stock-based Compensation Expense	10,077,000	10,703,000	9,094,000
Conversion of Class B to Class A	0	0	0
Exercise of SSARs, value	(1,000)	(1,000)	(1,000)
Repurchase of common stock	0	0	0
Tax Benefit from Exercise of Stock Options	3,089,000	8,100,000	8,587,000
Retained Earnings [Member]
Beginning Balance	1,049,884,000	853,715,000	680,267,000	1,229,177,000
Comprehensive income:
Net Income	179,293,000	196,169,000	173,448,000
Other comprehensive (loss) income	0	0	0
Issuance of common stock	0	0	0
Issuance of Restricted Stock, Net of Forfeitures	0	0	0
Exercise of employee stock options	0	0	0
Stock-based Compensation Expense	0	0	0
Conversion of Class B to Class A	0	0	0
Exercise of SSARs, value	0	0	0
Repurchase of common stock	0	0	0
Tax Benefit from Exercise of Stock Options	0	0	0
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
Beginning Balance	(333,000)	672,000	308,000	(1,360,000)
Comprehensive income:
Net Income	0	0	0
Other comprehensive (loss) income	(1,027,000)	(1,005,000)	364,000
Issuance of common stock	0	0	0
Issuance of Restricted Stock, Net of Forfeitures	0	0	0
Exercise of employee stock options	0	0	0
Stock-based Compensation Expense	0	0	0
Conversion of Class B to Class A	0	0	0
Exercise of SSARs, value	0	0	0
Repurchase of common stock	0	0	0
Tax Benefit from Exercise of Stock Options	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

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Commitments and Contingencies Operating Leases (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 30, 2014
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months	$ 146,357
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years	146,009
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years	143,843
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years	140,961
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years	134,190
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter	692,745
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due	$ 1,404,105

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Accrued Expenses Accrued Expenses (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 30, 2014

Accrued Liabilities, Current [Abstract]

Schedule of Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block]

	December 30, 2014		December 31, 2013
Unredeemed gift cards, net	$	105,576	$	86,287
Compensation and related employment taxes	59,442		60,123
Capital expenditures	56,808		41,329
Insurance	32,559		31,545
Taxes, other than income tax	21,068		17,618
Advertising	10,147		5,729
Occupancy costs	7,263		5,017
Fresh dough and other product operations	6,812		8,236
Utilities	5,527		5,488
Deferred revenue	5,291		2,852
Loyalty program	2,525		3,362
Other	20,183		18,206
Total	$	333,201	$	285,792

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Stockholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity (Details Textuals) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 25, 2012
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued	0	0
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	0	0
Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share	$ 163.62
Common Stock Class A [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common Stock Voting Rights Number	1
Common Stock, Capital Shares Reserved for Future Issuance (in shares)	2,240,406
Common Stock Class B [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common Stock Voting Rights Number	3
Common Stock Conversion Ratio	1
Common Stock [Member] | Common Stock Class B [Member] | Board of Directors Chairman [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Percentage of Shares Owned By Chairman	94.90%
Restricted Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Treasury Shares Acquired Surrendered by Participants	35,461	41,601	42,100
Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share	$ 151.17	$ 172.79	$ 156.53

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Stock Based Compensation

12 Months Ended

Dec. 30, 2014

Share-based Compensation [Abstract]

Stock-Based Compensation [Text Block]

Stock-Based Compensation

As of December 30, 2014, the Company had one active stock-based compensation plan, the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2006 Plan”), and had incentive stock options, non-statutory stock options and stock settled appreciation rights (collectively “option awards”) and restricted stock outstanding (but can make no future grants) under two other stock-based compensation plans, the 1992 Equity Incentive Plan (the “1992 Plan”) and the 2001 Employee, Director, and Consultant Stock Option Plan (the “2001 Plan”).

2006 Stock Incentive Plan

In fiscal 2006, the Company’s Board of Directors adopted the 2006 Plan, which was approved by the Company’s stockholders in May 2006. The 2006 Plan provided for the grant of up to 1,500,000 shares of the Company’s Class A common stock (subject to adjustment in the event of stock splits or other similar events) as option awards, restricted stock, restricted stock units, and other stock-based awards. Effective May 13, 2010, the 2006 Plan was amended to increase the number of the Company’s Class A common stock shares available to grant to 2,300,000. As a result of stockholder approval of the 2006 Plan, effective as of May 25, 2006, the Company will grant no further stock options, restricted stock or other awards under the 2001 Plan or the 1992 Plan. The Company’s Board of Directors administers the 2006 Plan and has sole discretion to grant awards under the 2006 Plan. The Company’s Board of Directors has delegated the authority to grant awards under the 2006 Plan, other than to the Company’s Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, to the Company’s Compensation and Management Development Committee (the “Compensation Committee”).

Long-Term Incentive Program

In fiscal 2005, the Company adopted the 2005 Long Term Incentive Plan (the “2005 LTIP”) as a sub-plan under the 2001 Plan and the 1992 Plan. In May 2006, the Company amended the 2005 LTIP to provide that the 2005 LTIP is a sub-plan under the 2006 Plan. Under the amended 2005 LTIP, certain directors, officers, employees, and consultants, subject to approval by the Compensation Committee, may be selected as participants eligible to receive a percentage of their annual salary in future years, subject to the terms of the 2006 Plan. This percentage is based on the participant's level in the Company. In addition, the payment of this incentive can be made in several forms based on the participant's level including performance awards (payable in cash or common stock or some combination of cash and common stock as determined by the Compensation Committee), restricted stock, choice awards of restricted stock or options, or deferred annual bonus match awards. On July 23, 2009, the Compensation Committee further amended the 2005 LTIP to permit the Company to grant stock settled appreciation rights (“SSARs”) under the choice awards and to clarify that the Compensation Committee may consider the Company’s performance relative to the performance of its peers in determining the payout of performance awards, as further discussed below. For fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012, compensation expense related to performance awards, restricted stock, options, SSARs, and deferred annual bonus match was $11.1 million, $16.0 million, and $16.7 million, net of capitalized compensation expense of $1.1 million, $0.9 million, and $1.0 million, respectively.

Performance awards under the 2005 LTIP are earned by participants based on achievement of performance goals established by the Compensation Committee. The performance period relating to the performance awards is a three-fiscal-year period. The performance goals, including each performance metric, weighting of each metric, and award levels for each metric, for such awards are communicated to each participant and are based on various predetermined earnings metrics. The performance awards are earned based on achievement of predetermined earnings performance metrics at the end of the three-fiscal-year performance period, assuming continued employment, and after the Compensation Committee’s consideration of the Company’s performance relative to the performance of its peers. The performance awards range from 0 percent to 300 percent of the participant's salary based on their level in the Company and the level of achievement of each performance metric. However, the actual award payment will be adjusted, based on the Company’s performance over a three-consecutive fiscal year measurement period, and any other factors as determined by the Compensation Committee. The actual award payment for the performance award component could double the individual’s targeted award payment, if the Company achieves maximum performance in all of its performance metrics, subject to any adjustments as determined by the Compensation Committee. The performance awards are payable 50 percent in cash and 50 percent in common stock or some combination of cash and common stock as determined by the Compensation Committee. For fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012, compensation expense related to the performance awards was $1.2 million, $4.3 million, and $6.3 million, net of capitalized compensation expense of $0.1 million, $0.2 million, and $0.3 million, respectively.

Restricted stock of the Company under the 2005 LTIP is granted at no cost to participants. While participants are generally entitled to voting rights with respect to their respective shares of restricted stock, participants are generally not entitled to receive accrued cash dividends, if any, on restricted stock unless and until such shares have vested. The Company does not currently pay a dividend, and has no current plans to do so. For awards of restricted stock granted to date under the 2005 LTIP, restrictions generally limit the sale or transfer of these shares during a five year period whereby the restrictions lapse on 25 percent of these shares after two years and thereafter 25 percent each year for the next three years, subject to continued employment with the Company. In the event a participant is no longer employed by the Company, any unvested shares of restricted stock held by that participant will be forfeited. Upon issuance of restricted stock under the 2005 LTIP, unearned compensation is recorded at fair value on the date of grant to stockholders’ equity and subsequently amortized to expense over the five year restriction period. The fair value of restricted stock is based on the market value of the Company’s stock on the grant date. As of December 30, 2014, there was $39.1 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted stock included in additional paid-in capital in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. This unrecognized compensation cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 3.7 years. For fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012, restricted stock expense was $8.3 million, $9.2 million and $7.6 million, net of capitalized compensation expense of $0.9 million, $0.6 million, and $0.5 million, respectively. For fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012, the income tax benefit related to restricted stock expense was $3.3 million, $3.4 million, and $3.0 million, respectively.

A summary of the status of the Company’s restricted stock activity is set forth below:

	Restricted Stock (in thousands)		Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Non-vested at December 31, 2013	351		$	124.26
Granted	117		150.14
Vested	(106	)	92.47
Forfeited	(37	)	137.75
Non-vested at December 30, 2014	325		$	142.41

Under the deferred annual bonus match award portion of the 2005 LTIP, eligible participants received an additional 50 percent of their annual bonus, which was to be paid three years after the date of the original bonus payment provided the participant was still employed by the Company. For fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012, compensation expense related to deferred annual bonus match awards was $1.3 million, $2.1 million, and $2.3 million, net of capitalized compensation expense of $0.1 million, $0.1 million, and $0.2 million, respectively, and was included in general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. The Company determined that it would no longer grant the deferred annual bonus match award portion under the 2005 LTIP beginning with the 2014 measurement year. Compensation expense related to deferred annual bonus match awards for years prior to fiscal 2014 will continue to be recognized through fiscal 2016.

Stock options under the 2005 LTIP are granted with an exercise price equal to the quoted market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. In addition, stock options generally vest 25 percent after two years from the date of grant and thereafter 25 percent each year for the next three years and have a six-year term. The Company uses historical data to estimate pre-vesting forfeiture rates. As of December 30, 2014, there was no unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested options.

For fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012, stock-based compensation expense related to stock options charged to general and administrative expenses was $0.1 million, $0.2 million and $0.4 million, respectively. For fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012, the income tax benefit related to stock-based compensation expense was less than $0.1 million, $0.1 million, and $0.2 million, respectively.

The following table summarizes the Company’s stock option activity under its stock-based compensation plans during fiscal 2014:

	Shares (in thousands)		Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Contractual Term Remaining (Years)	Aggregate Intrinsic Value (1) (in thousands)
Outstanding at December 31, 2013	36		$	71.93
Granted	3		176.07
Exercised	(23	)	49.75			2,459
Cancelled	—		—
Outstanding at December 30, 2014	16		$	120.97	2.7	861
Exercisable at December 30, 2014	16		$	120.97	2.7	$	861

(1) Intrinsic value for activities other than exercises is defined as the difference between the grant price and the market value on the last day of fiscal 2014 of $174.87 for those stock options where the market value is greater than the exercise price. For exercises, intrinsic value is defined as the difference between the grant price and the market value on the date of exercise.

Cash received from the exercise of stock options in fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012 was $1.1 million, $0.6 million, and $4.5 million respectively. Windfall tax benefits realized from exercised stock options in fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012 were $3.1 million, $8.1 million, and $8.6 million, respectively, and were included as cash flows from financing activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

A SSAR is an award that allows the recipient to receive common stock equal to the appreciation in the fair market value of the Company’s Class A common stock between the date the award was granted and the conversion date for the number of shares vested. SSARs under the 2005 LTIP are granted with an exercise price equal to the quoted market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. In addition, SSARs generally vest 25 percent after two years from the date of grant and thereafter 25 percent each year for the next three years and have a six-year term. As of December 30, 2014, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested SSARs was $1.0 million, and is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 3.6 years. The Company uses historical data to estimate pre-vesting forfeiture rates. For fiscal 2014, 2013, and 2012, stock-based compensation expense related to SSARs was $0.2 million, $0.2 million, and $0.1 million, respectively, and was charged to general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.

The following table summarizes the Company’s SSAR activity under its stock-based compensation plan during fiscal 2014:

	Shares (in thousands)		Weighted Average Conversion Price (1)		Weighted Average Contractual Term Remaining (Years)	Aggregate Intrinsic Value (2) (in thousands)
Outstanding at December 31, 2013	33		$	135.73	4.5	$	1,343
Granted	3		152.59
Converted	(3	)	61.49
Cancelled	(4	)	144.01
Outstanding at December 30, 2014	29		$	144.63	4.0	$	885
Convertible at December 30, 2014	5		$	92.43	2.0	$	410

(1) Conversion price is defined as the price from which SSARs are measured and is equal to the market value on the date of issuance.

(2) Intrinsic value for activities other than conversions is defined as the difference between the grant price and the market value on the last day of fiscal 2014 of $174.87 for those SSARs where the market value is greater than the conversion price. For conversions, intrinsic value is defined as the difference between the grant price and the market value on the date of conversion.

All SSARs outstanding at December 30, 2014 have a conversion price ranging from $75.80 to $192.65 and are expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 4.0 years.

The fair value for both stock options and SSARs (collectively “option awards”) is estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The assumptions used to calculate the fair value of option awards are evaluated and revised, as necessary, to reflect market conditions and historical experience.

The weighted-average fair value of option awards granted and assumptions used for the Black-Scholes option pricing model were as follows for the periods indicated:

	For the fiscal year ended
	December 30, 2014			December 31, 2013			December 25, 2012
Fair value per option awards	$	46.01		$	55.63		$	53.18
Assumptions:
Expected term (years)	5			5			5
Expected volatility	28.8		%	36.5		%	40.3		%
Risk-free interest rate	1.6		%	1.3		%	0.8		%
Dividend yield	0.0		%	0.0		%	0.0		%

• Expected term — The expected term of the option awards represents the period of time between the grant date of the option awards and the date the option awards are either exercised or canceled, including an estimate for those option awards still outstanding, and is derived from historical terms and other factors.

• Expected volatility — The expected volatility is based on an average of the historical volatility of the Company’s stock price, for a period approximating the expected term, and the implied volatility of externally traded options of the Company’s stock that were entered into during the period.

• Risk-free interest rate — The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant and with a maturity that approximates the option awards expected term.

• Dividend yield — The dividend yield is based on the Company’s anticipated dividend payout over the expected term of the option awards.

The amounts presented for the weighted-average fair value of option awards granted are before the estimated effect of forfeitures, which reduce the amount of stock-based compensation expense recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.

1992 Equity Incentive Plan

The Company adopted the 1992 Plan in May 1992. A total of 8,600,000 shares of Class A common stock were authorized for issuance under the 1992 Plan as awards, which could have been in the form of stock options (both qualified and non-qualified), stock appreciation rights, performance shares, restricted stock, or stock units, to employees and consultants. As a result of stockholder approval of the 2006 Plan, effective as of May 25, 2006, the Company will grant no further stock options, restricted stock, or other awards under the 1992 Plan.

2001 Employee, Director, and Consultant Stock Option Plan

The Company adopted the 2001 Plan in June 2001. A total of 3,000,000 shares of Class A common stock were authorized for issuance under the 2001 Plan as awards, which could have been in the form of stock options to employees, directors, and consultants. As a result of stockholder approval of the 2006 Plan, effective as of May 25, 2006, the Company will grant no further stock options under the 2001 Plan.

1992 Employee Stock Purchase Plan

In May 1992, the Company adopted the 1992 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “ESPP”). The ESPP was subsequently amended in years prior to fiscal 2014 to increase the number of shares of the Company's Class A common stock authorized for issuance to 950,000. The ESPP gives eligible employees the option to purchase Class A common stock (total purchases in a year may not exceed 10 percent of an employee’s current year compensation) at 85 percent of the fair market value of the Class A common stock at the end of each calendar quarter. There were approximately 23,000, 20,000, and 19,000 shares purchased with a weighted-average fair value of purchase rights of $24.71, $25.01, and $22.68 during fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012, respectively. For fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012, the Company recognized expense of approximately $0.6 million, $0.5 million, and $0.5 million in each of the respective years related to stock purchase plan discounts. Effective June 5, 2014, the Plan was amended to further increase the number of the Company’s Class A common stock shares authorized for issuance to 1,050,000. Cumulatively, there were approximately 901,000 shares issued under this plan as of December 30, 2014, 878,000 shares issued under this plan as of December 31, 2013, and 858,000 shares issued under this plan as of December 25, 2012.

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Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 30, 2014

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block]

Fiscal Years
2015		2016	2017	2018	2019	Thereafter	Total
$	146,357	146,009	143,843	140,961	134,190	692,745	$	1,404,105

Schedule of Sale Leaseback Transactions [Table Text Block]

	For the fiscal year ended
	December 30, 2014		December 31, 2013		December 25, 2012
Number of bakery-cafes sold and leased back	6		3		2
Proceeds from sale-leaseback transactions	$	12,900	$	6,132	$	4,538

Schedule of Guarantor Obligations [Table Text Block]

Fiscal Years
2015		2016	2017	2018	2019	Thereafter	Total
$	2,574	2,140	2,066	1,984	1,873	5,983	$	16,620

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Business Segment Information

12 Months Ended

Dec. 30, 2014

Business Segment Information [Abstract]

Business Segment Information [Text Block]

Business Segment Information

The Company operates three business segments. The Company Bakery-Cafe Operations segment is comprised of the operating activities of the bakery-cafes owned directly and indirectly by the Company. The Company-owned bakery-cafes conduct business under the Panera Bread^®, Saint Louis Bread Co.^® or Paradise Bakery & Café^® names. These bakery-cafes offer some or all of the following: fresh baked goods, made-to-order sandwiches on freshly baked breads, soups, salads, pasta dishes, custom roasted coffees, and other complementary products through on-premise sales, as well as catering.

The Franchise Operations segment is comprised of the operating activities of the franchise business unit, which licenses qualified operators to conduct business under the Panera Bread or Paradise Bakery & Café names and also monitors the operations of these bakery-cafes. Under the terms of most of the agreements, the licensed operators pay royalties and fees to the Company in return for the use of the Panera Bread or Paradise Bakery & Café names.

The Fresh Dough and Other Product Operations segment supplies fresh dough, produce, tuna, cream cheese, and indirectly supplies proprietary sweet goods items through a contract manufacturing arrangement, to Company-owned and franchise-operated bakery-cafes. The fresh dough is sold to a number of both Company-owned and franchise-operated bakery-cafes at a delivered cost generally not to exceed 27 percent of the retail value of the end product. The sales and related costs to the franchise-operated bakery-cafes are separately stated line items in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. The sales, costs, and operating profit related to the sales to Company-owned bakery-cafes are eliminated in consolidation in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.

The accounting policies applicable to each segment are consistent with those described in Note 2, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.” Segment information related to the Company’s three business segments is as follows (in thousands):

	For the fiscal year ended
	December 30, 2014			December 31, 2013			December 25, 2012
Revenues:
Company bakery-cafe operations	$	2,230,370		$	2,108,908		$	1,879,280
Franchise operations	123,686			112,641			102,076
Fresh dough and other product operations	370,004			347,922			312,308
Intercompany sales eliminations	(194,865		)	(184,469		)	(163,607		)
Total revenues	$	2,529,195		$	2,385,002		$	2,130,057
Segment profit:
Company bakery-cafe operations	$	400,261		$	413,474		$	380,432
Franchise operations	117,770			106,395			95,420
Fresh dough and other product operations	22,872			21,293			17,695
Total segment profit	$	540,903		$	541,162		$	493,547
Depreciation and amortization	$	124,109		$	106,523		$	90,939
Unallocated general and administrative expenses	132,144			117,089			111,276
Pre-opening expenses	8,707			7,794			8,462
Interest expense	1,824			1,053			1,082
Other (income) expense, net	(3,175		)	(4,017		)	(1,208		)
Income before income taxes	$	277,294		$	312,720		$	282,996
Depreciation and amortization:
Company bakery-cafe operations	$	103,239		$	90,872		$	78,198
Fresh dough and other product operations	8,613			8,239			6,793
Corporate administration	12,257			7,412			5,948
Total depreciation and amortization	$	124,109		$	106,523		$	90,939
Capital expenditures:
Company bakery-cafe operations	$	167,856		$	153,584		$	122,868
Fresh dough and other product operations	12,178			11,461			13,434
Corporate administration	44,183			26,965			16,026
Total capital expenditures	$	224,217		$	192,010		$	152,328

	December 30, 2014		December 31, 2013
Segment assets:
Company bakery-cafe operations	$	953,896	$	867,093
Franchise operations	13,145		10,156
Fresh dough and other product operations	65,219		62,854
Total segment assets	$	1,032,260	$	940,103
Unallocated cash and cash equivalents	$	196,493	$	125,245
Unallocated trade and other accounts receivable	3,104		2,281
Unallocated property and equipment	84,224		53,587
Unallocated deposits and other	3,791		3,865
Other unallocated assets	71,030		55,781
Total assets	$	1,390,902	$	1,180,862

“Unallocated cash and cash equivalents” relates primarily to corporate cash and cash equivalents, “unallocated trade and other accounts receivable” relates primarily to rebates and interest receivable, “unallocated property and equipment” relates primarily to corporate fixed assets, “unallocated deposits and other” relates primarily to insurance deposits, and “other unallocated assets” relates primarily to deferred income taxes.

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Defined Contribution Benefit Plan Defined Contribution Benefit Plan (Details Textuals) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 25, 2012
Defined Contribution Pension and Other Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]
Company Match (as a percent)	50.00%
Match Limit for Employee Pay (as a percent)	3.00%
Vesting Percentage (as a percent)	25.00%
Defined Contribution Vesting Period (in years)	5 years
Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer	$ 2.2	$ 2.0	$ 1.8

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Nature of Business

12 Months Ended

Dec. 30, 2014

Policy Text Block [Abstract]

Nature of Operations [Text Block]

Nature of Business

Panera Bread Company and its subsidiaries (the "Company") operate a retail bakery-cafe business and franchising business under the concept names Panera Bread^®, Saint Louis Bread Co.^®, and Paradise Bakery & Café^®. As of December 30, 2014, retail operations consisted of 925 Company-owned bakery-cafes and 955 franchise-operated bakery-cafes. The Company specializes in meeting consumer dining needs by providing high-quality food, including the following: fresh baked goods, made-to-order sandwiches on freshly baked breads, soups, pasta dishes, salads, and cafe beverages, and targets urban and suburban dwellers and workers by offering a premium specialty bakery-cafe experience with a neighborhood emphasis. Bakery-cafes are located in urban, suburban, strip mall and regional mall locations and currently operate in the United States and Canada. Bakery-cafes use fresh dough for their artisan and sourdough breads and bagels. In addition to the in-bakery-cafe dining experience, the Company offers Panera Catering, a nation-wide catering service that provides breakfast assortments, sandwiches, salads, soups, pasta dishes, drinks, and bakery items using the same high-quality, fresh ingredients enjoyed in bakery-cafes. As of December 30, 2014, the Company’s fresh dough and other product operations, which supply fresh dough, produce, tuna, and cream cheese items daily to most Company-owned and franchise-operated bakery-cafes, consisted of 22 Company-owned and two franchise-operated fresh dough facilities.

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Consolidated Balance Sheets Balance Sheet Parenthetical (USD $)	Dec. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Capital Unit [Line Items]
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued	0	0
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	0	0
Treasury Stock, Shares	5,260,744	4,283,405
Common Class B [Member]
Capital Unit [Line Items]
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	0.0001	0.0001
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	10,000,000	10,000,000
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	1,381,865	1,382,393
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	1,381,865	1,382,393
Common Class A [Member]
Capital Unit [Line Items]
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	0.0001	0.0001
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	112,500,000	112,500,000
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	30,703,472	30,573,851
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	25,442,728	26,290,446
Preferred Stock [Member]
Capital Unit [Line Items]
Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share (in dollars per share)	0.0001	0.0001
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized (in shares)	2,000,000	2,000,000

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Term Loan

12 Months Ended

Dec. 30, 2014

Debt Instruments [Abstract]

Debt Disclosure [Text Block]

Debt

On June 11, 2014, the Company entered into a term loan agreement (the “Term Loan Agreement”), by and among the Company, as borrower, Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, and other lenders party thereto. The Term Loan Agreement provides for an unsecured term loan (the "Term Loan") in the amount of $100 million that is scheduled to mature on June 11, 2019, subject to acceleration upon certain specified events of defaults, including breaches of representations or covenants, failure to pay other material indebtedness or a change of control of the Company, as defined in the Term Loan Agreement. The Term Loan bears interest at a rate equal to, at the Company's option, (1) LIBOR plus a margin ranging from 1.00 percent to 1.50 percent depending on the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio or (2) the highest of (a) the Bank of America prime rate, (b) the Federal funds rate plus 0.50 percent or (c) LIBOR plus 1.00 percent, plus a margin ranging from 0.00 percent to 0.50 percent depending on the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio. The Company incurred debt issuance costs of $0.2 million in connection with the issuance of the Term Loan. The debt issuance costs are being amortized to expense over the term of the Term Loan. The weighted-average interest rate of the Term Loan, excluding the amortization of debt issuance costs, was 1.15 percent for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2014. As of December 30, 2014, the carrying amount of the Term Loan of $100 million approximates fair value as the interest rate on the Term Loan approximates current market rates (Level 2 inputs).

On November 30, 2012, the Company entered into a credit agreement (the "Credit Agreement") with Bank of America, N.A. and other lenders party thereto. The Credit Agreement provides for an unsecured revolving credit facility of $250 million that will become due on November 30, 2017. As of December 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company had no loans outstanding under the Credit Agreement.

Both the Term Loan Agreement and the Credit Agreement contain customary affirmative and negative covenants, including covenants limiting liens, dispositions, fundamental changes, investments, indebtedness, and certain transactions and payments. In addition, the Term Loan Agreement and the Credit Agreement contain various financial covenants that, among other things, require the Company to satisfy two financial covenants at the end of each fiscal quarter: (1) a consolidated leverage ratio less than or equal to 3.00 to 1.00, and (2) a consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio of greater than or equal to 2.00 to 1.00. As of December 30, 2014, the Company was in compliance with all covenant requirements in the Term Loan Agreement and the Credit Agreement.

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Document and Entity Information Document (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2014	Jul. 01, 2014	Feb. 19, 2015
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	Panera Bread Company
Entity Central Index Key	0000724606
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-30
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 30, 2014
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float		$ 2,198,396,491
Common Class B [Member]
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding			1,381,865
Common Class A [Member]
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding			25,433,644

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Share Repurchase Authorization

12 Months Ended

Dec. 30, 2014

Payments for Repurchase of Equity [Abstract]

Treasury Stock [Text Block]

Share Repurchase Authorization

On November 17, 2009, the Company's Board of Directors approved a three year share repurchase authorization of up to $600 million of the Company's Class A common stock, pursuant to which the Company repurchased shares on the open market under a Rule 10b5-1 plan. During fiscal 2012, the Company repurchased an aggregate of 34,600 shares under this share repurchase authorization, at an average price of $144.24 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of $5.0 million. On August 23, 2012, the Company's Board of Directors terminated this repurchase authorization. Prior to its termination, the Company had repurchased a total of 2,844,669 shares of its Class A common stock under this share repurchase authorization, at a weighted-average price of $87.03 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $247.6 million.

On August 23, 2012, the Company's Board of Directors approved a three year share repurchase authorization of up to $600 million of the Company's Class A common stock (the "2012 repurchase authorization"), pursuant to which the Company repurchased shares on the open market under a Rule 10b5-1 plan. During fiscal 2014, the Company repurchased an aggregate of 514,357 shares under the 2012 share repurchase authorization, at an average price of $170.15 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of $87.5 million. During fiscal 2013, the Company repurchased an aggregate of 1,992,250 shares under the 2012 repurchase authorization, at an average price of $166.73 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of $332.1 million. During fiscal 2012, the Company repurchased an aggregate of 124,100 shares under the 2012 repurchase authorization, at an average price of $161.00 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $20.0 million. On June 5, 2014, the Company's Board of Directors terminated the 2012 repurchase authorization. Prior to its termination, the Company had repurchased a total of 2,630,707 shares of its Class A common stock cumulatively under the 2012 repurchase authorization, at a weighted-average price of $167.13 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $439.7 million.

On June 5, 2014, the Company's Board of Directors approved a new three year share repurchase authorization of up to $600 million of the Company's Class A common stock (the "2014 repurchase authorization"), pursuant to which the Company may repurchase shares from time to time on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions and which may be made under a Rule 10b5-1 plan. Repurchased shares may be retired immediately and resume the status of authorized but unissued shares or may be held by the Company as treasury stock. The 2014 repurchase authorization may be modified, suspended, or discontinued by the Company's Board of Directors at any time. As of December 30, 2014, under the 2014 repurchase authorization, the Company has repurchased an aggregate of 427,521 shares, at a weighted-average price of $155.78 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $66.6 million. There is approximately $533.4 million available under the 2014 repurchase authorization as of December 30, 2014.

In total, during fiscal 2014, the Company repurchased an aggregate of 941,878 shares under the 2012 and 2014 repurchase authorizations, at an average price of $163.62 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $154.1 million.

In addition, the Company has repurchased shares of its Class A common stock through a share repurchase authorization approved by its Board of Directors from participants of the Panera Bread 1992 Stock Incentive Plan and the Panera Bread 2006 Stock Incentive Plan, which are netted and surrendered as payment for applicable tax withholding on the vesting of their restricted stock. Shares surrendered by the participants are repurchased by the Company pursuant to the terms of those plans and the applicable award agreements and not pursuant to publicly announced share repurchase authorizations. See Note 15 for further information with respect to the Company’s repurchase of the shares.

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Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $) Share data in Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 25, 2012
Revenue, Net	$ 2,529,195,000	$ 2,385,002,000	$ 2,130,057,000
Bakery-cafe expenses:
Cost of food and paper products	669,860,000	625,622,000	552,580,000
Labor	685,576,000	625,457,000	559,446,000
Occupancy	159,794,000	148,816,000	130,793,000
Other operating expenses	314,879,000	295,539,000	256,029,000
Total bakery cafe expenses	1,830,109,000	1,695,434,000	1,498,848,000
Fresh dough and other product cost of sales to franchisees	152,267,000	142,160,000	131,006,000
Depreciation and amortization	124,109,000	106,523,000	90,939,000
General and administrative expenses	138,060,000	123,335,000	117,932,000
Pre-opening expenses	8,707,000	7,794,000	8,462,000
Total costs and expenses	2,253,252,000	2,075,246,000	1,847,187,000
Operating profit	275,943,000	309,756,000	282,870,000
Interest expense	1,824,000	1,053,000	1,082,000
Other (income) expense, net	(3,175,000)	(4,017,000)	(1,208,000)
Income before income taxes	277,294,000	312,720,000	282,996,000
Income taxes	98,001,000	116,551,000	109,548,000
Net Income	179,293,000	196,169,000	173,448,000
Earnings per common share attributable to Panera Bread Company:
Earnings Per Share, Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 6.67	$ 6.85	$ 5.94
Earnings Per Share, Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 6.64	$ 6.81	$ 5.89
Weighted average shares of common and common equivalent outstanding:
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic (in shares)	26,881	28,629	29,217
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted (in shares)	26,999	28,794	29,455
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment	(1,027,000)	(1,005,000)	364,000
Other comprehensive (loss) income	(1,027,000)	(1,005,000)	364,000
Comprehensive income	178,266,000	195,164,000	173,812,000
Operating Segments [Member]
Bakery-cafe expenses:
Depreciation and amortization	124,109,000	106,523,000	90,939,000
Company Bakery Cafe Operations [Member]
Revenue, Net	2,230,370,000	2,108,908,000	1,879,280,000
Franchise Operations [Member]
Revenue, Net	123,686,000	112,641,000	102,076,000
Fresh dough and other product operations [Member]
Revenue, Net	$ 175,139,000	$ 163,453,000	$ 148,701,000

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Inventories

12 Months Ended

Dec. 30, 2014

Inventory, Net [Abstract]

Inventories [Text Block]

Inventories

Inventories consisted of the following (in thousands):

	December 30, 2014		December 31, 2013
Food:
Fresh dough facilities:
Raw materials	$	3,413	$	3,377
Finished goods	460		545
Bakery-cafes:
Raw materials	15,152		14,329
Paper goods	3,786		3,665
Total	$	22,811	$	21,916

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Fair Value Measurements

12 Months Ended

Dec. 30, 2014

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value Measurements [Text Block]

Fair Value Measurements

The Company’s $92.3 million and $18.1 million in cash equivalents at December 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, were carried at fair value in the Consolidated Balance Sheets based on quoted market prices for identical securities (Level 1 inputs).

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Defined Contribution Benefit Plan

12 Months Ended

Dec. 30, 2014

Defined Contribution Pension and Other Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block]

Defined Contribution Benefit Plan

The Panera Bread Company 401(k) Savings Plan (the “Plan”) was formed under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code (“the Code”). The Plan covers substantially all employees who meet certain service requirements. Participating employees may elect to defer a percentage of his or her salary on a pre-tax basis, subject to the limitations imposed by the Plan and the Code. The Plan provides for a matching contribution by the Company equal to 50 percent of the first three percent of the participant’s eligible pay. All employee contributions vest immediately. Company matching contributions vest beginning in the second year of employment at 25 percent per year, and are fully vested after five years. The Company contributed $2.2 million, $2.0 million, and $1.8 million to the Plan in fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012, respectively.

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Commitments and Contingencies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 30, 2014

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingencies [Text Block]

Commitments and Contingent Liabilities

Lease Commitments

The Company is obligated under operating leases for its bakery-cafes, fresh dough facilities and trucks, and support centers. Lease terms for its trucks are generally for five to seven years. The reasonably assured lease term for most bakery-cafe and support center leases is the initial non-cancelable lease term plus one renewal option period, which generally equates to an aggregate of 15 years. The reasonably assured lease term for most fresh dough facility leases is the initial non-cancelable lease term plus one to two renewal periods, which generally equates to an aggregate of 20 years. Lease terms generally require the Company to pay a proportionate share of real estate taxes, insurance, common area, and other operating costs. Certain bakery-cafe leases provide for contingent rental (i.e., percentage rent) payments based on sales in excess of specified amounts, scheduled rent increases during the lease terms, and/or rental payments commencing at a date other than the date of initial occupancy.

Aggregate minimum requirements under non-cancelable operating leases, excluding contingent payments, as of December 30, 2014, were as follows (in thousands):

Fiscal Years
2015		2016	2017	2018	2019	Thereafter	Total
$	146,357	146,009	143,843	140,961	134,190	692,745	$	1,404,105

Rental expense under operating leases was approximately $138.0 million, $130.0 million, and $114.8 million, in fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012, respectively, which included contingent (i.e., percentage rent) expense of $1.5 million, $2.2 million, and $2.0 million, respectively.

In accordance with the accounting guidance for asset retirement obligations the Company complies with lease obligations at the end of a lease as it relates to tangible long-lived assets. The liability as of December 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 was $19.8 million and $10.2 million, respectively, and is included in other long-term liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

In connection with the Company’s relocation of its St. Louis, Missouri support center in fiscal 2010, it simultaneously entered into a capital lease for certain personal property and purchased municipal industrial revenue bonds of a similar amount from St. Louis County, Missouri. As of December 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company held industrial revenue bonds and had recorded a capital lease of $1.1 million and $1.3 million in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, respectively.

The following table summarizes sale-leaseback transactions for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands):

	For the fiscal year ended
	December 30, 2014		December 31, 2013		December 25, 2012
Number of bakery-cafes sold and leased back	6		3		2
Proceeds from sale-leaseback transactions	$	12,900	$	6,132	$	4,538

The leases have been classified as either capital or operating leases, depending on the substance of the transaction, and have initial terms of 15 years, with renewal options of up to 20 years. The Company realized gains on these sales totaling $0.3 million, $0.3 million, and $1.0 million during fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012, respectively, which have been deferred and are being recognized on a straight-line basis over the reasonably assured lease term for the leases.

Lease Guarantees

As of December 30, 2014, the Company guaranteed the operating leases of 23 franchisee or affiliate locations, which the Company accounted for in accordance with the accounting requirements for guarantees. These guarantees are primarily a result of the Company's sales of Company-owned bakery-cafes to franchisees and affiliates, pursuant to which the Company exercised its right to assign the lease or sublease for the bakery-cafe but remains liable to the landlord for the remaining lease term in the event of a default by the assignee. These leases have terms expiring on various dates from December 31, 2014 to September 30, 2027 and have a potential amount of future rental payments of approximately $16.6 million as of December 30, 2014. The obligation from these leases will decrease over time as these operating leases expire. The Company has not recorded a liability for certain of these guarantees as they arose prior to the implementation of the accounting requirements for guarantees and, unless modified, are exempt from its requirements. The Company has not recorded a liability for those guarantees issued after the effective date of the accounting requirements because the fair value of these lease guarantees was determined by the Company to be insignificant individually, and in the aggregate, based on analysis of the facts and circumstances of each such lease and each such assignee’s performance, and the Company did not believe it was probable that it would be required to perform under any guarantees at the time the guarantees were issued. The Company has not had to make any payments related to any of these guaranteed leases. Applicable assignees continue to have primary liability for these operating leases. As of December 30, 2014, future commitments under these leases were as follows (in thousands):

Fiscal Years
2015		2016	2017	2018	2019	Thereafter	Total
$	2,574	2,140	2,066	1,984	1,873	5,983	$	16,620

Employee Commitments

The Company has executed confidential and proprietary information and non-competition agreements (“non-compete agreements”) with certain employees. These non-compete agreements contain a provision whereby employees would be due a certain number of weeks of their salary if their employment was terminated by the Company as specified in the non-compete agreement. The Company has not recorded a liability for these amounts potentially due employees. Rather, the Company will record a liability for these amounts when an amount becomes due to an employee in accordance with the appropriate authoritative literature. As of December 30, 2014, the total amount potentially owed employees under these non-compete agreements was $24.3 million.

Legal Proceedings

On July 2, 2014, a purported class action lawsuit was filed against one of the Company's subsidiaries by Jason Lofstedt, a former employee of one of the Company's subsidiaries. The lawsuit was filed in the California Superior Court, County of Riverside. The complaint alleges, among other things, violations of the California Labor Code, failure to pay overtime, failure to provide meal and rest periods, and violations of California's Unfair Competition Law. The complaint seeks, among other relief, collective and class certification of the lawsuit, unspecified damages, costs and expenses, including attorneys’ fees, and such other relief as the Court might find just and proper. The Company believes its subsidiary has meritorious defenses to each of the claims in the lawsuit and is prepared to vigorously defend the lawsuit. There can be no assurance, however, that the Company's subsidiary will be successful, and an adverse resolution of the lawsuit could have a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated financial position and results of operations in the period in which the lawsuit is resolved. The Company is not presently able to reasonably estimate potential losses, if any, related to the lawsuit.

In addition to the legal matter described above, the Company is subject to various legal proceedings, claims, and litigation that arise in the ordinary course of its business. Defending lawsuits requires significant management attention and financial resources and the outcome of any litigation, including the matter described above, is inherently uncertain. The Company does not believe the ultimate resolution of these actions will have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial statements. However, a significant increase in the number of these claims, or one or more successful claims under which the Company incurs greater liabilities than is currently anticipated, could materially and adversely affect its consolidated financial statements.

Other

The Company is subject to on-going federal and state income tax audits and sales and use tax audits. The Company does not believe the ultimate resolution of these actions will have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial statements. However, a significant increase in the number of these audits, or one or more audits under which the Company incurs greater liabilities than is currently anticipated, could materially and adversely affect its consolidated financial statements. The Company believes reserves for these matters are adequately provided for in its consolidated financial statements.

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Other Intangible Assets

12 Months Ended

Dec. 30, 2014

Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract]

Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block]

Other Intangible Assets

Other intangible assets consisted of the following (in thousands):

	December 30, 2014							December 31, 2013
	Gross Carrying Value		Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Value		Gross Carrying Value		Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Value
Trademark	$	5,610	$	(2,017	)	$	3,593	$	5,610	$	(1,763	)	$	3,847
Re-acquired territory rights	97,865		(32,369		)	65,496		97,865		(24,254		)	73,611
Favorable leases	4,825		(2,974		)	1,851		4,866		(2,556		)	2,310
Total other intangible assets	$	108,300	$	(37,360	)	$	70,940	$	108,341	$	(28,573	)	$	79,768

Amortization expense on these intangible assets for fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012, was approximately $8.7 million, $9.3 million, and $8.2 million, respectively. Future amortization expense on these intangible assets as of December 30, 2014 is estimated to be approximately: $8.7 million in fiscal 2015, $8.6 million in fiscal 2016, $8.6 million in fiscal 2017, $8.5 million in fiscal 2018, $8.1 million in fiscal 2019 and $28.4 million thereafter.

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Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (Guarantee Obligations [Member], USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 30, 2014
Guarantee Obligations [Member]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due in Next Twelve Months	$ 2,574
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Two Years	2,140
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Three Years	2,066
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Four Years	1,984
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Five Years	1,873
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due after Five Years	5,983
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation	$ 16,620

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Property and Equipment

12 Months Ended

Dec. 30, 2014

Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]

Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block]

Property and Equipment, net

Major classes of property and equipment consisted of the following (in thousands):

	December 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
Leasehold improvements	$	693,503		$	607,472
Machinery and equipment	340,854			305,060
Furniture and fixtures	167,383			149,445
Computer hardware and software	137,663			87,316
Construction in progress	99,255			80,108
Smallwares	29,841			27,031
Land	2,060			2,856
	1,470,559			1,259,288
Less: accumulated depreciation	(683,265		)	(589,879		)
Property and equipment, net	$	787,294		$	669,409

The Company recorded depreciation expense related to these assets of $115.4 million, $97.2 million, and $82.7 million during fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012, respectively.

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Goodwill

12 Months Ended

Dec. 30, 2014

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Goodwill Disclosure [Text Block]

Goodwill

The following is a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of the Company’s goodwill by reportable segment at December 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (in thousands):

	Company Bakery- Cafe Operations			Franchise Operations		Fresh Dough and Other Product Operations		Total
Balance as of December 25, 2012	$	118,274		$	1,934	$	1,695	$	121,903
Acquisition of Florida bakery-cafe	1,278			—		—		1,278
Currency translation	(173		)	—		—		(173		)
Measurement period adjustments	5			—		—		5
Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	119,384		$	1,934	$	1,695	$	123,013
Impairment charge	(2,057		)	—		—		(2,057		)
Currency translation	(178		)	—		—		(178		)
Balance as of December 30, 2014	$	117,149		$	1,934	$	1,695	$	120,778

The Company recorded a $2.1 million full impairment charge of goodwill for the Canadian bakery-cafe operations reporting unit during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014. The Company did not record a goodwill impairment charge in either fiscal 2013 or fiscal 2012.

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Accrued Expenses

12 Months Ended

Dec. 30, 2014

Accrued Liabilities, Current [Abstract]

Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block]

Accrued Expenses

Accrued expenses consisted of the following (in thousands):

	December 30, 2014		December 31, 2013
Unredeemed gift cards, net	$	105,576	$	86,287
Compensation and related employment taxes	59,442		60,123
Capital expenditures	56,808		41,329
Insurance	32,559		31,545
Taxes, other than income tax	21,068		17,618
Advertising	10,147		5,729
Occupancy costs	7,263		5,017
Fresh dough and other product operations	6,812		8,236
Utilities	5,527		5,488
Deferred revenue	5,291		2,852
Loyalty program	2,525		3,362
Other	20,183		18,206
Total	$	333,201	$	285,792

Schedule of Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block]

	December 30, 2014		December 31, 2013
Unredeemed gift cards, net	$	105,576	$	86,287
Compensation and related employment taxes	59,442		60,123
Capital expenditures	56,808		41,329
Insurance	32,559		31,545
Taxes, other than income tax	21,068		17,618
Advertising	10,147		5,729
Occupancy costs	7,263		5,017
Fresh dough and other product operations	6,812		8,236
Utilities	5,527		5,488
Deferred revenue	5,291		2,852
Loyalty program	2,525		3,362
Other	20,183		18,206
Total	$	333,201	$	285,792

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Income Taxes Income Taxes (Details Textuals) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 25, 2012
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance	$ 4,625,000	$ 3,173,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, net	6,100,000	2,700,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Expense	300,000	(100,000)	200,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued	$ 1,400,000	$ 900,000

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Stock Based Compensation Stock Based Compensation (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 25, 2012
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Nonvested restricted stock (in shares)	351,000
Nonvested restricted stock, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share)	$ 124.26
Granted restricted stock (in shares)	117,000
Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share)	$ 150.14
Vested restricted stock in Period (in shares)	(106,000)
Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share)	$ 92.47
Forfeited in Period (in shares)	(37,000)
Forfeited in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share)	$ 137.75
Nonvested restricted stock (in shares)	325,000	351,000
Nonvested restricted stock, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share)	$ 142.41	$ 124.26
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense	$ 3,300,000	$ 3,400,000	$ 3,000,000
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense	100,000	100,000	200,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Outstanding stock options (in shares)	36,000
Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 71.93
Options, Grants in Period (in shares)	3,000
Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 176.07
Exercise of employee stock options, Shares (in shares)	(23,000)
Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 49.75
Options, Exercises in Period, Total Intrinsic Value	2,459,000
Options, Forfeitures and Expirations in Period (in shares)	0
Options, Forfeitures and Expirations in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 0
Outstanding stock options (in shares)	16,000	36,000
Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 120.97	$ 71.93
Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)	2 years 8 months
Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value	861,000
Options, Number Exercisable (in shares)	16,000
Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 120.97
Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)	2 years 8 months
Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value	861,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract]
Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share)	$ 46.01	$ 55.63	$ 53.18
Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term (in years)	5 years	5 years	5 years
Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate (as a percent)	28.80%	36.50%	40.30%
Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate (as a percent)	1.60%	1.30%	0.80%
Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate (as a percent)	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Nonvested restricted stock (in shares)	33,000
Nonvested restricted stock, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share)	$ 135.73
Granted restricted stock (in shares)	3,000
Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share)	$ 152.59
Vested restricted stock in Period (in shares)	(3,000)
Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share)	$ 61.49
Forfeited in Period (in shares)	(4,000)
Forfeited in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share)	$ 144.01
Nonvested restricted stock (in shares)	29,000	33,000
Nonvested restricted stock, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share)	$ 144.63	$ 135.73
SSARs outstanding weighted average period of conversion (in years)	4 years	4 years 5 months 25 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Intrinsic Value	885,000	1,343,000
Equity Instruments Convertible Shares	5,000
Equity Instruments, Convertible, Weighted Average Conversion Price (in dollars per share)	$ 92.43
Equity Instruments, Convertible, Weighted Average Contractual Term Remaining (in years)	2 years
Equity Instruments, Convertible, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$ 410,000

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Income Taxes Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 25, 2012
Results of Operations, Income before Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income (Loss) before Income Taxes, United States	$ 285,564,000	$ 317,479,000	$ 286,702,000
Income (Loss) before Income Taxes, Canada	(8,270,000)	(4,759,000)	(3,706,000)
Income before income taxes	277,294,000	312,720,000	282,996,000
Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Abstract]
Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit)	73,234,000	87,548,000	72,434,000
Current State Tax Expense (Benefit)	14,306,000	18,638,000	15,955,000
Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	87,540,000	106,186,000	88,389,000
Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	9,609,000	8,547,000	16,640,000
Deferred State Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	950,000	1,804,000	3,603,000
Deferred Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	(98,000)	14,000	916,000
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	10,461,000	10,365,000	21,159,000
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	98,001,000	116,551,000	109,548,000
Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations, Tax Rate Reconciliation [Abstract]
Statutory rate provision (as a percent)	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State Income Taxes (as a percent)	4.10%	4.50%	4.50%
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Credit, Amount	(1.40%)	(0.80%)	(0.40%)
Other Adjustments (as a percent)	(2.40%)	(1.40%)	(0.40%)
Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations (as a percent)	35.30%	37.30%	38.70%
Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Abstract]
Deferred Tax Assets, Accrued Expenses	72,891,000	71,245,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Share-based Compensation Cost	3,125,000	3,534,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards	4,178,000	3,124,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Other	1,701,000	1,008,000
Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Change in Amount	(4,625,000)	(3,173,000)
Deferred Tax Assets, Net	77,270,000	75,738,000
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Property, Plant and Equipment	(101,533,000)	(90,940,000)
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Goodwill and Intangible Assets	(23,705,000)	(22,307,000)
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross	125,238,000	113,247,000
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net	(47,968,000)	(37,509,000)
Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Current	28,621,000	27,889,000
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent	(76,589,000)	(65,398,000)
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Starting Unrecognized Tax Benefits	2,999,000	3,051,000	3,544,000
Increases Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions	1,536,000	653,000	530,000
Increases Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions	2,671,000	256,000	217,000
Decreases Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions	0	(49,000)	(341,000)
Decreases Resulting from Settlements	(131,000)	(425,000)	(58,000)
Expiration of Statute of Limitations	(620,000)	(487,000)	(841,000)
Ending Unrecognized Tax Benefits	$ 6,455,000	$ 2,999,000	$ 3,051,000

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Other Intangible Assets Other Intangible Assets (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 30, 2014

Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract]

Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]

	December 30, 2014							December 31, 2013
	Gross Carrying Value		Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Value		Gross Carrying Value		Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Value
Trademark	$	5,610	$	(2,017	)	$	3,593	$	5,610	$	(1,763	)	$	3,847
Re-acquired territory rights	97,865		(32,369		)	65,496		97,865		(24,254		)	73,611
Favorable leases	4,825		(2,974		)	1,851		4,866		(2,556		)	2,310
Total other intangible assets	$	108,300	$	(37,360	)	$	70,940	$	108,341	$	(28,573	)	$	79,768

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Property and Equipment Property and Equipment (Details Textuals) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 25, 2012
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Depreciation	$ 115.4	$ 97.2	$ 82.7

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Stockholders' Equity

12 Months Ended

Dec. 30, 2014

Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]

Stockholders' Equity [Text Block]

Stockholders’ Equity

Common Stock

The holders of Class A common stock are entitled to one vote for each share owned. The holders of Class B common stock are entitled to three votes for each share owned. Each share of Class B common stock has the same dividend and liquidation rights as each share of Class A common stock. Each share of Class B common stock is convertible, at the stockholder’s option, into Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis. At December 30, 2014, the Company had reserved 2,240,406 shares of its Class A common stock for issuance upon exercise of awards granted under the Company’s 1992 Equity Incentive Plan, 2001 Employee, Director, and Consultant Stock Option Plan, and the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan, and upon conversion of Class B common stock.

Registration Rights

At December 30, 2014, 94.9 percent of the outstanding Class B common stock was owned by the Company’s Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer (the “Chairman”). Pursuant to stock subscription agreements, certain holders of Class B common stock, including the Chairman, can require the Company under certain circumstances to register their shares under the Securities Act of 1933, or have included in certain registrations all or part of such shares at the Company’s expense.

Preferred Stock

The Company is authorized to issue 2,000,000 shares of Class B preferred stock with a par value of $0.0001. The voting, redemption, dividend, liquidation rights, and other terms and conditions are determined by the Board of Directors upon approval of issuance. There were no shares issued or outstanding in fiscal 2014 and 2013.

Treasury Stock

Pursuant to the terms of the Panera Bread 1992 Stock Incentive Plan and the Panera Bread 2006 Stock Incentive Plan and the applicable award agreements, the Company repurchased 35,461 shares of Class A common stock at a weighted-average cost of $151.17 per share during fiscal 2014, 41,601 shares of Class A common stock at a weighted-average cost of $172.79 per share during fiscal 2013, and 42,100 shares of Class A common stock at a weighted-average cost of $156.53 per share during fiscal 2012, as were surrendered by participants as payment of applicable tax withholdings on the vesting of restricted stock and SSARs. Shares so surrendered by the participants are repurchased by the Company at fair market value pursuant to the terms of those plans and the applicable award agreements and not pursuant to publicly announced share repurchase authorizations. The shares surrendered to the Company by participants and repurchased by the Company are currently held by the Company as treasury stock.

Share Repurchase Authorization

During fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012, the Company purchased shares of Class A common stock under authorized share repurchase authorizations. Repurchased shares may be retired immediately and resume the status of authorized but unissued shares or may be held by the Company as treasury stock. See Note 12 for further information with respect to the Company’s share repurchase authorizations.

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Supplemental Cash Flow Information

12 Months Ended

Dec. 30, 2014

Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]

Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Text Block]

Supplemental Cash Flow Information

The following table sets forth supplemental cash flow information for the periods indicated (in thousands):

	For the fiscal year ended
	December 30, 2014			December 31, 2013			December 25, 2012
Cash paid during the year for:
Interest	$	773		$	253		$	370
Income taxes	91,187			104,072			90,054
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Change in accrued property and equipment purchases	$	15,479		$	16,194		$	6,019
Accrued purchase price of North Carolina acquisition	—			—			3,601
Accrued purchase price of Florida acquisition	—			270			—
Investment in municipal industrial revenue bonds	(186		)	(186		)	(186		)
Asset retirement obligations	9,341			664			2,885
Capital lease obligations	—			—			3,481

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Inventories Inventories (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Food Abstract
Inventory Paper goods	$ 3,786	$ 3,665
Inventory, Gross	22,811	21,916
Company Bakery Cafe Operations [Member]
Food Abstract
Inventory, Raw Materials, Gross	15,152	14,329
Fresh dough and other product operations [Member]
Food Abstract
Inventory, Raw Materials, Gross	3,413	3,377
Inventory, Finished Goods, Gross	$ 460	$ 545

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Supplemental Cash Flow Information Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 30, 2014

Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]

Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Table Text Block]

	For the fiscal year ended
	December 30, 2014			December 31, 2013			December 25, 2012
Cash paid during the year for:
Interest	$	773		$	253		$	370
Income taxes	91,187			104,072			90,054
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Change in accrued property and equipment purchases	$	15,479		$	16,194		$	6,019
Accrued purchase price of North Carolina acquisition	—			—			3,601
Accrued purchase price of Florida acquisition	—			270			—
Investment in municipal industrial revenue bonds	(186		)	(186		)	(186		)
Asset retirement obligations	9,341			664			2,885
Capital lease obligations	—			—			3,481

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Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 25, 2012
Cash flows from operations:
Net Income	$ 179,293,000	$ 196,169,000	$ 173,448,000
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	124,109,000	106,523,000	90,939,000
Stock-based compensation expense	10,077,000	10,703,000	9,094,000
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options	(3,089,000)	(8,100,000)	(8,587,000)
Deferred income taxes	10,459,000	10,356,000	20,334,000
Loss on disposals of property and equipment	1,547,000	5,764,000	3,995,000
Other	3,070,000	589,000	475,000
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, excluding the effect of acquisitions:
Trade and other accounts receivable, net	(22,139,000)	3,021,000	(31,414,000)
Inventories	(895,000)	(2,186,000)	(2,440,000)
Prepaid expenses	(8,524,000)	(841,000)	(10,995,000)
Deposits and other	239,000	1,449,000	161,000
Accounts payable	1,978,000	8,162,000	(6,513,000)
Accrued expenses	35,288,000	13,372,000	49,246,000
Deferred rent	1,067,000	5,868,000	5,718,000
Other long-term liabilities	2,599,000	(2,432,000)	(4,005,000)
Net cash provided by operating activities	335,079,000	348,417,000	289,456,000
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to property and equipment	(224,217,000)	(192,010,000)	(152,328,000)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	0	(2,446,000)	(47,951,000)
Purchase of investments	0	97,919,000	0
Proceeds from sale of investments	0	97,936,000	0
Proceeds from sale-leaseback transactions	12,900,000	6,132,000	4,538,000
Net cash used in investing activities	(211,317,000)	(188,307,000)	(195,741,000)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt	100,000,000	0	0
Debt Issuance Cost	(193,000)	0	(1,097,000)
Repurchase of common stock	(159,503,000)	(339,409,000)	(31,566,000)
Exercise of employee stock options	1,116,000	573,000	4,455,000
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options	3,089,000	8,100,000	8,587,000
Proceeds from issuance of common stock under employee benefit plans	3,247,000	2,842,000	2,462,000
Payment of Deferred Acquisition Holdback	(270,000)	(4,112,000)	(2,055,000)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(52,514,000)	(332,006,000)	(19,214,000)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	71,248,000	(171,896,000)	74,501,000
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value	125,245,000	297,141,000	222,640,000
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value	$ 196,493,000	$ 125,245,000	$ 297,141,000

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Investments Held to Maturity Investments Held to Maturity

12 Months Ended

Dec. 30, 2014

Investments held to maturity [Abstract]

Investment [Text Block]

Investments Held to Maturity

During fiscal 2013, the Company purchased and sold seven zero-coupon discount notes that were classified as held-to-maturity. The amortized cost of the investments sold was $97.9 million. The Company realized a loss on the sale of less than $0.1 million. The Company sold the investments prior to maturity during fiscal 2013 as a result of higher than anticipated liquidity needs.

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Share Repurchase Authorization Share Repurchase Authorization (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			33 Months Ended	21 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 25, 2012	Aug. 22, 2012	Jun. 04, 2014	Nov. 17, 2009	Jun. 05, 2014
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount	$ 533,400,000
Repurchase of common stock	159,503,000	339,409,000	31,566,000
Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share	$ 163.62
Repurchase of common stock	941,878
2009 Repurchase Authorization [Member]
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount						600,000,000.0
Repurchase of common stock			5,000,000	247,600,000
Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share			$ 144.24	$ 87.03
Repurchase of common stock			34,600	2,844,669
2012 Repurchase Agreement [Member]
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount				600,000,000
Repurchase of common stock	87,500,000	332,100,000	20,000,000		439,700,000
Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share	$ 170.15	$ 166.73	$ 161.00		$ 167.13
Repurchase of common stock	514,357	1,992,250	124,100		2,630,707
2014 Repurchase Authorization [Member]
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount							600,000,000.0
Repurchase of common stock	66,600,000
Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share	$ 155.78
Repurchase of common stock	427,521
Repurchase Agreements [Member]
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Repurchase of common stock	$ 154,100,000

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Business Segment Information Business Segment Information (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jul. 01, 2014	Apr. 01, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 24, 2013	Jun. 25, 2013	Mar. 26, 2013	Dec. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 25, 2012	Dec. 27, 2011
Revenue, Net [Abstract]
Revenue, Net	$ 672,497	$ 619,890	$ 631,055	$ 605,753	$ 661,732	$ 572,480	$ 589,011	$ 561,779	$ 2,529,195	$ 2,385,002	$ 2,130,057
Segment Reporting Information, Operating Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Gross Profit									540,903	541,162	493,547
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization									124,109	106,523	90,939
General and Administrative Expense									138,060	123,335	117,932
Pre-opening expenses									8,707	7,794	8,462
Interest Expense									1,824	1,053	1,082
Other (income) expense, net									(3,175)	(4,017)	(1,208)
Income before income taxes									277,294	312,720	282,996
Capital Expenditures [Abstract]
Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment									224,217	192,010	152,328
Segment Reporting Segment Assets [Abstract]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value	196,493				125,245				196,493	125,245	297,141	222,640
Accounts Receivable, Net, Current	36,584				32,965				36,584	32,965
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	787,294				669,409				787,294	669,409
Assets	1,390,902				1,180,862				1,390,902	1,180,862
Segment Reconciling Items [Member]
Segment Reporting Information, Operating Income (Loss) [Abstract]
General and Administrative Expense									132,144	117,089	111,276
Segment Reporting Segment Assets [Abstract]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value	196,493				125,245				196,493	125,245
Accounts Receivable, Net, Current	3,104				2,281				3,104	2,281
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	84,224				53,587				84,224	53,587
Deposits and other	3,791				3,865				3,791	3,865
Other Assets	71,030				55,781				71,030	55,781
Company Bakery Cafe Operations [Member]
Revenue, Net [Abstract]
Revenue, Net									2,230,370	2,108,908	1,879,280
Franchise Operations [Member]
Revenue, Net [Abstract]
Revenue, Net									123,686	112,641	102,076
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | Intersegment Eliminations [Member]
Revenue, Net [Abstract]
Revenue, Net									(194,865)	(184,469)	(163,607)
Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Segment Assets [Abstract]
Assets	1,032,260				940,103				1,032,260	940,103
Operating Segments [Member] | Corporate, Non-Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information, Operating Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization									12,257	7,412	5,948
Capital Expenditures [Abstract]
Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment									44,183	26,965	16,026
Operating Segments [Member] | Company Bakery Cafe Operations [Member]
Revenue, Net [Abstract]
Revenue, Net									2,230,370	2,108,908	1,879,280
Segment Reporting Information, Operating Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Gross Profit									400,261	413,474	380,432
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization									103,239	90,872	78,198
Capital Expenditures [Abstract]
Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment									167,856	153,584	122,868
Segment Reporting Segment Assets [Abstract]
Assets	953,896				867,093				953,896	867,093
Operating Segments [Member] | Franchise Operations [Member]
Revenue, Net [Abstract]
Revenue, Net									123,686	112,641	102,076
Segment Reporting Information, Operating Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Gross Profit									117,770	106,395	95,420
Segment Reporting Segment Assets [Abstract]
Assets	13,145				10,156				13,145	10,156
Operating Segments [Member] | Fresh dough and other product operations [Member]
Revenue, Net [Abstract]
Revenue, Net									370,004	347,922	312,308
Segment Reporting Information, Operating Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Gross Profit									22,872	21,293	17,695
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization									8,613	8,239	6,793
Capital Expenditures [Abstract]
Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment									12,178	11,461	13,434
Segment Reporting Segment Assets [Abstract]
Assets	$ 65,219				$ 62,854				$ 65,219	$ 62,854

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Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 30, 2014

Selected Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract]

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited) [Text Block]

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)

The following table presents selected unaudited quarterly financial data for the periods indicated (in thousands, except per share data):

	Fiscal 2014 - quarters ended (1)
	April 1		July 1		September 30		December 30
Revenues	$	605,753	$	631,055	$	619,890	$	672,497
Operating profit	67,005		73,942		57,959		77,037
Net income	42,395		49,192		39,214		48,492
Earnings per common share:
Basic	$	1.55	$	1.83	$	1.47	$	1.82
Diluted	$	1.55	$	1.82	$	1.46	$	1.82

	Fiscal 2013 - quarters ended (1)
	March 26		June 25		September 24		December 31
Revenues	$	561,779	$	589,011	$	572,480	$	661,732
Operating profit	76,305		83,435		64,569		85,447
Net income	48,117		51,042		42,762		54,248
Earnings per common share:
Basic	$	1.65	$	1.75	$	1.49	$	1.97
Diluted	$	1.64	$	1.74	$	1.48	$	1.96

(1) Fiscal quarters may not sum to the fiscal year reported amounts due to rounding.

The fiscal year ended December 31, 2013 had 53 weeks. As a result, the quarterly financial data for the fiscal fourth quarter 2013 reflects 14 weeks.

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Selected Quarterly Financial Data Selected Quartely Financial Data (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jul. 01, 2014	Apr. 01, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 24, 2013	Jun. 25, 2013	Mar. 26, 2013	Dec. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 25, 2012
Selected Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract]
Revenue, Net	$ 672,497	$ 619,890	$ 631,055	$ 605,753	$ 661,732	$ 572,480	$ 589,011	$ 561,779	$ 2,529,195	$ 2,385,002	$ 2,130,057
Operating profit	77,037	57,959	73,942	67,005	85,447	64,569	83,435	76,305	275,943	309,756	282,870
Net income attributable to Panera Bread Company	$ 48,492	$ 39,214	$ 49,192	$ 42,395	$ 54,248	$ 42,762	$ 51,042	$ 48,117	$ 179,293	$ 196,169	$ 173,448
Earnings Per Share, Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 1.82	$ 1.47	$ 1.83	$ 1.55	$ 1.97	$ 1.49	$ 1.75	$ 1.65	$ 6.67	$ 6.85	$ 5.94
Earnings Per Share, Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 1.82	$ 1.46	$ 1.82	$ 1.55	$ 1.96	$ 1.48	$ 1.74	$ 1.64	$ 6.64	$ 6.81	$ 5.89

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Stock Based Compensation Stock Based Compensation (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 30, 2014

Share-based Compensation [Abstract]

Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Activity [Table Text Block]

	Restricted Stock (in thousands)		Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Non-vested at December 31, 2013	351		$	124.26
Granted	117		150.14
Vested	(106	)	92.47
Forfeited	(37	)	137.75
Non-vested at December 30, 2014	325		$	142.41

Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block]

	Shares (in thousands)		Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Contractual Term Remaining (Years)	Aggregate Intrinsic Value (1) (in thousands)
Outstanding at December 31, 2013	36		$	71.93
Granted	3		176.07
Exercised	(23	)	49.75			2,459
Cancelled	—		—
Outstanding at December 30, 2014	16		$	120.97	2.7	861
Exercisable at December 30, 2014	16		$	120.97	2.7	$	861

Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Appreciation Rights Award Activity [Table Text Block]

	Shares (in thousands)		Weighted Average Conversion Price (1)		Weighted Average Contractual Term Remaining (Years)	Aggregate Intrinsic Value (2) (in thousands)
Outstanding at December 31, 2013	33		$	135.73	4.5	$	1,343
Granted	3		152.59
Converted	(3	)	61.49
Cancelled	(4	)	144.01
Outstanding at December 30, 2014	29		$	144.63	4.0	$	885
Convertible at December 30, 2014	5		$	92.43	2.0	$	410

Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block]

	For the fiscal year ended
	December 30, 2014			December 31, 2013			December 25, 2012
Fair value per option awards	$	46.01		$	55.63		$	53.18
Assumptions:
Expected term (years)	5			5			5
Expected volatility	28.8		%	36.5		%	40.3		%
Risk-free interest rate	1.6		%	1.3		%	0.8		%
Dividend yield	0.0		%	0.0		%	0.0		%

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Income Taxes

12 Months Ended

Dec. 30, 2014

Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract]

Income Taxes [Text Block]

Income Taxes

The components of income (loss) before income taxes, by tax jurisdiction, were as follows for the periods indicated (in thousands):

	For the fiscal year ended
	December 30, 2014			December 31, 2013			December 25, 2012
United States	$	285,564		$	317,479		$	286,702
Canada	(8,270		)	(4,759		)	(3,706		)
Income before income taxes	$	277,294		$	312,720		$	282,996

The provision for income taxes consisted of the following for the periods indicated (in thousands):

	For the fiscal year ended
	December 30, 2014			December 31, 2013		December 25, 2012
Current:
U.S. federal	$	73,234		$	87,548	$	72,434
U.S. state and local	14,306			18,638		15,955
	87,540			106,186		88,389
Deferred:
U.S. federal	9,609			8,547		16,640
U.S. state and local	950			1,804		3,603
Foreign	(98		)	14		916
	$	10,461		$	10,365	$	21,159
Total provision for income taxes	$	98,001		$	116,551	$	109,548

A reconciliation of the statutory U.S. federal income tax rate to the Company's effective tax rate is as follows for the periods indicated:

	For the fiscal year ended
	December 30, 2014		December 31, 2013		December 25, 2012
Statutory U.S. federal rate	35.0	%	35.0	%	35.0	%
U.S. state and local income taxes, net of federal tax benefit	4.1		4.5		4.5
U.S. federal tax credits	(1.4	)	(0.8	)	(0.4	)
Other, including discrete tax items	(2.4	)	(1.4	)	(0.4	)
Effective tax rate	35.3	%	37.3	%	38.7	%

The Company’s lower effective tax rate for fiscal 2014 was primarily driven by certain discrete income tax benefit items for prior fiscal years related to additional federal and state tax credits and an increased deduction for domestic production activities.

The tax effects of the significant temporary differences which comprise the deferred tax assets and liabilities were as follows for the periods indicated (in thousands):

	December 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
Deferred tax assets:
Accrued expenses	$	72,891		$	71,245
Foreign net operating loss carryforward	4,178			3,124
Stock-based compensation	3,125			3,534
Other	1,701			1,008
Less: valuation allowance	(4,625		)	(3,173		)
Total deferred tax assets	$	77,270		$	75,738
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property and equipment	$	(101,533	)	$	(90,940	)
Goodwill and other intangibles	(23,705		)	(22,307		)
Total deferred tax liabilities	$	(125,238	)	$	(113,247	)
Net deferred tax liability	$	(47,968	)	$	(37,509	)
Current deferred income tax assets	$	28,621		$	27,889
Long-term deferred income tax liabilities	$	(76,589	)	$	(65,398	)

In assessing the realization of deferred tax assets, the Company considers the generation of future taxable income and utilizes a more likely than not standard to determine if deferred tax assets will be realized. Based on this assessment, the Company has recorded a valuation allowance of $4.6 million and $3.2 million as of December 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, as a full valuation allowance against all Canadian deferred tax assets, including the net operating loss carryforwards of the Company's Canadian operations. The Company’s Canadian net operating loss carryforwards begin expiring in 2027.

As of December 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized in full, would be recorded as a reduction of income tax expense was $6.1 million and $2.7 million, inclusive of applicable interest and penalties and net of federal tax benefits, respectively. Estimated interest and penalties related to the underpayment of income taxes are classified as a component of income tax expense in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income and these amounts were expense of $0.3 million, income of $0.1 million, and expense of $0.2 million during fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012, respectively. Accrued interest and penalties were $1.4 million and $0.9 million as of December 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.

The following is a rollforward of the Company’s liability for unrecognized tax benefits for the periods indicated (in thousands):

	December 30, 2014			December 31, 2013			December 25, 2012
Beginning balance	$	2,999		$	3,051		$	3,544
Tax positions related to the current year:
Additions	1,536			653			530
Tax positions related to prior years:
Additions	2,671			256			217
Reductions	—			(49		)	(341		)
Settlements	(131		)	(425		)	(58		)
Expiration of statutes of limitations	(620		)	(487		)	(841		)
Ending balance	$	6,455		$	2,999		$	3,051

The U.S. Internal Revenue Service has completed exams of the Company’s U.S. federal tax returns for fiscal years 2011 and prior. While certain state returns in fiscal years 2002 through 2010 may be subject to future assessment by taxing authorities, the Company is no longer subject to examination in Canada and most states in fiscal years prior to 2011.

It is reasonably possible that the Company’s liability for unrecognized tax benefits with respect to the Company’s uncertain tax positions will increase or decrease during the next twelve months; however, an estimate of the amount or range of the change cannot be made at this time.