10-Q

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington D.C. 20549

________________

Form 10-Q

(Mark one)

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIESEXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 27, 2016

or

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIESEXCHANGE 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	04-2723701
(State or Other Jurisdiction of	(I.R.S. Employer
Incorporation or Organization)	Identification No.)

3630 South Geyer Road, Suite 100, St. Louis, MO	63127
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)	(Zip Code)

(314) 984-1000

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 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. x Yes ¨ No

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).   x Yes   ¨ No 

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 x	Accelerated filer ¨
Non-accelerated filer ¨	Smaller reporting company ¨
(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 Exchange Act). Yes ¨ No x

As of October 25, 2016, the registrant had 21,833,460 shares of Class A common stock ($.0001 par value per share) and 1,381,730 shares of Class B common stock ($.0001 par value per share) outstanding.

1

PANERA BREAD COMPANY

QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q

TABLE OF CONTENTS

		Page
PART I	FINANCIAL INFORMATION	3
ITEM 1.	FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)	3
	Consolidated Balance Sheets	3
	Consolidated Statements of Income	4
	Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income	5
	Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows	6
	Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements	7
ITEM 2.	MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS	18
ITEM 3.	QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK	35
ITEM 4.	CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES	35
PART II	OTHER INFORMATION	37
ITEM 1.	LEGAL PROCEEDINGS	37
ITEM 1A.	RISK FACTORS	37
ITEM 2.	UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS	37
ITEM 6.	EXHIBITS	38
	Signatures	39
	Exhibit Index	40

2

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

PANERA BREAD COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(unaudited)

(in thousands, except share and per share information)

	September 27, 2016			December 29, 2015
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	86,598		$	241,886
Trade accounts receivable, net	47,717			38,211
Other accounts receivable	38,556			77,575
Inventories	22,122			22,482
Prepaid expenses and other	72,561			59,457
Assets held for sale	—			28,699
Total current assets	267,554			468,310
Property and equipment, net	795,476			776,248
Other assets:
Goodwill	122,377			121,791
Other intangible assets, net	56,986			63,877
Deposits and other	11,143			10,613
Total other assets	190,506			196,281
Total assets	$	1,253,536		$	1,440,839
Liabilities, Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, and Stockholders' Equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	27,018		$	19,805
Accrued expenses	322,297			359,464
Current portion of long-term debt	17,229			17,229
Liabilities associated with assets held for sale	—			2,945
Total current liabilities	366,544			399,443
Long-term debt	414,269			388,971
Deferred rent	62,917			62,610
Deferred income taxes	28,285			35,968
Other long-term liabilities	58,085			52,566
Total liabilities	930,100			939,558
Commitments and contingencies (Note 9)
Redeemable noncontrolling interest	3,837			3,981
Stockholders' Equity:
Common stock, $.0001 par value per share:
Class A, 112,500,000 shares authorized; 30,917,139 issued and 22,002,735 outstanding at September 27, 2016; 30,836,669 issued and 23,346,188 outstanding at December 29, 2015	3			3
Class B, 10,000,000 shares authorized; 1,381,730 issued and outstanding at September 27, 2016; 1,381,730 issued and outstanding at December 29, 2015	—			—
Treasury stock, carried at cost; 8,914,404 shares at September 27, 2016 and 7,490,481 shares at December 29, 2015	(1,405,210		)	(1,111,586		)
Preferred stock, $.0001 par value per share; 2,000,000 shares authorized and no shares issued or outstanding at September 27, 2016 and December 29, 2015	—			—
Additional paid-in capital	252,201			235,393
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(7,478		)	(5,029		)
Retained earnings	1,480,083			1,378,519
Total stockholders’ equity	319,599			497,300
Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interest, and stockholders’ equity	$	1,253,536		$	1,440,839

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

3

PANERA BREAD COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(unaudited)

(in thousands, except per share information)

	For the 13 Weeks Ended						For the 39 Weeks Ended
	September 27, 2016			September 29, 2015			September 27, 2016			September 29, 2015
Revenues:
Bakery-cafe sales, net	$	593,434		$	584,664		$	1,801,502		$	1,756,464
Franchise royalties and fees	38,210			33,740			114,079			98,952
Fresh dough and other product sales to franchisees	52,562			46,250			152,678			134,399
Total revenues	$	684,206		$	664,654		$	2,068,259		$	1,989,815
Costs and expenses:
Bakery-cafe expenses:
Cost of food and paper products	$	173,239		$	178,700		$	529,684		$	535,281
Labor	195,773			190,736			582,778			561,762
Occupancy	41,534			42,835			125,541			129,083
Other operating expenses	90,492			82,706			268,211			252,150
Total bakery-cafe expenses	501,038			494,977			1,506,214			1,478,276
Fresh dough and other product cost of sales to franchisees	46,347			41,643			133,576			118,161
Depreciation and amortization	38,985			33,885			114,073			100,167
General and administrative expenses	43,538			37,575			130,657			103,515
Pre-opening expenses	1,948			2,298			5,584			6,253
Refranchising loss	129			2,174			9,072			11,732
Total costs and expenses	631,985			612,552			1,899,176			1,818,104
Operating profit	52,221			52,102			169,083			171,711
Interest expense	2,529			1,363			6,059			2,266
Other (income) expense, net	411			(55		)	274			948
Income before income taxes	49,281			50,794			162,750			168,497
Income taxes	17,371			18,401			61,286			62,315
Net income	$	31,910		$	32,393		$	101,464		$	106,182
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	(65		)	—			(100		)	—
Net income attributable to Panera Bread Company	$	31,975		$	32,393		$	101,564		$	106,182
Earnings per common share:
Basic	$	1.37		$	1.28		$	4.29		$	4.08
Diluted	$	1.37		$	1.27		$	4.27		$	4.07
Weighted average shares of common and common equivalent shares outstanding:
Basic	23,276			25,394			23,651			26,011
Diluted	23,391			25,501			23,774			26,119

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

4

PANERA BREAD COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(unaudited)

(in thousands)

	For the 13 Weeks Ended						For the 39 Weeks Ended
	September 27, 2016			September 29, 2015			September 27, 2016			September 29, 2015
Net income	$	31,910		$	32,393		$	101,464		$	106,182
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	(65		)	—			(100		)	—
Net income attributable to Panera Bread Company	$	31,975		$	32,393		$	101,564		$	106,182
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedging instruments	1,139			(4,908		)	(6,019		)	(4,908		)
Tax (expense) benefit	(450		)	1,941			2,381			1,941
Reclassification adjustment for net (gains) losses realized in earnings on cash flow hedging instruments	693			—			693			—
Tax (expense) benefit	(275		)	—			(275		)	—
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(84		)	(963		)	771			(1,666		)
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Panera Bread Company	1,023			(3,930		)	(2,449		)	(4,633		)
Comprehensive income attributable to Panera Bread Company	$	32,998		$	28,463		$	99,115		$	101,549

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

5

PANERA BREAD COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(unaudited)

(in thousands)

	For the 39 Weeks Ended
	September 27, 2016			September 29, 2015
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$	101,464		$	106,182
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	114,073			100,167
Stock-based compensation expense	12,191			11,110
Tax benefit from stock-based compensation	(1,963		)	(2,023		)
Deferred income taxes	(5,577		)	(34,908		)
Refranchising loss	7,212			10,786
Other	6,398			1,928
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, excluding the effect of acquisitions:
Trade and other accounts receivable, net	28,265			33,128
Inventories	676			682
Prepaid expenses and other	(13,104		)	(11,762		)
Deposits and other	1,054			(179		)
Accounts payable	4,720			3,723
Accrued expenses	(28,529		)	(39,089		)
Deferred rent	184			2,433
Other long-term liabilities	1,869			(5,669		)
Net cash provided by operating activities	228,933			176,509
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to property and equipment	(146,364		)	(153,301		)
Proceeds from refranchising	15,649			20,805
Proceeds from sale-leaseback transactions	2,998			10,095
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	—			1,553
Net cash used in investing activities	(127,717		)	(120,848		)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repayments of long-term debt	(14,933		)	—
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	—			299,070
Proceeds from borrowings under revolving credit facility	40,000			—
Repurchases of common stock	(286,143		)	(280,301		)
Capitalized debt issuance costs	—			(363		)
Tax benefit from stock-based compensation	1,963			2,023
Proceeds from issuance of common stock under employee benefit plans	2,654			2,594
Distribution to redeemable noncontrolling interest	(45		)	—
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(256,504		)	23,023
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(155,288		)	78,684
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	241,886			196,493
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	86,598		$	275,177

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

6

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation

The unaudited consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, which consist of the accounts of Panera Bread Company and its wholly owned direct and indirect subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”), have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”), under the rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), and on a basis substantially consistent with the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company as of and for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2015 (“fiscal 2015”). In September 2016, all of the shares of stock of Panera Bread Ltd., as successor to Panera Bread ULC, a Canadian subsidiary of Panera Bread Company, were sold by Panera International Holdings, Inc., a subsidiary of Panera Bread Company, and ceased to be a subsidiary of Panera Bread Company. Following the close of the sale on September 13, 2016, the transferred Panera Bread Ltd. operations are no longer presented in the Company's consolidated financial statements. Refer to Note 2 for further information on the sale. These unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with such audited consolidated financial statements, which are included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2015, as filed with the SEC on February 18, 2016. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The Consolidated Balance Sheet data as of December 29, 2015 was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by GAAP contained herein.

The unaudited consolidated financial statements include all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments and accruals) that management considers necessary for a fair statement of the Company's financial position and comprehensive income for the interim periods presented. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of the results for any other interim period or for the entire fiscal year ending December 27, 2016 (“fiscal 2016”). Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year balances to conform to the fiscal 2016 presentation.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In August 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-15, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments”. This update addresses how certain cash inflows and outflows are classified in the statement of cash flows to eliminate existing diversity in practice. This update is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the effect this standard will have on the Company's consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, “Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting”. This update simplifies accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. This update is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the overall impact that ASU 2016-09 will have on the Company's consolidated financial statements and related disclosures, as well as the expected timing and method of adoption.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842)”. This update will increase transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. This update is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. Based on a preliminary assessment, the Company expects the standard to have a material impact on its assets and liabilities due to the recognition of right-of-use assets and lease liabilities on its Consolidated Balance Sheets at the beginning of the earliest period presented. The Company is continuing its assessment, which may identify additional impacts this standard will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17, “Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes”. This update requires that deferred tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position. The Company early adopted ASU 2015-17 during the thirteen weeks ended March 29, 2016 on a retrospective basis. As a result of the retrospective adoption, the Company reclassified current deferred income tax assets of $34.5 million as of December 29, 2015 to long-term deferred income tax liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Adoption of this standard did not impact the Company's results of operations or cash flows in either the current or previous interim and annual reporting periods.

7

In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-16, “Business Combinations (Topic 805): Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments”. This update eliminates the requirement for an acquirer in a business combination to account for measurement-period adjustments retrospectively. Acquirers would now recognize measurement-period adjustments during the period in which they determine the amount of the adjustment. This update is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and should be applied prospectively to adjustments for provisional amounts that occur after the effective date with early adoption permitted for financial statements that have not been issued. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements or related disclosures; however, it may impact the reporting of future acquisitions if and when they occur.

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, “Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory”. This update provides guidance on the subsequent measurement of inventory, which changes the measurement from lower of cost or market to lower of cost and net realizable value. This update is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 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. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, delaying the effective date for adoption. The update is now effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted. The update permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method.  

The FASB has also issued the following standards which provide additional clarification and implementation guidance on the previously issued ASU 2014-09 and have the same effective date as the original standard: ASU 2016-12, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients (Topic 606);” ASU 2016-11, “Revenue Recognition (Topic 605) and Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Rescission of SEC Guidance Because of Accounting Standards Updates 2014-09 and 2014-16 Pursuant to Staff Announcements at the March 3, 2016 EITF Meeting (SEC Update);” ASU 2016-10, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing (Topic 606);” and ASU 2016-08, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net).”

The Company is currently evaluating the overall impact that ASU 2014-09 will have on the Company's consolidated financial statements, as well as the expected timing and method of adoption. Based on a preliminary assessment, the Company has determined that the adoption will change the timing of recognition of gift card breakage income, which is currently recognized using the remote method. The new guidance will require application of the proportional method. The Company is continuing its assessment, which may identify additional impacts this standard will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

Note 2. Divestitures

Refranchising Initiative

In February 2015, the Company announced a plan to refranchise approximately 50 to 150 Company-owned bakery-cafes. As of September 27, 2016, the Company had completed the sale of 102 Company-owned bakery-cafes.

During the thirteen weeks ended March 29, 2016, 20 Company-owned bakery-cafes that the Company concluded no longer met all of the criteria required to be classified as held for sale were reclassified to held and used at their fair value.

On May 3, 2016, the Company sold substantially all of the assets of 15 bakery-cafes in the Portland, Oregon market to an existing franchisee for a purchase price of approximately $15.2 million, which resulted in a gain on sale of approximately $0.5 million.

On September 13, 2016, Panera International Holdings, Inc., a subsidiary of Panera Bread Company, sold all of its shares of stock of Panera Bread Ltd., as successor to Panera Bread ULC, a Canadian subsidiary, to a new franchisee for a purchase price of approximately $5.0 million, with $0.5 million payable in cash and $4.5 million payable in the form of a promissory note. The promissory note bears interest at the Wall Street Journal prime rate plus 2.00 percent and is payable in equal quarterly installments over five years. As of September 27, 2016, the carrying amount of the promissory note approximates fair value as its interest rate approximates current market rates (Level 2 inputs).

The sale of Panera Bread Ltd. transferred ownership of substantially all of the assets of 12 bakery-cafes in the Ontario, Canada market to the new franchisee. The Company recorded a gain on the sale of approximately $0.2 million during the thirteen weeks

8

ended September 27, 2016. The Company recognized a $6.1 million loss on assets held for sale related to the 12 bakery-cafes in Ontario, Canada during the thirteen weeks ended June 28, 2016. Following the close of the sale on September 13, 2016, the Panera Bread Ltd. operations are no longer being consolidated as a subsidiary in the Company's consolidated financial statements.

The Company did not classify any assets or liabilities as held for sale as of September 27, 2016. The Company classified as held for sale the assets and certain liabilities of 35 Company-owned bakery-cafes as of December 29, 2015. The Company classifies assets as held for sale and ceases depreciation of the assets when those assets meet the held for sale criteria, as defined in GAAP.

The following summarizes activity associated with the refranchising initiative recorded in the caption entitled Refranchising loss in the Consolidated Statements of Income for the periods indicated (in thousands):

	For the 13 Weeks Ended					For the 39 Weeks Ended
	September 27, 2016			September 29, 2015		September 27, 2016			September 29, 2015
Loss on assets held for sale (1)	$	—		$	1,000	$	6,112		$	8,941
Lease termination costs and impairment of long-lived assets (1)	—			—		2,858			3,837
Professional fees, severance, and other	331			596		795			946
Loss (gain) on sale of bakery-cafes (1)	(202		)	578		(693		)	(1,992		)
Refranchising loss	$	129		$	2,174	$	9,072		$	11,732

(1) Certain of the amounts for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2016 and September 29, 2015 are included in the caption entitled Refranchising loss in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows as a non-cash adjustment to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities.

Note 3. Fair Value Measurements

The following summarizes assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis (in thousands):

	Total		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
September 27, 2016:
Interest rate swaps	$	7,878	$	—	$	7,878	$	—
Total liabilities	$	7,878	$	—	$	7,878	$	—
December 29, 2015:
Cash equivalents	$	2	$	2	$	—	$	—
Total assets	$	2	$	2	$	—	$	—
Interest rate swaps	$	2,552	$	—	$	2,552	$	—
Total liabilities	$	2,552	$	—	$	2,552	$	—

The fair value of the Company's cash equivalents is based on quoted market prices for identical securities. The fair value of the Company's interest rate swaps are determined based on a discounted cash flow analysis on the expected future cash flows of each derivative. This analysis reflects the contractual terms of the derivatives and uses observable market-based inputs, including interest rate curves and credit spreads.

9

Note 4. Inventories

Inventories consisted of the following (in thousands):

	September 27, 2016		December 29, 2015
Food:
Fresh dough facilities:
Raw materials	$	3,382	$	3,561
Finished goods	471		446
Bakery-cafes:
Raw materials	15,010		14,819
Paper goods	3,259		3,656
Total	$	22,122	$	22,482

Note 5. Accrued Expenses

Accrued expenses consisted of the following (in thousands):

	September 27, 2016		December 29, 2015
Unredeemed gift cards, net	$	87,711	$	123,363
Compensation and related employment taxes	50,243		64,882
Insurance	42,581		37,208
Capital expenditures	39,189		53,914
Taxes, other than income taxes	22,893		20,206
Advertising	10,649		5,242
Occupancy costs	9,376		8,594
Deferred revenue	8,098		5,690
Fresh dough and other product operations	7,999		10,854
Utilities	5,059		4,581
Share repurchases	4,988		—
Loyalty program	2,830		2,653
Other	30,681		22,277
Total	$	322,297	$	359,464

Note 6. Debt

Long-term debt consisted of the following (in thousands):

	September 27, 2016			December 29, 2015
2014 Term Loan	$	100,000		$	100,000
2015 Term Loan	285,000			296,250
Borrowings under the 2015 Credit Agreement	40,000			—
2015 Note Payable	7,608			10,144
Debt assumed in Tatte acquisition	—			1,147
Aggregate unamortized lender fees and issuance costs	(1,110		)	(1,341		)
Total carrying amount	431,498			406,200
Current portion of long-term debt	17,229			17,229
Long-term debt	$	414,269		$	388,971

Term Loans

On June 11, 2014, the Company entered into a term loan agreement (the “2014 Term Loan Agreement”), by and among the Company, as borrower, Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, and other lenders party thereto. The 2014 Term Loan Agreement provides for an unsecured term loan in the amount of $100 million (the “2014 Term Loan”). The 2014 Term Loan is

10

scheduled to mature on July 11, 2019, subject to acceleration upon certain specified events of default, including breaches of representations or covenants, failure to pay other material indebtedness or a change of control of the Company, as defined in the 2014 Term Loan Agreement. The Company incurred lender fees and issuance costs totaling $0.2 million in connection with the issuance of the 2014 Term Loan. The lender fees and issuance costs are being amortized to expense over the term of the 2014 Term Loan.

On July 16, 2015, the Company entered into a term loan agreement (the “2015 Term Loan Agreement”), with Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, and other lenders party thereto. The 2015 Term Loan Agreement provides for an unsecured term loan in the amount of $300 million (the "2015 Term Loan"). The 2015 Term Loan is scheduled to mature on July 16, 2020, subject to acceleration upon certain specified events of default, including breaches of representations or covenants, failure to pay other material indebtedness or a change of control of the Company, as defined in the 2015 Term Loan Agreement, and is amortized in equal quarterly installments in an amount equal to 1.25 percent of the original principal amount of the 2015 Term Loan. The Company incurred lender fees and issuance costs totaling $1.4 million in connection with the issuance of the 2015 Term Loan. The lender fees and issuance costs are being amortized to expense over the term of the 2015 Term Loan. As of September 27, 2016, $14.7 million of the 2015 Term Loan's carrying amount is presented as the current portion of long-term debt in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Each of the 2014 Term Loan and 2015 Term Loan bears interest at a rate equal to, at the Company's option, (1) the Eurodollar rate 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) the Eurodollar rate 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’s obligations under the 2014 Term Loan Agreement and 2015 Term Loan Agreement are guaranteed by certain of its direct and indirect subsidiaries.

The weighted-average interest rates for both the 2014 Term Loan and 2015 Term Loan, excluding the amortization of issuance costs and the impact of the Company's interest rate swaps, were 1.62 percent and 1.57 percent for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2016, respectively. The weighted-average interest rate for the 2014 Term Loan, excluding the amortization of issuance costs and the impact of the Company's interest rate swaps, was 1.19 percent and 1.18 percent for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2015, respectively. The weighted-average interest rate for the 2015 Term Loan, excluding the amortization of issuance costs and the impact of the Company's interest rate swaps, was 1.32 percent for both the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2015, respectively. As of September 27, 2016, the carrying amounts of the 2014 Term Loan and 2015 Term Loan approximate fair value as the variable interest rates approximate current market rates (Level 2 inputs).

On July 16, 2015, in order to hedge the variability in cash flows from changes in benchmark interest rates, the Company entered into two forward-starting interest rate swap agreements with an aggregate initial notional value of $242.5 million. The forward-starting interest rate swaps have been designated as cash flow hedging instruments. See Note 7 for information on the Company's interest rate swaps.

Installment Payment Agreement

On September 15, 2015, the Company entered into a Master Installment Payment Agreement (the “Master IPA”) with PNC Equipment Finance, LLC (“PNC”) pursuant to which PNC financed the Company's purchase of hardware, software, and services associated with new storage virtualization and disaster recovery systems. The Master IPA provides for a secured note payable in the amount of $12.7 million (the “2015 Note Payable”), payable in five annual installments beginning November 1, 2015 and each September 1st thereafter. As of September 27, 2016, there was $7.6 million outstanding under the 2015 Note Payable and $2.5 million of the 2015 Note Payable is presented as the current portion of long-term debt in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Revolving Credit Agreements

On July 16, 2015, the Company entered into a credit agreement (the “2015 Credit Agreement”), with Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, swing line lender and L/C issuer, and each lender from time to time party thereto. The 2015 Credit Agreement provides for an unsecured revolving credit facility of $250 million that will become due on July 16, 2020, subject to acceleration upon certain specified events of default, including breaches of representations or covenants, failure to pay other material indebtedness or a change of control of the Company, as defined in the 2015 Credit Agreement. The 2015 Credit Agreement provides that the Company may select interest rates under the credit facility equal to, at the Company's option, (1) the Eurodollar rate 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) the Eurodollar rate plus 1.00 percent, plus a margin ranging from 0.00 percent to 0.50 percent depending on the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio. As of

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September 27, 2016, the Company had $40 million outstanding under the 2015 Credit Agreement. The weighted-average interest rate for borrowings under the 2015 Credit Agreement was 1.65% for the thirteen weeks ended September 27, 2016.

The 2014 Term Loan Agreement, 2015 Term Loan Agreement and 2015 Credit Agreement contain customary affirmative and negative covenants, including covenants limiting liens, dispositions, fundamental changes, investments, indebtedness, and certain transactions and payments. In addition, such term loan and credit agreements 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 September 27, 2016, the Company was in compliance with all covenant requirements.

Note 7. Derivative Financial Instruments

The Company enters into derivative instruments solely for risk management purposes. To the extent the Company's cash-flow hedging instruments are effective in offsetting the variability in the hedged cash flows, and otherwise meet the cash flow hedge accounting criteria required by FASB Accounting Standards Codification 815, “Derivatives and Hedging”, changes in the derivatives' fair value are not included in current earnings but are included in accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”). These changes in fair value will be reclassified into earnings at the time of the forecasted transaction. By using these instruments, the Company exposes itself, from time to time, to credit risk and market risk. Credit risk is the failure of the counterparty to perform under the terms of the derivative contract. The Company minimizes this credit risk by entering into transactions with high-quality counterparties. Market risk is the adverse effect on the value of a financial instrument that results from changes in interest rates. The Company minimizes this market risk by establishing and monitoring parameters that limit the types and degree of market risk that may be undertaken.

On July 16, 2015, the Company entered into two forward-starting interest rate swap agreements with an aggregate initial notional value of $242.5 million to hedge a portion of the cash flows of its term loan borrowings. For each of the swaps, the Company has agreed to exchange with a counterparty the difference between fixed and variable interest amounts calculated by reference to an agreed-upon principal amount.

The following table summarizes the Company's interest rate swaps as of September 27, 2016:

Trade Date	Effective Date	Term (in Years)	Notional Amount (in thousands)		Fixed Rate
July 16, 2015	July 11, 2016	4	$	100,000	1.75	%
July 16, 2015	July 18, 2016	5	142,500		1.97	%

The notional amount for the interest rate swap with an effective date of July 18, 2016 decreases quarterly by $1.9 million over the five-year term of the interest rate swap beginning in September 2016.

The interest rate swaps, which have been designated and qualify as cash flow hedges, are recorded at fair value in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The following table summarizes the estimated fair value of the Company's interest rate swaps as of September 27, 2016 and December 29, 2015 (in thousands):

Balance Sheet Location	September 27, 2016		December 29, 2015
Accrued expenses	$	2,807	$	—
Other long-term liabilities	5,071		2,552
Total	$	7,878	$	2,552

Changes in fair value of the interest rate swaps are recorded as a component of AOCI in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company reclassifies the effective gain or loss from AOCI to interest expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income at the time of the transaction. The following table presents pre-tax gains and losses on the interest rate swaps recognized in other comprehensive income (“OCI”) and reclassified from AOCI to earnings for the periods indicated (in thousands):

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	For the 13 Weeks Ended						For the 39 Weeks Ended
	September 27, 2016			September 29, 2015			September 27, 2016			September 29, 2015
Net gains (losses) recognized in OCI before reclassifications	$	689		$	(2,967	)	$	(3,638	)	$	(2,967	)
Net gains (losses) reclassified from AOCI to earnings	(418		)	—			(418		)	—

A net of tax loss of approximately $1.7 million is expected to be reclassified from AOCI to earnings within the next twelve months. The Company did not recognize a gain or loss due to hedge ineffectiveness during any of the thirteen or thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2016 and September 29, 2015.

The Company does not hold or use derivative instruments for trading purposes. The Company does not have any derivatives that are not designated as hedging instruments and has not designated any non-derivatives as hedging instruments.

Note 8. Stockholders' Equity

Share Repurchase Authorization

On June 5, 2014, 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 “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. On April 15, 2015, the Company's Board of Directors approved an increase of the 2014 repurchase authorization to $750 million. During the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2016, the Company repurchased 839,759 shares under the 2014 repurchase authorization, at an average price of $201.15 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $168.9 million. On May 19, 2016, the Company's Board of Directors terminated the 2014 repurchase authorization program.

On May 19, 2016, 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 "2016 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 2016 repurchase authorization may be modified, suspended, or discontinued by the Company's Board of Directors at any time. As of September 27, 2016, the Company had repurchased a total of 557,981 shares under the 2016 share repurchase authorization, at a weighted average price of $213.21 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $119.0 million, of which $7.5 million remained unpaid as of September 27, 2016. These repurchases traded during the thirteen weeks ended September 27, 2016 and settled in the subsequent quarter. There was approximately $481.0 million available under the 2016 repurchase authorization as of September 27, 2016.

In total, during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2016, the Company repurchased 1,397,740 shares under the 2014 repurchase authorization and 2016 repurchase authorization, at an average price of $205.97 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $287.9 million.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The following table summarizes changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, for the thirteen weeks ended September 27, 2016 and September 29, 2015 (in thousands):

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	Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment			Cash Flow Hedging Instruments			Total
September 27, 2016
Net gains (losses), beginning of period	$	(2,631	)	$	(5,870	)	$	(8,501	)
Net gains (losses) recognized in OCI before reclassifications	(84		)	689			605
Net (gains) losses reclassified from AOCI to earnings	—			418			418
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(84		)	1,107			1,023
Net gains (losses), end of period	$	(2,715	)	$	(4,763	)	$	(7,478	)
September 29, 2015
Net gains (losses), beginning of period	$	(2,063	)	$	—		$	(2,063	)
Net gains (losses) recognized in OCI before reclassifications	(963		)	(2,967		)	(3,930		)
Net (gains) losses reclassified from AOCI to earnings	—			—			—
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(963		)	(2,967		)	(3,930		)
Net gains (losses), end of period	$	(3,026	)	$	(2,967	)	$	(5,993	)

The following table summarizes changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2016 and September 29, 2015 (in thousands):

	Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment			Cash Flow Hedging Instruments			Total
September 27, 2016
Net gains (losses), beginning of period	$	(3,486	)	$	(1,543	)	$	(5,029	)
Net gains (losses) recognized in OCI before reclassifications	771			(3,638		)	(2,867		)
Net (gains) losses reclassified from AOCI to earnings	—			418			418
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	771			(3,220		)	(2,449		)
Net gains (losses), end of period	$	(2,715	)	$	(4,763	)	$	(7,478	)
September 29, 2015
Net gains (losses), beginning of period	$	(1,360	)	$	—		$	(1,360	)
Net gains (losses) recognized in OCI before reclassifications	(1,666		)	(2,967		)	(4,633		)
Net (gains) losses reclassified from AOCI to earnings	—			—			—
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(1,666		)	(2,967		)	(4,633		)
Net gains (losses), end of period	$	(3,026	)	$	(2,967	)	$	(5,993	)

Note 9. Commitments and Contingencies

Lease Obligations

As of September 27, 2016, the Company has guaranteed the operating leases of 98 franchisee 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, pursuant to which the Company exercised its right to assign the lease 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 July 15, 2020 to February 28, 2049, with a maximum potential amount of future rental payments of approximately $298.9 million as of September 27, 2016. The obligations from these leases will decrease over time as these operating leases expire. The Company has not recorded a liability for these guarantees because the fair value of these lease guarantees was determined by the Company to be insignificant individually, and in the aggregate, based

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on an 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.

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. In addition, several other purported class action lawsuits based on similar claims and seeking similar relief were filed against the subsidiary: on October 30, 2015 in the California Superior Court, County of San Bernardino by Jazmin Dabney, a former subsidiary employee; on November 3, 2015 in the United States District Court, Eastern District of California by Clara Manchester, a former subsidiary employee; and on November 30, 2015 in the California Superior Court, County of Yolo by Tanner Maginnis, a current subsidiary assistant manager. On May 6, 2016, the parties of all four pending cases reached a Memorandum of Understanding For Three Settlement Classes regarding the class action lawsuits. Under the terms of the agreement, the Company agreed to pay an immaterial amount to purported class members, plaintiffs' attorneys' fees, Private Attorney General Act payments, and costs of administering the settlement. The Memorandum of Understanding contains no admission of wrongdoing. The terms and conditions of a definitive settlement agreement are under negotiation and such agreement is subject to the final approval by two California Superior Courts. The Company maintained an appropriate reserve in accrued expenses for this settlement in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 27, 2016.

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 the Company's consolidated financial position and results of operations. 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 ongoing 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 the Company's consolidated financial position and results of operations. The Company believes reserves for these matters are adequately provided for in its consolidated financial statements.

Note 10. 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 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, and 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 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 Income.

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Segment information related to the Company’s three business segments is as follows (in thousands):

	For the 13 Weeks Ended						For the 39 Weeks Ended
	September 27, 2016			September 29, 2015			September 27, 2016			September 29, 2015
Revenues:
Company bakery-cafe operations	$	593,434		$	584,664		$	1,801,502		$	1,756,464
Franchise operations	38,210			33,740			114,079			98,952
Fresh dough and other product operations	103,041			96,198			301,320			284,089
Intercompany sales eliminations	(50,479		)	(49,948		)	(148,642		)	(149,690		)
Total revenues	$	684,206		$	664,654		$	2,068,259		$	1,989,815
Segment profit:
Company bakery-cafe operations (1)	$	92,267		$	87,513		$	286,216		$	266,456
Franchise operations	36,923			32,461			110,141			95,219
Fresh dough and other product operations	6,215			4,607			19,102			16,238
Total segment profit	$	135,405		$	124,581		$	415,459		$	377,913
Depreciation and amortization	$	38,985		$	33,885		$	114,073		$	100,167
Unallocated general and administrative expenses	42,251			36,296			126,719			99,782
Pre-opening expenses	1,948			2,298			5,584			6,253
Interest expense	2,529			1,363			6,059			2,266
Other (income) expense, net	411			(55		)	274			948
Income before income taxes	$	49,281		$	50,794		$	162,750		$	168,497
Depreciation and amortization:
Company bakery-cafe operations	$	28,894		$	26,004		$	85,828		$	78,698
Fresh dough and other product operations	2,519			2,321			7,157			6,855
Corporate administration	7,572			5,560			21,088			14,614
Total depreciation and amortization	$	38,985		$	33,885		$	114,073		$	100,167
Capital expenditures:
Company bakery-cafe operations	$	33,723		$	39,756		$	104,070		$	117,866
Fresh dough and other product operations	3,026			3,217			13,585			7,710
Corporate administration	10,660			5,472			28,709			27,725
Total capital expenditures	$	47,409		$	48,445		$	146,364		$	153,301

(1) Includes refranchising losses of $0.1 million and $2.2 million for the thirteen weeks ended September 27, 2016 and September 29, 2015, respectively, and $9.1 million and $11.7 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2016 and September 29, 2015, respectively.

	September 27, 2016		December 29, 2015
Segment assets:
Company bakery-cafe operations	$	910,698	$	953,717
Franchise operations	18,462		13,049
Fresh dough and other product operations	85,940		75,634
Total segment assets	$	1,015,100	$	1,042,400
Unallocated cash and cash equivalents	$	86,598	$	241,886
Unallocated trade and other accounts receivable	7,022		2,968
Unallocated property and equipment	114,536		107,333
Unallocated deposits and other	5,560		6,660
Other unallocated assets	24,720		39,592
Total assets	$	1,253,536	$	1,440,839

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“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 refundable income taxes.

Note 11. Income Taxes

The Company records income taxes using an estimated annual effective tax rate for interim reporting. The estimated annual effective tax rate may fluctuate due to changes in forecasted annual operating income; changes to the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets; changes to actual or forecast permanent book to tax differences; impacts from future tax settlements with state, federal or foreign tax authorities (such changes would be recorded discretely in the quarter in which they occur); or impacts from tax law changes. To the extent such changes impact the Company’s deferred tax assets/liabilities, these changes would generally be recorded discretely in the quarter in which they occur.

The Company's effective tax rates were 35.2% and 36.2% for the thirteen weeks ended September 27, 2016 and September 29, 2015, respectively. The decrease in the effective tax rate was primarily driven by an increased charitable deduction as a result of the Tax Relief Extension Act of 2015.

The Company's effective tax rates were 37.6% and 37.0% for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2016 and September 29, 2015, respectively. The increase in the effective tax rate was primarily driven by the recognition of $7.0 million of refranchising charges for which the Company cannot currently realize the associated tax benefit, partially offset by an increased charitable deduction as a result of the Tax Relief Extension Act of 2015.

Note 12. 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 13 Weeks Ended				For the 39 Weeks Ended
	September 27, 2016		September 29, 2015		September 27, 2016		September 29, 2015
Amounts used for basic and diluted per share calculations:
Net income attributable to Panera Bread Company	$	31,975	$	32,393	$	101,564	$	106,182
Weighted average number of shares outstanding — basic	23,276		25,394		23,651		26,011
Effect of dilutive stock-based employee compensation awards	115		107		123		108
Weighted average number of shares outstanding — diluted	23,391		25,501		23,774		26,119
Earnings per common share:
Basic	$	1.37	$	1.28	$	4.29	$	4.08
Diluted	$	1.37	$	1.27	$	4.27	$	4.07

For each of the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2016 and September 29, 2015, 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.

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Note 13. Supplemental Cash Flow Information

The following table sets forth supplemental cash flow information (in thousands):

	For the 39 Weeks Ended
	September 27, 2016			September 29, 2015
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest	$	5,358		$	1,783
Income taxes	49,914			72,519
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Change in accrued property and equipment purchases	$	(14,725	)	$	13,764
Accrued share repurchases	7,481			—
Promissory note received upon sale of subsidiary	(4,482		)	—
Financed property and equipment purchases	—			12,680
Asset retirement obligations	514			348

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Resultsof Operations

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, regarding our anticipated growth, operating results, future earnings per share, plans, objectives, the impact of our investments in sales-building initiatives and operational capabilities on future sales and earnings, our intention to repurchase shares from time to time under the share repurchase program and our refranchising activities, 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, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 29, 2015 and our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. 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.

General

Panera Bread Company and its subsidiaries are referred to as the “Company,” “Panera Bread,” or in the first person notation of “we,” “us,” and “our” in the following discussion.

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 includes 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.

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.

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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

Overview

• Total revenues increased 2.9 percent to $684.2 million for the thirteen weeks ended September 27, 2016 compared to $664.7 million for the thirteen weeks ended September 29, 2015. Total revenues increased 3.9 percent to $2,068.3 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2016 compared to $1,989.8 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2015.

• Company-owned comparable net bakery-cafe sales growth of 3.4 percent and 4.6 percent for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2016, respectively.

• Earnings per diluted share for the thirteen weeks ended September 27, 2016 was $1.37 compared to earnings per diluted share of $1.27 for the thirteen weeks ended September 29, 2015. Included in earnings per diluted share for the thirteen weeks ended September 29, 2015 were charges related to our refranchising initiative of $0.05 per diluted share.

• Earnings per diluted share for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2016 was $4.27 compared to earnings per diluted share of $4.07 for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2015. Included in earnings per diluted share for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2016 were charges related to our refranchising initiative of $0.35 per diluted share and an amount reserved for a legal matter of $0.09 per diluted share. Included in earnings per diluted share for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2015 were charges related to our refranchising initiative of $0.28 per diluted share.

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Consolidated Statements of Income Margin Analysis

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

	For the 13 Weeks Ended				For the 39 Weeks Ended
	September 27, 2016		September 29, 2015		September 27, 2016		September 29, 2015
Revenues:
Bakery-cafe sales, net	86.7	%	88.0	%	87.1	%	88.3	%
Franchise royalties and fees	5.6		5.1		5.5		5.0
Fresh dough and other product sales to franchisees	7.7		7.0		7.4		6.8
Total revenues	100.0	%	100.0	%	100.0	%	100.0	%
Costs and expenses:
Bakery-cafe expenses (1):
Cost of food and paper products	29.2	%	30.6	%	29.4	%	30.5	%
Labor	33.0		32.6		32.3		32.0
Occupancy	7.0		7.3		7.0		7.3
Other operating expenses	15.2		14.1		14.9		14.4
Total bakery-cafe expenses	84.4		84.7		83.6		84.2
Fresh dough and other product cost of sales to franchisees (2)	88.2		90.0		87.5		87.9
Depreciation and amortization	5.7		5.1		5.5		5.0
General and administrative expenses	6.4		5.7		6.3		5.2
Pre-opening expenses	0.3		0.3		0.3		0.3
Refranchising loss	—		0.3		0.4		0.6
Total costs and expenses	92.4		92.2		91.8		91.4
Operating profit	7.6		7.8		8.2		8.6
Interest expense	0.4		0.2		0.3		0.1
Other (income) expense, net	0.1		—		—		—
Income before income taxes	7.2		7.6		7.9		8.5
Income taxes	2.5		2.8		3.0		3.1
Net income	4.7		4.9		4.9		5.3
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	—		—		—		—
Net income attributable to Panera Bread Company	4.7	%	4.9	%	4.9	%	5.3	%

(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 information relating to the number of Company-owned and franchise-operated bakery-cafes for the periods indicated:

	For the 13 Weeks Ended				For the 39 Weeks Ended
	September 27, 2016		September 29, 2015		September 27, 2016		September 29, 2015
Number of bakery-cafes:
Company-owned:
Beginning of period	905		950		901		925
Bakery-cafes opened	11		10		37		39
Bakery-cafes closed	(1	)	—		(8	)	(3	)
Bakery-cafes refranchised (1)	(12	)	(29	)	(27	)	(30	)
End of period	903		931		903		931
Franchise-operated:
Beginning of period	1,102		976		1,071		955
Bakery-cafes opened	9		14		30		40
Bakery-cafes closed	(2	)	(4	)	(7	)	(10	)
Bakery-cafes refranchised (1)	12		29		27		30
End of period	1,121		1,015		1,121		1,015
System-wide:
Beginning of period	2,007		1,926		1,972		1,880
Bakery-cafes opened	20		24		67		79
Bakery-cafes closed	(3	)	(4	)	(15	)	(13	)
End of period (2)	2,024		1,946		2,024		1,946

(1) In March 2015, we refranchised one bakery-cafe to an existing franchisee. In July 2015, we refranchised 29 bakery-cafes to an existing franchisee. In May 2016, we refranchised 15 bakery-cafes to an existing franchisee. In September 2016, we refranchised 12 bakery-cafes to a new franchisee.

(2) Excluded from the number of total bakery-cafes were 28 and 30 catering-only units, referred to as delivery hubs, as of September 27, 2016 and September 29, 2015, respectively.

Comparable Net Bakery-cafe Sales

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

	For the 13 Weeks Ended				For the 39 Weeks Ended
	September 27, 2016		September 29, 2015		September 27, 2016		September 29, 2015
Company-owned	3.4	%	3.8	%	4.6	%	2.6	%
Franchise-operated	0.2	%	1.8	%	1.4	%	0.9	%
System-wide	1.7	%	2.8	%	2.9	%	1.7	%

Historically, we have disaggregated comparable net bakery-cafe sales growth into change in transactions and change in average check, with change in average check further disaggregated into change in price and change in mix. We refer to this disaggregation method as the “Historical View.” However, the Company doesn't believe this view serves investors well as its business is undergoing structural change in channel mix. Digitally enabled, larger-party sized channels, such as delivery, catering, and Rapid Pick-Up have larger checks and more entrées per transaction and are growing disproportionately quicker.

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To ease the confusion, and to reflect the growth of digitally-enabled, larger party-size channels, going forward, we will also disaggregate comparable net bakery-cafe sales growth into change in price, change in entrées sold (a measure of customers served), and change in mix. We refer to this disaggregation method as the “Omni-Channel View.”

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

	For the 13 Weeks Ended				For the 39 Weeks Ended
	September 27, 2016		September 29, 2015		September 27, 2016		September 29, 2015
Price	2.4	%	2.1	%	2.5	%	1.8	%
Mix	2.5	%	0.7	%	1.7	%	—	%
Average check	4.9	%	2.8	%	4.2	%	1.8	%
Transactions	(1.5	)%	1.0	%	0.4	%	0.8	%
Company-owned comparable net bakery-cafe sales growth	3.4	%	3.8	%	4.6	%	2.6	%

The decrease in transactions during the thirteen weeks ended September 27, 2016 was primarily due to a continued challenging consumer environment. Price growth during the thirteen weeks ended September 27, 2016 was 2.4 percent, as retail prices were adjusted in anticipation of labor and food cost inflation. The increase in mix during the thirteen weeks ended September 27, 2016 was primarily due to more entrées per transaction as a result of strategic initiatives.

The increase in transactions during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2016 was due to a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, momentum from our strategic initiatives partially offset by a continued challenging consumer environment. Price growth during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2016 was 2.5 percent, as retail prices were adjusted in anticipation of labor and food cost inflation. The increase in mix during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2016 was primarily due to more entrées per transaction as a result of strategic initiatives.

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

	For the 13 Weeks Ended				For the 39 Weeks Ended
	September 27, 2016		September 29, 2015		September 27, 2016		September 29, 2015
Entrée Growth	0.9	%	1.2	%	2.5	%	1.2	%
Price	2.4	%	2.1	%	2.5	%	1.8	%
Mix	0.1	%	0.5	%	(0.4)	%	(0.4	)%
Company-owned comparable net bakery-cafe sales growth	3.4	%	3.8	%	4.6	%	2.6	%

Entrée growth during the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2016 reflects the sale of more entrées per transaction through digitally-enabled, larger party-size channels, such as delivery, catering, and Rapid Pick-Up.

Fiscal 2016 Outlook

We are now targeting non-GAAP diluted earnings per share growth of 7.0 percent to 8.0 percent for the fiscal year ended December 27, 2016, or fiscal 2016, when compared to the fiscal year ended December 29, 2015, or fiscal 2015, excluding the impact of certain items in both fiscal years. The non-GAAP diluted earnings per share growth target range is based on anticipated Company-owned comparable net bakery-cafe sales growth for fiscal 2016 of 4.0 percent to 5.0 percent. For fiscal 2016, we expect non-GAAP operating margin will be at the more favorable end of the previously provided range of down 50 to 100 basis points when compared to fiscal 2015, excluding certain items in both fiscal years. We also continue to anticipate opening 90 to 100 bakery-cafes system-wide and expect average weekly net sales for new Company-owned bakery-cafes to be modestly above the high-end of the previously provided targeted range of $45,000 to $47,000.

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The non-GAAP diluted earnings per share growth target range and non-GAAP operating margin growth target range for fiscal 2016, when compared to fiscal 2015, are financial measures not calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America, or GAAP. We exclude certain items from non-GAAP diluted earnings per share and non-GAAP operating margin, such as our refranchising charges. A reconciliation of non-GAAP diluted earnings per share and non-GAAP operating margin to the most comparable GAAP financial measures on a forward-looking basis is not available without unreasonable effort due to the uncertainty and variability of the nature and amount of these future charges and costs.

Results of Operations

Revenues

The following table summarizes revenues for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands, except for average weekly net sales information):

	For the 13 Weeks Ended				Percentage
	September 27, 2016		September 29, 2015		Change
Bakery-cafe sales, net	$	593,434	$	584,664	1.5	%
Franchise royalties and fees	38,210		33,740		13.2	%
Fresh dough and other product sales to franchisees	52,562		46,250		13.6	%
Total revenues	$	684,206	$	664,654	2.9	%
System-wide average weekly net sales	$	48,320	$	47,518	1.7	%

	For the 39 Weeks Ended				Percentage
	September 27, 2016		September 29, 2015		Change
Bakery-cafe sales, net	$	1,801,502	$	1,756,464	2.6	%
Franchise royalties and fees	114,079		98,952		15.3	%
Fresh dough and other product sales to franchisees	152,678		134,399		13.6	%
Total revenues	$	2,068,259	$	1,989,815	3.9	%
System-wide average weekly net sales	$	49,030	$	47,639	2.9	%

The growth in total revenues for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2016 compared to the same periods in fiscal 2015 was primarily due to the opening of 100 new bakery-cafes system-wide since September 29, 2015 and the 1.7 percent and 2.9 percent increase in system-wide comparable net bakery-cafe sales for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2016, respectively, partially offset by the refranchising of 72 bakery-cafes and the closure of 22 bakery-cafes system-wide since September 29, 2015.

Bakery-cafe sales, net

The following table summarizes net bakery-cafe sales for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands, except for average weekly net sales information):

	For the 13 Weeks Ended						Percentage
	September 27, 2016			September 29, 2015			Change
Bakery-cafe sales, net	$	593,434		$	584,664		1.5	%
As a percentage of total revenues	86.7		%	88.0		%
Company-owned average weekly net sales	$	50,197		$	48,364		3.8	%
Company-owned number of operating weeks	11,767			12,089			(2.7	)%

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	For the 39 Weeks Ended						Percentage
	September 27, 2016			September 29, 2015			Change
Bakery-cafe sales, net	$	1,801,502		$	1,756,464		2.6	%
As a percentage of total revenues	87.1		%	88.3		%
Company-owned average weekly net sales	$	50,665		$	48,301		4.9	%
Company-owned number of operating weeks	35,412			36,365			(2.6	)%

The increase in net bakery-cafe sales for both the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2016 compared to the same periods in fiscal 2015 was primarily due to the 3.4 percent and 4.6 percent increase in Company-owned comparable net bakery-cafe sales for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2016, respectively, and the opening of 55 new Company-owned bakery-cafes since September 29, 2015, partially offset by the refranchising of 72 bakery-cafes and the closure of 11 Company-owned bakery-cafes since September 29, 2015.

Franchise royalties and fees

The following table summarizes franchise royalties and fees for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands, except for average weekly net sales information):

	For the 13 Weeks Ended						Percentage
	September 27, 2016			September 29, 2015			Change
Franchise royalties	$	37,754		$	33,277		13.5	%
Franchise fees	456			463			(1.5	)%
Total	$	38,210		$	33,740		13.2	%
As a percentage of total revenues	5.6		%	5.1		%
Franchise-operated average weekly net sales	$	46,786		$	46,734		0.1	%
Franchise-operated number of operating weeks	14,405			13,041			10.5	%

	For the 39 Weeks Ended						Percentage
	September 27, 2016			September 29, 2015			Change
Franchise royalties	$	112,700		$	95,495		18.0	%
Franchise fees	1,379			3,457			(60.1	)%
Total	$	114,079		$	98,952		15.3	%
As a percentage of total revenues	5.5		%	5.0		%
Franchise-operated average weekly net sales	$	47,670		$	47,008		1.4	%
Franchise-operated number of operating weeks	42,603			38,172			11.6	%

The increase in franchise royalty and fee revenues for both the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2016 compared to the same periods in fiscal 2015 was primarily due to the refranchising of 72 bakery-cafes and the opening of 45 new franchise-operated bakery-cafes since September 29, 2015, increased information technology service revenues, and the 0.2 percent and 1.4 percent increase in franchise-operated comparable net bakery-cafe sales for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2016, respectively, partially offset by the closure of 11 franchise-operated bakery-cafes since September 29, 2015.

As of September 27, 2016, there were 1,121 franchise-operated bakery-cafes open and we had received commitments to open 142 additional franchise-operated bakery-cafes. The timetables for opening these bakery-cafes are established in the respective Area Development Agreements, or ADAs, with franchisees, which provide for the majority of such bakery-cafes to open within the next 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-

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owned bakery-cafes 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 included in our ADAs and franchise agreements if we determine such action is warranted under the particular circumstances.

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 13 Weeks Ended						Percentage
	September 27, 2016			September 29, 2015			Change
Fresh dough and other product sales to franchisees	$	52,562		$	46,250		13.6	%
As a percentage of total revenues	7.7		%	7.0		%

	For the 39 Weeks Ended						Percentage
	September 27, 2016			September 29, 2015			Change
Fresh dough and other product sales to franchisees	$	152,678		$	134,399		13.6	%
As a percentage of total revenues	7.4		%	6.8		%

The increase in fresh dough and other product sales to franchisees for both the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2016 compared to the same periods in fiscal 2015 was primarily due to the refranchising of 72 bakery-cafes and the opening of 45 new franchise-operated bakery-cafes since September 29, 2015, and the 0.2 percent and 1.4 percent increase in franchise-operated comparable net bakery-cafe sales for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2016, respectively, partially offset by the closure of 11 franchise-operated bakery-cafes since September 29, 2015.

Costs and Expenses

Cost of food and paper products

The cost of food and paper products includes the costs associated with our 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 our 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 Income.

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

	For the 13 Weeks Ended						Percentage
	September 27, 2016			September 29, 2015			Change
Cost of food and paper products	$	173,239		$	178,700		(3.1	)%
As a percentage of bakery-cafe sales, net	29.2		%	30.6		%

	For the 39 Weeks Ended						Percentage
	September 27, 2016			September 29, 2015			Change
Cost of food and paper products	$	529,684		$	535,281		(1.0	)%
As a percentage of bakery-cafe sales, net	29.4		%	30.5		%

The decrease in the cost of food and paper products as a percentage of net bakery-cafe sales for both the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2016 compared to the same periods in fiscal 2015 was primarily due to improved leverage from higher comparable net bakery-cafe sales and benign food cost inflation.

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Labor

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

	For the 13 Weeks Ended						Percentage
	September 27, 2016			September 29, 2015			Change
Labor expense	$	195,773		$	190,736		2.6	%
As a percentage of bakery-cafe sales, net	33.0		%	32.6		%

	For the 39 Weeks Ended						Percentage
	September 27, 2016			September 29, 2015			Change
Labor expense	$	582,778		$	561,762		3.7	%
As a percentage of bakery-cafe sales, net	32.3		%	32.0		%

The increase in labor expense as a percentage of net bakery-cafe sales for both the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2016 compared to the same periods in fiscal 2015 was primarily the result of structural wage increases, partially offset by improved leverage from higher comparable net bakery-cafe sales.

Occupancy

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

	For the 13 Weeks Ended						Percentage
	September 27, 2016			September 29, 2015			Change
Occupancy	$	41,534		$	42,835		(3.0	)%
As a percentage of bakery-cafe sales, net	7.0		%	7.3		%

	For the 39 Weeks Ended						Percentage
	September 27, 2016			September 29, 2015			Change
Occupancy	$	125,541		$	129,083		(2.7	)%
As a percentage of bakery-cafe sales, net	7.0		%	7.3		%

The decrease in occupancy costs as a percentage of net bakery-cafe sales for both the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2016 compared to the same periods in fiscal 2015 was primarily the result of improved leverage from higher comparable net bakery-cafe sales.

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Other operating expenses

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

	For the 13 Weeks Ended						Percentage
	September 27, 2016			September 29, 2015			Change
Other operating expenses	$	90,492		$	82,706		9.4	%
As a percentage of bakery-cafe sales, net	15.2		%	14.1		%

	For the 39 Weeks Ended						Percentage
	September 27, 2016			September 29, 2015			Change
Other operating expenses	$	268,211		$	252,150		6.4	%
As a percentage of bakery-cafe sales, net	14.9		%	14.4		%

The increase in other operating expenses as a percentage of net bakery-cafe sales for the thirteen weeks ended September 27, 2016 compared to the same period in fiscal 2015 was primarily the result of higher marketing expense, increased other controllable expenses and a recovery received from a vendor in fiscal 2015, partially offset by lower utility costs.

The increase in other operating expenses as a percentage of net bakery-cafe sales for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2016 compared to the same period in fiscal 2015 was primarily the result of asset impairment losses recorded during the thirteen weeks ended March 29, 2016 and increased other controllable expenses, partially offset by lower utility costs.

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 13 Weeks Ended						Percentage
	September 27, 2016			September 29, 2015			Change
Fresh dough and other product cost of sales to franchisees	$	46,347		$	41,643		11.3	%
As a percentage of fresh dough and other product sales to franchisees	88.2		%	90.0		%

	For the 39 Weeks Ended						Percentage
	September 27, 2016			September 29, 2015			Change
Fresh dough and other product cost of sales to franchisees	$	133,576		$	118,161		13.0	%
As a percentage of fresh dough and other product sales to franchisees	87.5		%	87.9		%

The decrease in fresh dough and other product cost of sales to franchisees as a percentage of fresh dough and other product sales to franchisees for both the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2016 compared to the same periods in fiscal 2015 was primarily the result of lower wheat and fuel costs.

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Depreciation and amortization

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

	For the 13 Weeks Ended						Percentage
	September 27, 2016			September 29, 2015			Change
Depreciation and amortization	$	38,985		$	33,885		15.1	%
As a percentage of total revenues	5.7		%	5.1		%

	For the 39 Weeks Ended						Percentage
	September 27, 2016			September 29, 2015			Change
Depreciation and amortization	$	114,073		$	100,167		13.9	%
As a percentage of total revenues	5.5		%	5.0		%

The increase in depreciation and amortization as a percentage of total revenues for both the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2016 compared to the same periods in fiscal 2015 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 13 Weeks Ended						Percentage
	September 27, 2016			September 29, 2015			Change
General and administrative expenses	$	43,538		$	37,575		15.9	%
As a percentage of total revenues	6.4		%	5.7		%

	For the 39 Weeks Ended						Percentage
	September 27, 2016			September 29, 2015			Change
General and administrative expenses	$	130,657		$	103,515		26.2	%
As a percentage of total revenues	6.3		%	5.2		%

The increase in general and administrative expenses as a percentage of total revenues for both the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2016 compared to the same periods in fiscal 2015 was primarily the result of increased costs to support ongoing operational initiatives, charges for legal matters, and higher incentive compensation expense.

Refranchising loss

In February 2015, we announced a plan to refranchise approximately 50 to 150 bakery-cafes. As of September 27, 2016, we had completed the sale of 102 Company-owned bakery-cafes.

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The following table summarizes activity associated with the refranchising initiative for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands):

	For the 13 Weeks Ended
	September 27, 2016			September 29, 2015
Loss on assets held for sale	$	—		$	1,000
Lease termination costs and impairment of long-lived assets	—			—
Professional fees, severance, and other	331			596
Loss (gain) on sale of bakery-cafes	(202		)	578
Refranchising loss	$	129		$	2,174

	For the 39 Weeks Ended
	September 27, 2016			September 29, 2015
Loss on assets held for sale	$	6,112		$	8,941
Lease termination costs and impairment of long-lived assets	2,858			3,837
Professional fees, severance, and other	795			946
Loss (gain) on sale of bakery-cafes	(693		)	(1,992		)
Refranchising loss	$	9,072		$	11,732

During the thirteen weeks ended September 27, 2016, Panera International Holdings, Inc., a subsidiary of Panera Bread Company,

sold all of its shares of stock of Panera Bread Ltd., as successor to Panera Bread ULC, a Canadian subsidiary, to a new franchisee for a purchase price of approximately $5.0 million, which resulted in a gain on sale of approximately $0.2 million. During the thirteen weeks ended September 29, 2015, we recorded a loss on assets held for sale of $1.0 million. On July 14, 2015, we sold substantially all of the assets of 29 bakery-cafes in the Boston market to an existing franchisee for a purchase price of approximately $19.6 million, which resulted in a loss on sale of approximately $0.6 million.

During the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2016, we recognized lease termination costs totaling $1.8 million and impairment losses of $1.1 million. On May 3, 2016, we sold substantially all of the assets of 15 bakery-cafes for a purchase price of approximately $15.2 million, which resulted in a gain on sale of approximately $0.5 million. On September 13, 2016, Panera International Holdings, Inc., a subsidiary of Panera Bread Company, sold all of its shares of stock of Panera Bread Ltd., as successor to Panera Bread ULC, a Canadian subsidiary, to a new franchisee for a purchase price of approximately $5.0 million, which resulted in a gain on sale of approximately $0.2 million. We recognized a $6.1 million loss on assets held for sale related to the 12 bakery-cafes in Ontario, Canada during the thirteen weeks ended June 28, 2016.

During the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2015, we recorded a loss on assets held for sale of $8.9 million. We also recognized impairment losses of $3.8 million during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2015. On March 3, 2015, we sold substantially all of the assets of one bakery-cafe for a purchase price of approximately $3.2 million, which resulted in a gain on sale of approximately $2.6 million. On July 14, 2015, we sold substantially all of the assets of 29 bakery-cafes in the Boston market to an existing franchisee for a purchase price of approximately $19.6 million, which resulted in a loss on sale of approximately $0.6 million.

Other (income) expense, net

Other (income) expense, net was $0.4 million of expense for the thirteen weeks ended September 27, 2016 compared to $0.1 million of income for the thirteen weeks ended September 29, 2015. Other (income) expense, net for both the thirteen weeks ended September 27, 2016 and September 29, 2015 was comprised of immaterial items.

Other (income) expense, net was $0.3 million of expense for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2016 compared to $0.9 million of expense for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2015. Other (income) expense, net for both the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2016 and September 29, 2015 was comprised of immaterial items.

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Income Taxes

The following tables set forth income taxes for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands):

	For the 13 Weeks Ended						Percentage
	September 27, 2016			September 29, 2015			Change
Income taxes	$	17,371		$	18,401		(5.6	)%
Effective tax rate	35.2		%	36.2		%

	For the 39 Weeks Ended						Percentage
	September 27, 2016			September 29, 2015			Change
Income taxes	$	61,286		$	62,315		(1.7	)%
Effective tax rate	37.6		%	37.0		%

The decrease in the effective tax rate for the thirteen weeks ended September 27, 2016 compared to the same period in fiscal 2015 was primarily driven by an increased charitable deduction as a result of the Tax Relief Extension Act of 2015.

The increase in the effective tax rate for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2016 compared to the same period in fiscal 2015 was primarily driven by the recognition of $7.0 million of refranchising charges for which the Company cannot currently realize the associated tax benefit, partially offset by an increased charitable deduction as a result of the Tax Relief Extension Act of 2015.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash and cash equivalents were $86.6 million as of September 27, 2016 compared to $241.9 million as of December 29, 2015. This $155.3 milliondecrease was primarily a result of the use of $286.1 million to repurchase shares of our Class A common stock and capital expenditures of $146.4 million, partially offset by cash generated from operations during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2016 of $228.9 million, proceeds from borrowings under our revolving credit facility of $40 million, and proceeds from refranchising and sales-leaseback transactions totaling $18.6 million. We finance our activities through cash flow generated through operations and term loan borrowings. We also have the ability to borrow up to $250 million under our revolving 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 Class A 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 negative working capital of $99.0 million as of September 27, 2016 compared to positive working capital of $43.1 million as of December 29, 2015, excluding assets held for sale and liabilities associated with assets held for sale as of December 29, 2015. The decrease in working capital resulted primarily from the previously described decrease in cash and cash equivalents of $155.3 million and a decrease in trade and other accounts receivable of $29.5 million, partially offset by a decrease in accrued expenses of $37.2 million. We believe that cash provided by our operations and available borrowings under our existing 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 39 Weeks Ended
Cash provided by (used in):	September 27, 2016			September 29, 2015
Operating activities	$	228,933		$	176,509
Investing activities	(127,717		)	(120,848		)
Financing activities	(256,504		)	23,023
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	$	(155,288	)	$	78,684

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Operating Activities

Cash provided by operating activities was $228.9 million and $176.5 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2016 and September 29, 2015, 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 for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2016 consisted primarily of net income adjusted for non-cash expenses, including charges related to our refranchising initiative, a decrease in trade and other accounts receivable, and an increase in accounts payable, partially offset by a decrease in accrued expenses and an increase in prepaid expenses. The decrease in trade and other accounts receivable was primarily due to a decrease in other receivables due to the timing of the holidays near our fiscal year end. The decrease in accrued expenses was primarily due to a decrease in the balance of outstanding gift cards and due to the timing of employee compensation payments, partially offset by an increase in accrued advertising and accrued share repurchases. The increase in prepaid expenses was primarily due to the timing of insurance prepayments.

Cash provided by operating activities for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2015 consisted primarily of net income adjusted for non-cash expenses, including charges related to our refranchising initiative and a decrease in trade and other accounts receivable, partially offset by a decrease in accrued expenses, a decrease in the net deferred income tax liability, and an increase in prepaid expenses and other. The decrease in trade and other accounts receivable was primarily due to a decrease in other receivables due to the timing of the holidays near our fiscal year end and a decrease in refundable income taxes due to the timing of payments and the absence of bonus depreciation during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2015. The decrease in accrued expenses was primarily due to a decrease in the balance of outstanding gift cards. The decrease in the net deferred income tax liability relates primarily to the absence of bonus depreciation in fiscal 2015. The increase in prepaid expenses was primarily due to the timing of insurance prepayments.

Investing Activities

Cash used in investing activities was $127.7 million and $120.8 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2016 and September 29, 2015, respectively. Investing activities consists primarily of capital expenditures, proceeds from the refranchising of Company-owned bakery-cafes, the sale and leaseback of bakery-cafes, and the sale of property and equipment.

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. Capital expenditures, for the periods indicated, were as follows (in thousands):

	For the 39 Weeks Ended
	September 27, 2016		September 29, 2015
New bakery-cafes	$	58,530	$	77,835
Existing bakery-cafes	45,540		40,031
Fresh dough facilities	13,585		7,710
Support centers and IT infrastructure	28,709		27,725
Total	$	146,364	$	153,301

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 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 continue to anticipate capital expenditures of $200 million to $225 million in fiscal 2016.

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Financing Activities

Cash used in financing activities was $256.5 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2016. Cash provided by financing activities was $23.0 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2015. Financing activities for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2016 consisted primarily of the use of $286.1 million to repurchase shares of our Class A common stock, partially offset by proceeds from borrowings under our revolving credit facility of $40.0 million. Financing activities for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2015 consisted primarily of $299.1 million of proceeds from term loan borrowings and the use of $280.3 million to repurchase shares of our Class A common stock.

Share Repurchases

On June 5, 2014, our Board approved a 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. On April 15, 2015, our Board of Directors approved an increase of the 2014 repurchase authorization to $750 million. During the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2016, we repurchased 839,759 shares under the 2014 repurchase authorization, at an average price of $201.15 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $168.9 million. On May 19, 2016, our Board terminated the 2014 repurchase authorization program.

On May 19, 2016, our Board 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 2016 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 2016 repurchase authorization may be modified, suspended, or discontinued by our Board at any time. As of September 27, 2016, we had repurchased a total of 557,981 shares of our Class A common stock, at a weighted average price of $213.21 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $119.0 million under the 2016 share repurchase authorization, of which $7.5 million remained unpaid as of September 27, 2016. These repurchases traded during the thirteen weeks ended September 27, 2016 and settled in the subsequent quarter. There was approximately $481.0 million available under the 2016 repurchase authorization as of September 27, 2016.

In total, during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2016, we repurchased 1,397,740 shares under the 2014 repurchase authorization and 2016 repurchase authorization, at an average price of $205.97 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $287.9 million.

Term Loans

On June 11, 2014, we entered into a term loan agreement, or the 2014 Term Loan Agreement, with Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, and other lenders party thereto. The 2014 Term Loan Agreement provides for an unsecured term loan in the amount of $100 million, or the 2014 Term Loan. The 2014 Term Loan is scheduled to mature on July 11, 2019, subject to acceleration upon certain specified events of default, including breaches of representations or covenants, failure to pay other material indebtedness or a change of control, as defined in the 2014 Term Loan Agreement. The 2014 Term Loan Agreement also allows us from time to time to request that the 2014 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.

On July 16, 2015, we entered into a term loan agreement, or the 2015 Term Loan Agreement, with Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, and other lenders party thereto. The 2015 Term Loan Agreement provides for an unsecured term loan in the amount of $300 million, or the 2015 Term Loan. The 2015 Term Loan is scheduled to mature on July 16, 2020, subject to acceleration upon certain specified events of default, including breaches of representations or covenants, failure to pay other material indebtedness or a change of control, as defined in the 2015 Term Loan Agreement.

Each of the 2014 Term Loan and 2015 Term Loan bears interest at a rate equal to, at our option, (1) the Eurodollar rate 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) the Eurodollar rate 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 2014 Term Loan Agreement and the 2015 Term Loan Agreement are guaranteed by certain of our direct and indirect subsidiaries.

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On July 16, 2015, in order to hedge the variability in cash flows from changes in benchmark interest rates, we entered into two forward-starting interest rate swap agreements with an aggregate initial notional value of $242.5 million. The forward-starting interest rate swaps have been designated as cash flow hedging instruments.

Installment Payment Agreement

On September 15, 2015, we entered into a Master Installment Payment Agreement, or the Master IPA, with PNC Equipment Finance, LLC, or PNC, pursuant to which PNC financed our purchase of hardware, software, and services associated with new storage virtualization and disaster recovery systems. The Master IPA provides for a secured note payable in the amount of $12.7 million, payable in five annual installments beginning November 1, 2015 and each September 1st thereafter.

Revolving Credit Agreements

On July 16, 2015, we entered into a credit agreement, or the 2015 Credit Agreement, with Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, swing line lender and L/C issuer, and each lender from time to time party thereto. The 2015 Credit Agreement provides for an unsecured revolving credit facility of $250 million that will become due on July 16, 2020, subject to acceleration upon certain specified events of default, including breaches of representations or covenants, failure to pay other material indebtedness or a change of control, as defined in the 2015 Credit Agreement. We may select interest rates under the credit facility equal to, at our option, (1) the Eurodollar rate 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) the Eurodollar rate 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 2015 Credit Agreement are guaranteed by certain of our direct and indirect subsidiaries. The 2015 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. As of September 27, 2016, we had $40.0 million outstanding under the 2015 Credit Agreement.

The 2014 Term Loan Agreement, 2015 Term Loan Agreement and 2015 Credit Agreement contain customary affirmative and negative covenants, including covenants limiting liens, dispositions, fundamental changes, investments, indebtedness, and certain transactions and payments. In addition, such term loan and credit agreements contain various financial covenants that, among other things, require us 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 September 27, 2016, we were, and expect to remain, in compliance with all covenant requirements.

Critical Accounting Policies and 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 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. As described in Item 7., “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2015, we consider our policies on accounting for revenue recognition, valuation of goodwill, self-insurance, income taxes, lease obligations, and the 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 since December 29, 2015.

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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 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 facilities is the initial non-cancelable lease term plus one to two renewal option 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 on a date other than the date of initial occupancy.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

As of September 27, 2016, we have guaranteed the operating leases of 98 franchisee locations, which we account for in accordance with the accounting requirements for guarantees. These guarantees are primarily a result of the sales of Company-owned bakery-cafes to franchisees, pursuant to which we exercised our right to assign the lease 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 July 15, 2020 to February 28, 2049, with a maximum potential amount of future rental payments of approximately $298.9 million as of September 27, 2016. Our obligation from these leases will decrease over time as these operating leases expire. We have not recorded a liability for these guarantees because the fair value of these lease guarantees 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 that 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 liability for these operating leases.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In August 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, issued Accounting Standards Update, or ASU, 2016-15, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments”. This update addresses how certain cash inflows and outflows are classified in the statement of cash flows to eliminate existing diversity in practice. This update is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the effect this standard will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, “Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting”. This update simplifies accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. This update is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the overall impact that ASU 2016-09 will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures, as well as the expected timing and method of adoption.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842)”. This update will increase transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. This update is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. Based on a preliminary assessment, we expect the standard to have a material impact on our assets and liabilities due to the recognition of right-of-use assets and lease liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets at the beginning of the earliest period presented. We are continuing our assessment, which may identify additional impacts this standard will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17, “Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes”. This update requires that deferred tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position. We early adopted ASU 2015-17 during the thirteen weeks ended March 29, 2016 on a retrospective basis. As a result of the retrospective adoption, we reclassified current deferred income tax assets of $34.5 million as of December 29, 2015 to long-term deferred income tax liabilities in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Adoption of this standard did not impact our results of operations or cash flows in either the current or previous interim and annual reporting periods.

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In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-16, “Business Combinations (Topic 805): Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments”. This update eliminates the requirement for an acquirer in a business combination to account for measurement-period adjustments retrospectively. Acquirers would now recognize measurement-period adjustments during the period in which they determine the amount of the adjustment. This update is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and should be applied prospectively to adjustments for provisional amounts that occur after the effective date with early adoption permitted for financial statements that have not been issued. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements or related disclosures; however, it may impact the reporting of future acquisitions if and when they occur.

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, “Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory”. This update provides guidance on the subsequent measurement of inventory, which changes the measurement from lower of cost or market to lower of cost and net realizable value. This update is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 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. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, delaying the effective date for adoption. The update is now effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted. The update permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method.

The FASB has also issued the following standards which provide additional clarification and implementation guidance on the previously issued ASU 2014-09 and have the same effective date as the original standard: ASU 2016-12, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients (Topic 606);” ASU 2016-11, “Revenue Recognition (Topic 605) and Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Rescission of SEC Guidance Because of Accounting Standards Updates 2014-09 and 2014-16 Pursuant to Staff Announcements at the March 3, 2016 EITF Meeting (SEC Update);” ASU 2016-10, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing (Topic 606);” and ASU 2016-08, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net).” 

We are currently evaluating the overall impact that ASU 2014-09 will have on our consolidated financial statements, as well as the expected timing and method of adoption. Based on a preliminary assessment, we have determined that the adoption will change the timing of recognition of gift card breakage income, which is currently recognized using the remote method. The new guidance will require application of the proportional method. We are continuing our assessment, which may identify additional impacts this standard will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

There were no material changes in the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2016 to the information provided under Item 7A. “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk” set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2015.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of September 27, 2016. 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 are recorded, processed, summarized, and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’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 are 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. Our disclosure controls and procedures were designed to provide 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 our disclosure controls and procedures as of September 27, 2016, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of such date, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level.

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No change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) occurred during the third fiscal quarter ended September 27, 2016 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. 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. In addition, several other purported class action lawsuits based on similar claims and seeking similar relief were filed against the subsidiary: on October 30, 2015 in the California Superior Court, County of San Bernardino by Jazmin Dabney, a former subsidiary employee; on November 3, 2015 in the United States District Court, Eastern District of California by Clara Manchester, a former subsidiary employee; and on November 30, 2015 in the California Superior Court, County of Yolo by Tanner Maginnis, a current subsidiary assistant manager.  On May 6, 2016, the parties of all four pending cases reached a Memorandum of Understanding For Three Settlement Classes regarding the class action lawsuits. Under the terms of the agreement, we agreed to pay an immaterial amount to purported class members, plaintiffs' attorneys' fees, Private Attorney General Act payments, and costs of administering the settlement. The Memorandum of Agreement contains no admission of wrongdoing. The terms and conditions of a definitive settlement agreement are under negotiation and such agreement is subject to the final approval by two California Superior Courts. We maintained an appropriate reserve in accrued expenses for this settlement in our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 27, 2016.

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 position and results of operations. 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 1A. Risk Factors

Our business is subject to a number of risks, some of which are beyond our control. In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Item 1A. - “Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2015, as filed with the SEC on February 18, 2016, that could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and/or liquidity and that could cause our operating results to vary significantly from period to period. As of September 27, 2016, there have been no material changes to the risk factors disclosed in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, although we may disclose changes to such factors or disclose additional factors from time to time in our future filings with the SEC. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, or operating results.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

During the thirteen weeks ended September 27, 2016, we repurchased Class A common stock as follows:

Period	Total Number of Shares Purchased (1)	Average Price Paid per Share		Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs (2)	Approximate Dollar Value of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs (2)
June 29, 2016 - July 26, 2016	119,941	$	210.81	119,900	$	547,427,810
July 27, 2016 - August 30, 2016	193,157	$	218.47	170,500	$	510,188,304
August 31, 2016 - September 27, 2016	143,297	$	204.37	142,629	$	481,035,033
Total	456,395	$	212.03	433,029

(1) Includes 23,366 shares of Class A common stock surrendered by participants under the Panera Bread Company 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 such plan and the applicable award agreements and not pursuant to publicly announced share repurchase authorizations.

37

(2) Share repurchase authorization of up to $600 million of our Class A common stock approved by the Board of Directors and announced on May 19, 2016, 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.

Item 6. Exhibits

See the Exhibit Index immediately following the signature page of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, which is incorporated herein by reference.

38

SIGNATURES

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

		PANERA BREAD COMPANY
Dated:	October 26, 2016	By:	/s/ RONALD M. SHAICH
			Ronald M. Shaich
			Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
			(principal executive officer)
Dated:	October 26, 2016	By:	/s/ MICHAEL J. BUFANO
			Michael J. Bufano
			Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
			(principal financial officer)
Dated:	October 26, 2016	By:	/s/ MARK D. WOOLDRIDGE
			Mark D. Wooldridge
			VP, Controller, Chief Accounting Officer
			(principal accounting officer)

39

EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit Number	Description
31.1	Principal Executive Officer Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2	Principal Financial Officer Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32	Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
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

40

EX-31.1

EXHIBIT 31.1

CERTIFICATION

I, Ronald M. Shaich, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 27, 2016 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.

Dated:	October 26, 2016	/s/ RONALD M. SHAICH
		Ronald M. Shaich
		Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

EX-31.2

EXHIBIT 31.2

CERTIFICATION

I, Michael J. Bufano, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 27, 2016 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.

Dated:	October 26, 2016	/s/ MICHAEL J. BUFANO
		Michael J. Bufano
		Senior Vice President, 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 Quarterly Report of Panera Bread Company on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 27, 2016 (the “Report”), as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof, we, Ronald M. Shaich, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and Michael J. Bufano, Senior Vice President, 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 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 the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of Panera Bread Company.

Dated:	October 26, 2016	/s/ RONALD M. SHAICH
		Ronald M. Shaich
		Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Dated:	October 26, 2016	/s/ MICHAEL J. BUFANO
		Michael J. Bufano
		Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer

XML

Document and Entity Information Document - $ / shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2016	Oct. 25, 2016	Dec. 29, 2015
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	Panera Bread Company
Entity Central Index Key	0000724606
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-27
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Sep. 27, 2016
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Common Class A [Member]
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		21,833,460
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	$ 0.0001		$ 0.0001
Common Class B [Member]
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		1,381,730
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	$ 0.0001		$ 0.0001
Subsequent Event [Member] | Common Class A [Member]
Document Information [Line Items]
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share		$ 0.0001
Subsequent Event [Member] | Common Class B [Member]
Document Information [Line Items]
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share		$ 0.0001

XML

Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited) - USD ($)	Sep. 27, 2016	Dec. 29, 2015
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 86,598,000	$ 241,886,000
Trade accounts receivable, net	47,717,000	38,211,000
Other accounts receivable	38,556,000	77,575,000
Inventories	22,122,000	22,482,000
Prepaid expenses and other	72,561,000	59,457,000
Assets held for sale	0	28,699,000
Total current assets	267,554,000	468,310,000
Property and equipment, net	795,476,000	776,248,000
Other assets:
Goodwill	122,377,000	121,791,000
Other intangible assets, net	56,986,000	63,877,000
Deposits and other	11,143,000	10,613,000
Total other assets	190,506,000	196,281,000
Total assets	1,253,536,000	1,440,839,000
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	27,018,000	19,805,000
Accrued expenses	322,297,000	359,464,000
Current portion of long-term debt	17,229,000	17,229,000
Liabilities associated with assets held for sale	0	2,945,000
Total current liabilities	366,544,000	399,443,000
Long-term debt	414,269,000	388,971,000
Deferred rent	62,917,000	62,610,000
Deferred income taxes	28,285,000	35,968,000
Other long-term liabilities	58,085,000	52,566,000
Total liabilities	930,100,000	939,558,000
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 9)
Redeemable noncontrolling interest	3,837,000	3,981,000
Common stock, $.0001 par value per share:
Treasury stock, carried at cost	(1,405,210,000)	(1,111,586,000)
Preferred Stock, $.0001 par value per share	0	0
Additional paid-in capital	252,201,000	235,393,000
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(7,478,000)	(5,029,000)
Retained earnings	1,480,083,000	1,378,519,000
Total stockholders' equity	319,599,000	497,300,000
Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interest, and stockholders' equity	1,253,536,000	1,440,839,000
Common Stock Class A [Member]
Common stock, $.0001 par value per share:
Common stock	(3,000)	(3,000)
Common Stock Class B [Member]
Common stock, $.0001 par value per share:
Common stock	$ 0	$ 0

XML

Consolidated Balance Sheets Balance Sheet Parenthetical - $ / shares	Sep. 27, 2016	Dec. 29, 2015
Capital Unit [Line Items]
Treasury Stock, Shares	8,914,404	7,490,481
Common Class A [Member]
Capital Unit [Line Items]
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	112,500,000	112,500,000
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	30,917,139	30,836,669
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	$ 0.0001	$ 0.0001
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	22,002,735	23,346,188
Common Class B [Member]
Capital Unit [Line Items]
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	10,000,000	10,000,000
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	1,381,730	1,381,730
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	$ 0.0001	$ 0.0001
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	1,381,730	1,381,730
Preferred Stock [Member]
Capital Unit [Line Items]
Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	$ 0.0001	$ 0.0001
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized	2,000,000	2,000,000
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued	0	0
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	0	0

XML

Consolidated Statements of Income (unaudited) - USD ($) shares in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2016	Sep. 29, 2015	Sep. 27, 2016	Sep. 29, 2015
Revenues:
Total revenues	$ 684,206,000	$ 664,654,000	$ 2,068,259,000	$ 1,989,815,000
Bakery-cafe expenses:
Cost of food and paper products	173,239,000	178,700,000	529,684,000	535,281,000
Labor	195,773,000	190,736,000	582,778,000	561,762,000
Occupancy	41,534,000	42,835,000	125,541,000	129,083,000
Other operating expenses	90,492,000	82,706,000	268,211,000	252,150,000
Total bakery-cafe expenses	501,038,000	494,977,000	1,506,214,000	1,478,276,000
Fresh dough and other product cost of sales to franchisees	46,347,000	41,643,000	133,576,000	118,161,000
Depreciation and amortization	38,985,000	33,885,000	114,073,000	100,167,000
General and administrative expenses	43,538,000	37,575,000	130,657,000	103,515,000
Pre-opening expenses	1,948,000	2,298,000	5,584,000	6,253,000
Refranchising loss	129,000	2,174,000	9,072,000	11,732,000
Total costs and expenses	631,985,000	612,552,000	1,899,176,000	1,818,104,000
Operating profit	52,221,000	52,102,000	169,083,000	171,711,000
Interest expense	2,529,000	1,363,000	6,059,000	2,266,000
Other (income) expense, net	411,000	(55,000)	274,000	948,000
Income before income taxes	49,281,000	50,794,000	162,750,000	168,497,000
Income taxes	17,371,000	18,401,000	61,286,000	62,315,000
Net income	31,910,000	32,393,000	101,464,000	106,182,000
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	(65,000)	0	(100,000)	0
Net income attributable to Panera Bread Company	$ 31,975,000	$ 32,393,000	$ 101,564,000	$ 106,182,000
Earnings Per Common Share
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 1.37	$ 1.28	$ 4.29	$ 4.08
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 1.37	$ 1.27	$ 4.27	$ 4.07
Weighted average shares of common and common equivalent shares outstanding:
Weighted average number of shares outstanding - basic (in shares)	23,276	25,394	23,651	26,011
Weighted average number of shares outstanding - diluted (in shares)	23,391	25,501	23,774	26,119
Operating Segments [Member]
Bakery-cafe expenses:
Depreciation and amortization	$ 38,985,000		$ 114,073,000	$ 100,167,000
Company Bakery Cafe Operations [Member]
Revenues:
Total revenues	593,434,000	$ 584,664,000	1,801,502,000	1,756,464,000
Franchise Operations [Member]
Revenues:
Total revenues	38,210,000	33,740,000	114,079,000	98,952,000
Fresh dough and other product sales to franchisees [Member]
Revenues:
Total revenues	$ 52,562,000	$ 46,250,000	$ 152,678,000	$ 134,399,000

XML

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2016	Sep. 29, 2015	Sep. 27, 2016	Sep. 29, 2015
Net income	$ 31,910,000	$ 32,393,000	$ 101,464,000	$ 106,182,000
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	(65,000)	0	(100,000)	0
Net income attributable to Panera Bread Company	31,975,000	32,393,000	101,564,000	106,182,000
Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedging instruments	1,139,000	(4,908,000)	(6,019,000)	(4,908,000)
Tax (expense) benefit	(450,000)	1,941,000	2,381,000	1,941,000
Reclassification adjustment for net (gains) losses realized in earnings on cash flow hedging instruments	693,000	0	693,000	0
Tax (expense) benefit	(275,000)	0	(275,000)	0
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(84,000)	(963,000)	771,000	(1,666,000)
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Panera Bread Comapny	1,023,000	(3,930,000)	(2,449,000)	(4,633,000)
Comprehensive income attributable to Panera Bread Company	$ 32,998,000	$ 28,463,000	$ 99,115,000	$ 101,549,000

XML

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) - USD ($)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2016	Sep. 29, 2015
Cash flows from operations:
Net income	$ 101,464,000	$ 106,182,000
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	114,073,000	100,167,000
Stock-based compensation expense	12,191,000	11,110,000
Tax benefit from stock-based compensation	(1,963,000)	(2,023,000)
Deferred income taxes	(5,577,000)	(34,908,000)
Refranchising loss, cash flow	7,212,000	10,786,000
Other	6,398,000	1,928,000
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, excluding the effect of acquisitions and dispositions:
Trade and other accounts receivable, net	28,265,000	33,128,000
Inventories	676,000	682,000
Prepaid expenses and other	(13,104,000)	(11,762,000)
Deposits and other	1,054,000	(179,000)
Accounts payable	4,720,000	3,723,000
Accrued expenses	(28,529,000)	(39,089,000)
Deferred rent	184,000	2,433,000
Other long-term liabilities	1,869,000	(5,669,000)
Net cash provided by operating activities	228,933,000	176,509,000
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to property and equipment	(146,364,000)	(153,301,000)
Proceeds from refranchising	15,649,000	20,805,000
Proceeds from sale-leaseback transactions	2,998,000	10,095,000
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	0	1,553,000
Net cash used in investing activities	(127,717,000)	(120,848,000)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repayments of Long-term Debt	(14,933,000)	0
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	0	299,070,000
Proceeds from borrowings under revolving credit facility	40,000,000	0
Repurchases of common stock	(286,143,000)	(280,301,000)
Capitalized debt issuance costs	0	(363,000)
Tax benefit from stock-based compensation	1,963,000	2,023,000
Proceeds from issuance of common stock under employee benefit plans	2,654,000	2,594,000
Distribution to redeemable noncontrolling interest	(45,000)	0
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(256,504,000)	23,023,000
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(155,288,000)	78,684,000
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	241,886,000	196,493,000
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 86,598,000	$ 275,177,000

XML

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

9 Months Ended

Sep. 27, 2016

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation

The unaudited consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, which consist of the accounts of Panera Bread Company and its wholly owned direct and indirect subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”), have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”), under the rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), and on a basis substantially consistent with the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company as of and for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2015 (“fiscal 2015”). In September 2016, all of the shares of stock of Panera Bread Ltd., as successor to Panera Bread ULC, a Canadian subsidiary of Panera Bread Company, were sold by Panera International Holdings, Inc., a subsidiary of Panera Bread Company, and ceased to be a subsidiary of Panera Bread Company. Following the close of the sale on September 13, 2016, the transferred Panera Bread Ltd. operations are no longer presented in the Company's consolidated financial statements. Refer to Note 2 for further information on the sale. These unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with such audited consolidated financial statements, which are included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2015, as filed with the SEC on February 18, 2016. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The Consolidated Balance Sheet data as of December 29, 2015 was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by GAAP contained herein.

The unaudited consolidated financial statements include all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments and accruals) that management considers necessary for a fair statement of the Company's financial position and comprehensive income for the interim periods presented. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of the results for any other interim period or for the entire fiscal year ending December 27, 2016 (“fiscal 2016”). Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year balances to conform to the fiscal 2016 presentation.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In August 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-15, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments”. This update addresses how certain cash inflows and outflows are classified in the statement of cash flows to eliminate existing diversity in practice. This update is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the effect this standard will have on the Company's consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, “Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting”. This update simplifies accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. This update is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the overall impact that ASU 2016-09 will have on the Company's consolidated financial statements and related disclosures, as well as the expected timing and method of adoption.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842)”. This update will increase transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. This update is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. Based on a preliminary assessment, the Company expects the standard to have a material impact on its assets and liabilities due to the recognition of right-of-use assets and lease liabilities on its Consolidated Balance Sheets at the beginning of the earliest period presented. The Company is continuing its assessment, which may identify additional impacts this standard will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17, “Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes”. This update requires that deferred tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position. The Company early adopted ASU 2015-17 during the thirteen weeks ended March 29, 2016 on a retrospective basis. As a result of the retrospective adoption, the Company reclassified current deferred income tax assets of $34.5 million as of December 29, 2015 to long-term deferred income tax liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Adoption of this standard did not impact the Company's results of operations or cash flows in either the current or previous interim and annual reporting periods.

In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-16, “Business Combinations (Topic 805): Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments”. This update eliminates the requirement for an acquirer in a business combination to account for measurement-period adjustments retrospectively. Acquirers would now recognize measurement-period adjustments during the period in which they determine the amount of the adjustment. This update is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and should be applied prospectively to adjustments for provisional amounts that occur after the effective date with early adoption permitted for financial statements that have not been issued. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements or related disclosures; however, it may impact the reporting of future acquisitions if and when they occur.

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, “Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory”. This update provides guidance on the subsequent measurement of inventory, which changes the measurement from lower of cost or market to lower of cost and net realizable value. This update is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 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. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, delaying the effective date for adoption. The update is now effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted. The update permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method.  

The FASB has also issued the following standards which provide additional clarification and implementation guidance on the previously issued ASU 2014-09 and have the same effective date as the original standard: ASU 2016-12, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients (Topic 606);” ASU 2016-11, “Revenue Recognition (Topic 605) and Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Rescission of SEC Guidance Because of Accounting Standards Updates 2014-09 and 2014-16 Pursuant to Staff Announcements at the March 3, 2016 EITF Meeting (SEC Update);” ASU 2016-10, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing (Topic 606);” and ASU 2016-08, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net).”

The Company is currently evaluating the overall impact that ASU 2014-09 will have on the Company's consolidated financial statements, as well as the expected timing and method of adoption. Based on a preliminary assessment, the Company has determined that the adoption will change the timing of recognition of gift card breakage income, which is currently recognized using the remote method. The new guidance will require application of the proportional method. The Company is continuing its assessment, which may identify additional impacts this standard will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

XML

Divestitures

9 Months Ended

Sep. 27, 2016

Business Combinations [Abstract]

Business Combinations and Divestitures

Divestitures

Refranchising Initiative

In February 2015, the Company announced a plan to refranchise approximately 50 to 150 Company-owned bakery-cafes. As of September 27, 2016, the Company had completed the sale of 102 Company-owned bakery-cafes.

During the thirteen weeks ended March 29, 2016, 20 Company-owned bakery-cafes that the Company concluded no longer met all of the criteria required to be classified as held for sale were reclassified to held and used at their fair value.

On May 3, 2016, the Company sold substantially all of the assets of 15 bakery-cafes in the Portland, Oregon market to an existing franchisee for a purchase price of approximately $15.2 million, which resulted in a gain on sale of approximately $0.5 million.

On September 13, 2016, Panera International Holdings, Inc., a subsidiary of Panera Bread Company, sold all of its shares of stock of Panera Bread Ltd., as successor to Panera Bread ULC, a Canadian subsidiary, to a new franchisee for a purchase price of approximately $5.0 million, with $0.5 million payable in cash and $4.5 million payable in the form of a promissory note. The promissory note bears interest at the Wall Street Journal prime rate plus 2.00 percent and is payable in equal quarterly installments over five years. As of September 27, 2016, the carrying amount of the promissory note approximates fair value as its interest rate approximates current market rates (Level 2 inputs).

The sale of Panera Bread Ltd. transferred ownership of substantially all of the assets of 12 bakery-cafes in the Ontario, Canada market to the new franchisee. The Company recorded a gain on the sale of approximately $0.2 million during the thirteen weeks ended September 27, 2016. The Company recognized a $6.1 million loss on assets held for sale related to the 12 bakery-cafes in Ontario, Canada during the thirteen weeks ended June 28, 2016. Following the close of the sale on September 13, 2016, the Panera Bread Ltd. operations are no longer being consolidated as a subsidiary in the Company's consolidated financial statements.

The Company did not classify any assets or liabilities as held for sale as of September 27, 2016. The Company classified as held for sale the assets and certain liabilities of 35 Company-owned bakery-cafes as of December 29, 2015. The Company classifies assets as held for sale and ceases depreciation of the assets when those assets meet the held for sale criteria, as defined in GAAP.

The following summarizes activity associated with the refranchising initiative recorded in the caption entitled Refranchising loss in the Consolidated Statements of Income for the periods indicated (in thousands):

	For the 13 Weeks Ended					For the 39 Weeks Ended
	September 27, 2016			September 29, 2015		September 27, 2016			September 29, 2015
Loss on assets held for sale (1)	$	—		$	1,000	$	6,112		$	8,941
Lease termination costs and impairment of long-lived assets (1)	—			—		2,858			3,837
Professional fees, severance, and other	331			596		795			946
Loss (gain) on sale of bakery-cafes (1)	(202		)	578		(693		)	(1,992		)
Refranchising loss	$	129		$	2,174	$	9,072		$	11,732

(1) Certain of the amounts for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2016 and September 29, 2015 are included in the caption entitled Refranchising loss in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows as a non-cash adjustment to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities.

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Fair Value Measurements

9 Months Ended

Sep. 27, 2016

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements

The following summarizes assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis (in thousands):

	Total		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
September 27, 2016:
Interest rate swaps	$	7,878	$	—	$	7,878	$	—
Total liabilities	$	7,878	$	—	$	7,878	$	—
December 29, 2015:
Cash equivalents	$	2	$	2	$	—	$	—
Total assets	$	2	$	2	$	—	$	—
Interest rate swaps	$	2,552	$	—	$	2,552	$	—
Total liabilities	$	2,552	$	—	$	2,552	$	—

The fair value of the Company's cash equivalents is based on quoted market prices for identical securities. The fair value of the Company's interest rate swaps are determined based on a discounted cash flow analysis on the expected future cash flows of each derivative. This analysis reflects the contractual terms of the derivatives and uses observable market-based inputs, including interest rate curves and credit spreads.

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Inventories

9 Months Ended

Sep. 27, 2016

Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]

Inventories

Inventories

Inventories consisted of the following (in thousands):

	September 27, 2016		December 29, 2015
Food:
Fresh dough facilities:
Raw materials	$	3,382	$	3,561
Finished goods	471		446
Bakery-cafes:
Raw materials	15,010		14,819
Paper goods	3,259		3,656
Total	$	22,122	$	22,482

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Accrued Expenses

9 Months Ended

Sep. 27, 2016

Payables and Accruals [Abstract]

Accrued expenses

Accrued Expenses

Accrued expenses consisted of the following (in thousands):

	September 27, 2016		December 29, 2015
Unredeemed gift cards, net	$	87,711	$	123,363
Compensation and related employment taxes	50,243		64,882
Insurance	42,581		37,208
Capital expenditures	39,189		53,914
Taxes, other than income taxes	22,893		20,206
Advertising	10,649		5,242
Occupancy costs	9,376		8,594
Deferred revenue	8,098		5,690
Fresh dough and other product operations	7,999		10,854
Utilities	5,059		4,581
Share repurchases	4,988		—
Loyalty program	2,830		2,653
Other	30,681		22,277
Total	$	322,297	$	359,464

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Debt

9 Months Ended

Sep. 27, 2016

Debt Instruments [Abstract]

Debt Disclosure [Text Block]

Debt

Long-term debt consisted of the following (in thousands):

	September 27, 2016			December 29, 2015
2014 Term Loan	$	100,000		$	100,000
2015 Term Loan	285,000			296,250
Borrowings under the 2015 Credit Agreement	40,000			—
2015 Note Payable	7,608			10,144
Debt assumed in Tatte acquisition	—			1,147
Aggregate unamortized lender fees and issuance costs	(1,110		)	(1,341		)
Total carrying amount	431,498			406,200
Current portion of long-term debt	17,229			17,229
Long-term debt	$	414,269		$	388,971

Term Loans

On June 11, 2014, the Company entered into a term loan agreement (the “2014 Term Loan Agreement”), by and among the Company, as borrower, Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, and other lenders party thereto. The 2014 Term Loan Agreement provides for an unsecured term loan in the amount of $100 million (the “2014 Term Loan”). The 2014 Term Loan is scheduled to mature on July 11, 2019, subject to acceleration upon certain specified events of default, including breaches of representations or covenants, failure to pay other material indebtedness or a change of control of the Company, as defined in the 2014 Term Loan Agreement. The Company incurred lender fees and issuance costs totaling $0.2 million in connection with the issuance of the 2014 Term Loan. The lender fees and issuance costs are being amortized to expense over the term of the 2014 Term Loan.

On July 16, 2015, the Company entered into a term loan agreement (the “2015 Term Loan Agreement”), with Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, and other lenders party thereto. The 2015 Term Loan Agreement provides for an unsecured term loan in the amount of $300 million (the "2015 Term Loan"). The 2015 Term Loan is scheduled to mature on July 16, 2020, subject to acceleration upon certain specified events of default, including breaches of representations or covenants, failure to pay other material indebtedness or a change of control of the Company, as defined in the 2015 Term Loan Agreement, and is amortized in equal quarterly installments in an amount equal to 1.25 percent of the original principal amount of the 2015 Term Loan. The Company incurred lender fees and issuance costs totaling $1.4 million in connection with the issuance of the 2015 Term Loan. The lender fees and issuance costs are being amortized to expense over the term of the 2015 Term Loan. As of September 27, 2016, $14.7 million of the 2015 Term Loan's carrying amount is presented as the current portion of long-term debt in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Each of the 2014 Term Loan and 2015 Term Loan bears interest at a rate equal to, at the Company's option, (1) the Eurodollar rate 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) the Eurodollar rate 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’s obligations under the 2014 Term Loan Agreement and 2015 Term Loan Agreement are guaranteed by certain of its direct and indirect subsidiaries.

The weighted-average interest rates for both the 2014 Term Loan and 2015 Term Loan, excluding the amortization of issuance costs and the impact of the Company's interest rate swaps, were 1.62 percent and 1.57 percent for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2016, respectively. The weighted-average interest rate for the 2014 Term Loan, excluding the amortization of issuance costs and the impact of the Company's interest rate swaps, was 1.19 percent and 1.18 percent for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2015, respectively. The weighted-average interest rate for the 2015 Term Loan, excluding the amortization of issuance costs and the impact of the Company's interest rate swaps, was 1.32 percent for both the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2015, respectively. As of September 27, 2016, the carrying amounts of the 2014 Term Loan and 2015 Term Loan approximate fair value as the variable interest rates approximate current market rates (Level 2 inputs).

On July 16, 2015, in order to hedge the variability in cash flows from changes in benchmark interest rates, the Company entered into two forward-starting interest rate swap agreements with an aggregate initial notional value of $242.5 million. The forward-starting interest rate swaps have been designated as cash flow hedging instruments. See Note 7 for information on the Company's interest rate swaps.

Installment Payment Agreement

On September 15, 2015, the Company entered into a Master Installment Payment Agreement (the “Master IPA”) with PNC Equipment Finance, LLC (“PNC”) pursuant to which PNC financed the Company's purchase of hardware, software, and services associated with new storage virtualization and disaster recovery systems. The Master IPA provides for a secured note payable in the amount of $12.7 million (the “2015 Note Payable”), payable in five annual installments beginning November 1, 2015 and each September 1st thereafter. As of September 27, 2016, there was $7.6 million outstanding under the 2015 Note Payable and $2.5 million of the 2015 Note Payable is presented as the current portion of long-term debt in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Revolving Credit Agreements

On July 16, 2015, the Company entered into a credit agreement (the “2015 Credit Agreement”), with Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, swing line lender and L/C issuer, and each lender from time to time party thereto. The 2015 Credit Agreement provides for an unsecured revolving credit facility of $250 million that will become due on July 16, 2020, subject to acceleration upon certain specified events of default, including breaches of representations or covenants, failure to pay other material indebtedness or a change of control of the Company, as defined in the 2015 Credit Agreement. The 2015 Credit Agreement provides that the Company may select interest rates under the credit facility equal to, at the Company's option, (1) the Eurodollar rate 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) the Eurodollar rate plus 1.00 percent, plus a margin ranging from 0.00 percent to 0.50 percent depending on the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio. As of September 27, 2016, the Company had $40 million outstanding under the 2015 Credit Agreement. The weighted-average interest rate for borrowings under the 2015 Credit Agreement was 1.65% for the thirteen weeks ended September 27, 2016.

The 2014 Term Loan Agreement, 2015 Term Loan Agreement and 2015 Credit Agreement contain customary affirmative and negative covenants, including covenants limiting liens, dispositions, fundamental changes, investments, indebtedness, and certain transactions and payments. In addition, such term loan and credit agreements 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 September 27, 2016, the Company was in compliance with all covenant requirements.

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Derivative Financial Instruments

9 Months Ended

Sep. 27, 2016

Derivative [Line Items]

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block]

Derivative Financial Instruments

The Company enters into derivative instruments solely for risk management purposes. To the extent the Company's cash-flow hedging instruments are effective in offsetting the variability in the hedged cash flows, and otherwise meet the cash flow hedge accounting criteria required by FASB Accounting Standards Codification 815, “Derivatives and Hedging”, changes in the derivatives' fair value are not included in current earnings but are included in accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”). These changes in fair value will be reclassified into earnings at the time of the forecasted transaction. By using these instruments, the Company exposes itself, from time to time, to credit risk and market risk. Credit risk is the failure of the counterparty to perform under the terms of the derivative contract. The Company minimizes this credit risk by entering into transactions with high-quality counterparties. Market risk is the adverse effect on the value of a financial instrument that results from changes in interest rates. The Company minimizes this market risk by establishing and monitoring parameters that limit the types and degree of market risk that may be undertaken.

On July 16, 2015, the Company entered into two forward-starting interest rate swap agreements with an aggregate initial notional value of $242.5 million to hedge a portion of the cash flows of its term loan borrowings. For each of the swaps, the Company has agreed to exchange with a counterparty the difference between fixed and variable interest amounts calculated by reference to an agreed-upon principal amount.

The following table summarizes the Company's interest rate swaps as of September 27, 2016:

Trade Date	Effective Date	Term (in Years)	Notional Amount (in thousands)		Fixed Rate
July 16, 2015	July 11, 2016	4	$	100,000	1.75	%
July 16, 2015	July 18, 2016	5	142,500		1.97	%

The notional amount for the interest rate swap with an effective date of July 18, 2016 decreases quarterly by $1.9 million over the five-year term of the interest rate swap beginning in September 2016.

The interest rate swaps, which have been designated and qualify as cash flow hedges, are recorded at fair value in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The following table summarizes the estimated fair value of the Company's interest rate swaps as of September 27, 2016 and December 29, 2015 (in thousands):

Balance Sheet Location	September 27, 2016		December 29, 2015
Accrued expenses	$	2,807	$	—
Other long-term liabilities	5,071		2,552
Total	$	7,878	$	2,552

Changes in fair value of the interest rate swaps are recorded as a component of AOCI in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company reclassifies the effective gain or loss from AOCI to interest expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income at the time of the transaction. The following table presents pre-tax gains and losses on the interest rate swaps recognized in other comprehensive income (“OCI”) and reclassified from AOCI to earnings for the periods indicated (in thousands):

	For the 13 Weeks Ended						For the 39 Weeks Ended
	September 27, 2016			September 29, 2015			September 27, 2016			September 29, 2015
Net gains (losses) recognized in OCI before reclassifications	$	689		$	(2,967	)	$	(3,638	)	$	(2,967	)
Net gains (losses) reclassified from AOCI to earnings	(418		)	—			(418		)	—

A net of tax loss of approximately $1.7 million is expected to be reclassified from AOCI to earnings within the next twelve months. The Company did not recognize a gain or loss due to hedge ineffectiveness during any of the thirteen or thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2016 and September 29, 2015.

The Company does not hold or use derivative instruments for trading purposes. The Company does not have any derivatives that are not designated as hedging instruments and has not designated any non-derivatives as hedging instruments.

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Stockholders' Equity

9 Months Ended

Sep. 27, 2016

Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract]

Stockholders' Equity

Stockholders' Equity

Share Repurchase Authorization

On June 5, 2014, 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 “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. On April 15, 2015, the Company's Board of Directors approved an increase of the 2014 repurchase authorization to $750 million. During the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2016, the Company repurchased 839,759 shares under the 2014 repurchase authorization, at an average price of $201.15 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $168.9 million. On May 19, 2016, the Company's Board of Directors terminated the 2014 repurchase authorization program.

On May 19, 2016, 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 "2016 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 2016 repurchase authorization may be modified, suspended, or discontinued by the Company's Board of Directors at any time. As of September 27, 2016, the Company had repurchased a total of 557,981 shares under the 2016 share repurchase authorization, at a weighted average price of $213.21 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $119.0 million, of which $7.5 million remained unpaid as of September 27, 2016. These repurchases traded during the thirteen weeks ended September 27, 2016 and settled in the subsequent quarter. There was approximately $481.0 million available under the 2016 repurchase authorization as of September 27, 2016.

In total, during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2016, the Company repurchased 1,397,740 shares under the 2014 repurchase authorization and 2016 repurchase authorization, at an average price of $205.97 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $287.9 million.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The following table summarizes changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, for the thirteen weeks ended September 27, 2016 and September 29, 2015 (in thousands):

	Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment			Cash Flow Hedging Instruments			Total
September 27, 2016
Net gains (losses), beginning of period	$	(2,631	)	$	(5,870	)	$	(8,501	)
Net gains (losses) recognized in OCI before reclassifications	(84		)	689			605
Net (gains) losses reclassified from AOCI to earnings	—			418			418
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(84		)	1,107			1,023
Net gains (losses), end of period	$	(2,715	)	$	(4,763	)	$	(7,478	)
September 29, 2015
Net gains (losses), beginning of period	$	(2,063	)	$	—		$	(2,063	)
Net gains (losses) recognized in OCI before reclassifications	(963		)	(2,967		)	(3,930		)
Net (gains) losses reclassified from AOCI to earnings	—			—			—
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(963		)	(2,967		)	(3,930		)
Net gains (losses), end of period	$	(3,026	)	$	(2,967	)	$	(5,993	)

The following table summarizes changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2016 and September 29, 2015 (in thousands):

	Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment			Cash Flow Hedging Instruments			Total
September 27, 2016
Net gains (losses), beginning of period	$	(3,486	)	$	(1,543	)	$	(5,029	)
Net gains (losses) recognized in OCI before reclassifications	771			(3,638		)	(2,867		)
Net (gains) losses reclassified from AOCI to earnings	—			418			418
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	771			(3,220		)	(2,449		)
Net gains (losses), end of period	$	(2,715	)	$	(4,763	)	$	(7,478	)
September 29, 2015
Net gains (losses), beginning of period	$	(1,360	)	$	—		$	(1,360	)
Net gains (losses) recognized in OCI before reclassifications	(1,666		)	(2,967		)	(4,633		)
Net (gains) losses reclassified from AOCI to earnings	—			—			—
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(1,666		)	(2,967		)	(4,633		)
Net gains (losses), end of period	$	(3,026	)	$	(2,967	)	$	(5,993	)

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Commitments and Contingencies

9 Months Ended

Sep. 27, 2016

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies

Lease Obligations

As of September 27, 2016, the Company has guaranteed the operating leases of 98 franchisee 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, pursuant to which the Company exercised its right to assign the lease 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 July 15, 2020 to February 28, 2049, with a maximum potential amount of future rental payments of approximately $298.9 million as of September 27, 2016. The obligations from these leases will decrease over time as these operating leases expire. The Company has not recorded a liability for these guarantees because the fair value of these lease guarantees was determined by the Company to be insignificant individually, and in the aggregate, based on an 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.

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. In addition, several other purported class action lawsuits based on similar claims and seeking similar relief were filed against the subsidiary: on October 30, 2015 in the California Superior Court, County of San Bernardino by Jazmin Dabney, a former subsidiary employee; on November 3, 2015 in the United States District Court, Eastern District of California by Clara Manchester, a former subsidiary employee; and on November 30, 2015 in the California Superior Court, County of Yolo by Tanner Maginnis, a current subsidiary assistant manager. On May 6, 2016, the parties of all four pending cases reached a Memorandum of Understanding For Three Settlement Classes regarding the class action lawsuits. Under the terms of the agreement, the Company agreed to pay an immaterial amount to purported class members, plaintiffs' attorneys' fees, Private Attorney General Act payments, and costs of administering the settlement. The Memorandum of Understanding contains no admission of wrongdoing. The terms and conditions of a definitive settlement agreement are under negotiation and such agreement is subject to the final approval by two California Superior Courts. The Company maintained an appropriate reserve in accrued expenses for this settlement in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 27, 2016.

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 the Company's consolidated financial position and results of operations. 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 ongoing 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 the Company's consolidated financial position and results of operations. The Company believes reserves for these matters are adequately provided for in its consolidated financial statements.

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Business Segment Information

9 Months Ended

Sep. 27, 2016

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Business Segment Information

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 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, and 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 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 Income.

Segment information related to the Company’s three business segments is as follows (in thousands):

	For the 13 Weeks Ended						For the 39 Weeks Ended
	September 27, 2016			September 29, 2015			September 27, 2016			September 29, 2015
Revenues:
Company bakery-cafe operations	$	593,434		$	584,664		$	1,801,502		$	1,756,464
Franchise operations	38,210			33,740			114,079			98,952
Fresh dough and other product operations	103,041			96,198			301,320			284,089
Intercompany sales eliminations	(50,479		)	(49,948		)	(148,642		)	(149,690		)
Total revenues	$	684,206		$	664,654		$	2,068,259		$	1,989,815
Segment profit:
Company bakery-cafe operations (1)	$	92,267		$	87,513		$	286,216		$	266,456
Franchise operations	36,923			32,461			110,141			95,219
Fresh dough and other product operations	6,215			4,607			19,102			16,238
Total segment profit	$	135,405		$	124,581		$	415,459		$	377,913
Depreciation and amortization	$	38,985		$	33,885		$	114,073		$	100,167
Unallocated general and administrative expenses	42,251			36,296			126,719			99,782
Pre-opening expenses	1,948			2,298			5,584			6,253
Interest expense	2,529			1,363			6,059			2,266
Other (income) expense, net	411			(55		)	274			948
Income before income taxes	$	49,281		$	50,794		$	162,750		$	168,497
Depreciation and amortization:
Company bakery-cafe operations	$	28,894		$	26,004		$	85,828		$	78,698
Fresh dough and other product operations	2,519			2,321			7,157			6,855
Corporate administration	7,572			5,560			21,088			14,614
Total depreciation and amortization	$	38,985		$	33,885		$	114,073		$	100,167
Capital expenditures:
Company bakery-cafe operations	$	33,723		$	39,756		$	104,070		$	117,866
Fresh dough and other product operations	3,026			3,217			13,585			7,710
Corporate administration	10,660			5,472			28,709			27,725
Total capital expenditures	$	47,409		$	48,445		$	146,364		$	153,301

(1) Includes refranchising losses of $0.1 million and $2.2 million for the thirteen weeks ended September 27, 2016 and September 29, 2015, respectively, and $9.1 million and $11.7 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2016 and September 29, 2015, respectively.

	September 27, 2016		December 29, 2015
Segment assets:
Company bakery-cafe operations	$	910,698	$	953,717
Franchise operations	18,462		13,049
Fresh dough and other product operations	85,940		75,634
Total segment assets	$	1,015,100	$	1,042,400
Unallocated cash and cash equivalents	$	86,598	$	241,886
Unallocated trade and other accounts receivable	7,022		2,968
Unallocated property and equipment	114,536		107,333
Unallocated deposits and other	5,560		6,660
Other unallocated assets	24,720		39,592
Total assets	$	1,253,536	$	1,440,839

“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 refundable income taxes.

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Income Taxes

9 Months Ended

Sep. 27, 2016

Income Taxes [Abstract]

Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]

Income Taxes

The Company records income taxes using an estimated annual effective tax rate for interim reporting. The estimated annual effective tax rate may fluctuate due to changes in forecasted annual operating income; changes to the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets; changes to actual or forecast permanent book to tax differences; impacts from future tax settlements with state, federal or foreign tax authorities (such changes would be recorded discretely in the quarter in which they occur); or impacts from tax law changes. To the extent such changes impact the Company’s deferred tax assets/liabilities, these changes would generally be recorded discretely in the quarter in which they occur.

The Company's effective tax rates were 35.2% and 36.2% for the thirteen weeks ended September 27, 2016 and September 29, 2015, respectively. The decrease in the effective tax rate was primarily driven by an increased charitable deduction as a result of the Tax Relief Extension Act of 2015.

The Company's effective tax rates were 37.6% and 37.0% for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2016 and September 29, 2015, respectively. The increase in the effective tax rate was primarily driven by the recognition of $7.0 million of refranchising charges for which the Company cannot currently realize the associated tax benefit, partially offset by an increased charitable deduction as a result of the Tax Relief Extension Act of 2015.

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Earnings Per Share

9 Months Ended

Sep. 27, 2016

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Earnings Per Share

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 13 Weeks Ended				For the 39 Weeks Ended
	September 27, 2016		September 29, 2015		September 27, 2016		September 29, 2015
Amounts used for basic and diluted per share calculations:
Net income attributable to Panera Bread Company	$	31,975	$	32,393	$	101,564	$	106,182
Weighted average number of shares outstanding — basic	23,276		25,394		23,651		26,011
Effect of dilutive stock-based employee compensation awards	115		107		123		108
Weighted average number of shares outstanding — diluted	23,391		25,501		23,774		26,119
Earnings per common share:
Basic	$	1.37	$	1.28	$	4.29	$	4.08
Diluted	$	1.37	$	1.27	$	4.27	$	4.07

For each of the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2016 and September 29, 2015, 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.

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Supplemental Cash Flow Information

9 Months Ended

Sep. 27, 2016

Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]

Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Text Block]

Supplemental Cash Flow Information

The following table sets forth supplemental cash flow information (in thousands):

	For the 39 Weeks Ended
	September 27, 2016			September 29, 2015
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest	$	5,358		$	1,783
Income taxes	49,914			72,519
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Change in accrued property and equipment purchases	$	(14,725	)	$	13,764
Accrued share repurchases	7,481			—
Promissory note received upon sale of subsidiary	(4,482		)	—
Financed property and equipment purchases	—			12,680
Asset retirement obligations	514			348

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 27, 2016

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In August 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-15, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments”. This update addresses how certain cash inflows and outflows are classified in the statement of cash flows to eliminate existing diversity in practice. This update is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the effect this standard will have on the Company's consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, “Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting”. This update simplifies accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. This update is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the overall impact that ASU 2016-09 will have on the Company's consolidated financial statements and related disclosures, as well as the expected timing and method of adoption.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842)”. This update will increase transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. This update is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. Based on a preliminary assessment, the Company expects the standard to have a material impact on its assets and liabilities due to the recognition of right-of-use assets and lease liabilities on its Consolidated Balance Sheets at the beginning of the earliest period presented. The Company is continuing its assessment, which may identify additional impacts this standard will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17, “Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes”. This update requires that deferred tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position. The Company early adopted ASU 2015-17 during the thirteen weeks ended March 29, 2016 on a retrospective basis. As a result of the retrospective adoption, the Company reclassified current deferred income tax assets of $34.5 million as of December 29, 2015 to long-term deferred income tax liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Adoption of this standard did not impact the Company's results of operations or cash flows in either the current or previous interim and annual reporting periods.

In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-16, “Business Combinations (Topic 805): Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments”. This update eliminates the requirement for an acquirer in a business combination to account for measurement-period adjustments retrospectively. Acquirers would now recognize measurement-period adjustments during the period in which they determine the amount of the adjustment. This update is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and should be applied prospectively to adjustments for provisional amounts that occur after the effective date with early adoption permitted for financial statements that have not been issued. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements or related disclosures; however, it may impact the reporting of future acquisitions if and when they occur.

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, “Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory”. This update provides guidance on the subsequent measurement of inventory, which changes the measurement from lower of cost or market to lower of cost and net realizable value. This update is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 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. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, delaying the effective date for adoption. The update is now effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted. The update permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method.  

The FASB has also issued the following standards which provide additional clarification and implementation guidance on the previously issued ASU 2014-09 and have the same effective date as the original standard: ASU 2016-12, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients (Topic 606);” ASU 2016-11, “Revenue Recognition (Topic 605) and Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Rescission of SEC Guidance Because of Accounting Standards Updates 2014-09 and 2014-16 Pursuant to Staff Announcements at the March 3, 2016 EITF Meeting (SEC Update);” ASU 2016-10, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing (Topic 606);” and ASU 2016-08, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net).”

The Company is currently evaluating the overall impact that ASU 2014-09 will have on the Company's consolidated financial statements, as well as the expected timing and method of adoption. Based on a preliminary assessment, the Company has determined that the adoption will change the timing of recognition of gift card breakage income, which is currently recognized using the remote method. The new guidance will require application of the proportional method. The Company is continuing its assessment, which may identify additional impacts this standard will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

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Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Measurements (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 27, 2016

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block]

	Total		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
September 27, 2016:
Interest rate swaps	$	7,878	$	—	$	7,878	$	—
Total liabilities	$	7,878	$	—	$	7,878	$	—
December 29, 2015:
Cash equivalents	$	2	$	2	$	—	$	—
Total assets	$	2	$	2	$	—	$	—
Interest rate swaps	$	2,552	$	—	$	2,552	$	—
Total liabilities	$	2,552	$	—	$	2,552	$	—

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Inventories (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 27, 2016

Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]

Inventories

	September 27, 2016		December 29, 2015
Food:
Fresh dough facilities:
Raw materials	$	3,382	$	3,561
Finished goods	471		446
Bakery-cafes:
Raw materials	15,010		14,819
Paper goods	3,259		3,656
Total	$	22,122	$	22,482

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Accrued Expenses (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 27, 2016

Payables and Accruals [Abstract]

Accrued Expenses

	September 27, 2016		December 29, 2015
Unredeemed gift cards, net	$	87,711	$	123,363
Compensation and related employment taxes	50,243		64,882
Insurance	42,581		37,208
Capital expenditures	39,189		53,914
Taxes, other than income taxes	22,893		20,206
Advertising	10,649		5,242
Occupancy costs	9,376		8,594
Deferred revenue	8,098		5,690
Fresh dough and other product operations	7,999		10,854
Utilities	5,059		4,581
Share repurchases	4,988		—
Loyalty program	2,830		2,653
Other	30,681		22,277
Total	$	322,297	$	359,464

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Debt Long-term debt (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 27, 2016

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block]

	September 27, 2016			December 29, 2015
2014 Term Loan	$	100,000		$	100,000
2015 Term Loan	285,000			296,250
Borrowings under the 2015 Credit Agreement	40,000			—
2015 Note Payable	7,608			10,144
Debt assumed in Tatte acquisition	—			1,147
Aggregate unamortized lender fees and issuance costs	(1,110		)	(1,341		)
Total carrying amount	431,498			406,200
Current portion of long-term debt	17,229			17,229
Long-term debt	$	414,269		$	388,971

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Derivative Financial Instruments Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 27, 2016

Derivative [Line Items]

Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block]

Balance Sheet Location	September 27, 2016		December 29, 2015
Accrued expenses	$	2,807	$	—
Other long-term liabilities	5,071		2,552
Total	$	7,878	$	2,552

Schedule of Derivative Instruments [Table Text Block]

Trade Date	Effective Date	Term (in Years)	Notional Amount (in thousands)		Fixed Rate
July 16, 2015	July 11, 2016	4	$	100,000	1.75	%
July 16, 2015	July 18, 2016	5	142,500		1.97	%

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Stockholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 27, 2016

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]

Stockholders' Equity

Stockholders' Equity

Share Repurchase Authorization

On June 5, 2014, 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 “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. On April 15, 2015, the Company's Board of Directors approved an increase of the 2014 repurchase authorization to $750 million. During the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2016, the Company repurchased 839,759 shares under the 2014 repurchase authorization, at an average price of $201.15 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $168.9 million. On May 19, 2016, the Company's Board of Directors terminated the 2014 repurchase authorization program.

On May 19, 2016, 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 "2016 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 2016 repurchase authorization may be modified, suspended, or discontinued by the Company's Board of Directors at any time. As of September 27, 2016, the Company had repurchased a total of 557,981 shares under the 2016 share repurchase authorization, at a weighted average price of $213.21 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $119.0 million, of which $7.5 million remained unpaid as of September 27, 2016. These repurchases traded during the thirteen weeks ended September 27, 2016 and settled in the subsequent quarter. There was approximately $481.0 million available under the 2016 repurchase authorization as of September 27, 2016.

In total, during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2016, the Company repurchased 1,397,740 shares under the 2014 repurchase authorization and 2016 repurchase authorization, at an average price of $205.97 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $287.9 million.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The following table summarizes changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, for the thirteen weeks ended September 27, 2016 and September 29, 2015 (in thousands):

	Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment			Cash Flow Hedging Instruments			Total
September 27, 2016
Net gains (losses), beginning of period	$	(2,631	)	$	(5,870	)	$	(8,501	)
Net gains (losses) recognized in OCI before reclassifications	(84		)	689			605
Net (gains) losses reclassified from AOCI to earnings	—			418			418
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(84		)	1,107			1,023
Net gains (losses), end of period	$	(2,715	)	$	(4,763	)	$	(7,478	)
September 29, 2015
Net gains (losses), beginning of period	$	(2,063	)	$	—		$	(2,063	)
Net gains (losses) recognized in OCI before reclassifications	(963		)	(2,967		)	(3,930		)
Net (gains) losses reclassified from AOCI to earnings	—			—			—
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(963		)	(2,967		)	(3,930		)
Net gains (losses), end of period	$	(3,026	)	$	(2,967	)	$	(5,993	)

The following table summarizes changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2016 and September 29, 2015 (in thousands):

	Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment			Cash Flow Hedging Instruments			Total
September 27, 2016
Net gains (losses), beginning of period	$	(3,486	)	$	(1,543	)	$	(5,029	)
Net gains (losses) recognized in OCI before reclassifications	771			(3,638		)	(2,867		)
Net (gains) losses reclassified from AOCI to earnings	—			418			418
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	771			(3,220		)	(2,449		)
Net gains (losses), end of period	$	(2,715	)	$	(4,763	)	$	(7,478	)
September 29, 2015
Net gains (losses), beginning of period	$	(1,360	)	$	—		$	(1,360	)
Net gains (losses) recognized in OCI before reclassifications	(1,666		)	(2,967		)	(4,633		)
Net (gains) losses reclassified from AOCI to earnings	—			—			—
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(1,666		)	(2,967		)	(4,633		)
Net gains (losses), end of period	$	(3,026	)	$	(2,967	)	$	(5,993	)

Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]

	Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment			Cash Flow Hedging Instruments			Total
September 27, 2016
Net gains (losses), beginning of period	$	(2,631	)	$	(5,870	)	$	(8,501	)
Net gains (losses) recognized in OCI before reclassifications	(84		)	689			605
Net (gains) losses reclassified from AOCI to earnings	—			418			418
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(84		)	1,107			1,023
Net gains (losses), end of period	$	(2,715	)	$	(4,763	)	$	(7,478	)
September 29, 2015
Net gains (losses), beginning of period	$	(2,063	)	$	—		$	(2,063	)
Net gains (losses) recognized in OCI before reclassifications	(963		)	(2,967		)	(3,930		)
Net (gains) losses reclassified from AOCI to earnings	—			—			—
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(963		)	(2,967		)	(3,930		)
Net gains (losses), end of period	$	(3,026	)	$	(2,967	)	$	(5,993	)

	Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment			Cash Flow Hedging Instruments			Total
September 27, 2016
Net gains (losses), beginning of period	$	(3,486	)	$	(1,543	)	$	(5,029	)
Net gains (losses) recognized in OCI before reclassifications	771			(3,638		)	(2,867		)
Net (gains) losses reclassified from AOCI to earnings	—			418			418
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	771			(3,220		)	(2,449		)
Net gains (losses), end of period	$	(2,715	)	$	(4,763	)	$	(7,478	)
September 29, 2015
Net gains (losses), beginning of period	$	(1,360	)	$	—		$	(1,360	)
Net gains (losses) recognized in OCI before reclassifications	(1,666		)	(2,967		)	(4,633		)
Net (gains) losses reclassified from AOCI to earnings	—			—			—
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(1,666		)	(2,967		)	(4,633		)
Net gains (losses), end of period	$	(3,026	)	$	(2,967	)	$	(5,993	)

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Business Segment Information (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 27, 2016

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Business Segment Information

nformation related to the Company’s three business segments is as follows (in thousands):

	For the 13 Weeks Ended						For the 39 Weeks Ended
	September 27, 2016			September 29, 2015			September 27, 2016			September 29, 2015
Revenues:
Company bakery-cafe operations	$	593,434		$	584,664		$	1,801,502		$	1,756,464
Franchise operations	38,210			33,740			114,079			98,952
Fresh dough and other product operations	103,041			96,198			301,320			284,089
Intercompany sales eliminations	(50,479		)	(49,948		)	(148,642		)	(149,690		)
Total revenues	$	684,206		$	664,654		$	2,068,259		$	1,989,815
Segment profit:
Company bakery-cafe operations (1)	$	92,267		$	87,513		$	286,216		$	266,456
Franchise operations	36,923			32,461			110,141			95,219
Fresh dough and other product operations	6,215			4,607			19,102			16,238
Total segment profit	$	135,405		$	124,581		$	415,459		$	377,913
Depreciation and amortization	$	38,985		$	33,885		$	114,073		$	100,167
Unallocated general and administrative expenses	42,251			36,296			126,719			99,782
Pre-opening expenses	1,948			2,298			5,584			6,253
Interest expense	2,529			1,363			6,059			2,266
Other (income) expense, net	411			(55		)	274			948
Income before income taxes	$	49,281		$	50,794		$	162,750		$	168,497
Depreciation and amortization:
Company bakery-cafe operations	$	28,894		$	26,004		$	85,828		$	78,698
Fresh dough and other product operations	2,519			2,321			7,157			6,855
Corporate administration	7,572			5,560			21,088			14,614
Total depreciation and amortization	$	38,985		$	33,885		$	114,073		$	100,167
Capital expenditures:
Company bakery-cafe operations	$	33,723		$	39,756		$	104,070		$	117,866
Fresh dough and other product operations	3,026			3,217			13,585			7,710
Corporate administration	10,660			5,472			28,709			27,725
Total capital expenditures	$	47,409		$	48,445		$	146,364		$	153,301

(1) Includes refranchising losses of $0.1 million and $2.2 million for the thirteen weeks ended September 27, 2016 and September 29, 2015, respectively, and $9.1 million and $11.7 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2016 and September 29, 2015, respectively.

	September 27, 2016		December 29, 2015
Segment assets:
Company bakery-cafe operations	$	910,698	$	953,717
Franchise operations	18,462		13,049
Fresh dough and other product operations	85,940		75,634
Total segment assets	$	1,015,100	$	1,042,400
Unallocated cash and cash equivalents	$	86,598	$	241,886
Unallocated trade and other accounts receivable	7,022		2,968
Unallocated property and equipment	114,536		107,333
Unallocated deposits and other	5,560		6,660
Other unallocated assets	24,720		39,592
Total assets	$	1,253,536	$	1,440,839

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Earnings Per Share (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 27, 2016

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Computation of basic and diluted 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 13 Weeks Ended				For the 39 Weeks Ended
	September 27, 2016		September 29, 2015		September 27, 2016		September 29, 2015
Amounts used for basic and diluted per share calculations:
Net income attributable to Panera Bread Company	$	31,975	$	32,393	$	101,564	$	106,182
Weighted average number of shares outstanding — basic	23,276		25,394		23,651		26,011
Effect of dilutive stock-based employee compensation awards	115		107		123		108
Weighted average number of shares outstanding — diluted	23,391		25,501		23,774		26,119
Earnings per common share:
Basic	$	1.37	$	1.28	$	4.29	$	4.08
Diluted	$	1.37	$	1.27	$	4.27	$	4.07

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Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 27, 2016

Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]

Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Table Text Block]

	For the 39 Weeks Ended
	September 27, 2016			September 29, 2015
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest	$	5,358		$	1,783
Income taxes	49,914			72,519
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Change in accrued property and equipment purchases	$	(14,725	)	$	13,764
Accrued share repurchases	7,481			—
Promissory note received upon sale of subsidiary	(4,482		)	—
Financed property and equipment purchases	—			12,680
Asset retirement obligations	514			348

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2016	Dec. 29, 2015
Recent Accounting Updates [Abstract]
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Adoption, Quantification		$ 34.5
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-27

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Business Combinations and Divestitures (Details Textuals)	3 Months Ended			4 Months Ended	8 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2016 USD ($) bakery-cafes	Jun. 28, 2016 USD ($)	Sep. 29, 2015 USD ($)	May 02, 2016 USD ($)	Sep. 12, 2016 USD ($)	Sep. 27, 2016 USD ($) bakery-cafes	Sep. 29, 2015 USD ($)	Sep. 13, 2016 bakery-cafes	May 03, 2016 bakery-cafes	Mar. 29, 2016 bakery-cafes	Dec. 29, 2015 bakery-cafes
Business Acquisitions And Divestitures [Line Items]
Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operation, Loss (Gain) on Write-down	$ 0	$ 6,100,000	$ 1,000,000			$ 6,112,000	$ 8,941,000
Lease termination costs and impairment of long-lived assets	0		0			2,858,000	3,837,000
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Expense	331,000		596,000			795,000	946,000
Proceeds from refranchising				$ 15,200,000	$ 500,000	15,649,000	20,805,000
Prromissory Note Receivable	4,500,000					4,500,000
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business	$ (202,000)		578,000	$ (500,000)	(200,000)	$ (693,000)	(1,992,000)
Noncash or Part Noncash Divestiture, Amount of Consideration Received					$ 5,000,000
Loans Receivable, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	2.00%					2.00%
Refranchising loss	$ 129,000		$ 2,174,000			$ 9,072,000	$ 11,732,000
Refranchised Cafe [Domain]
Business Acquisitions And Divestitures [Line Items]
Number of bakery cafe | bakery-cafes	102					102
Cafes recalssified as held and used [Member]
Business Acquisitions And Divestitures [Line Items]
Number of bakery cafe | bakery-cafes										20
Refranchised Cafe [Member]
Business Acquisitions And Divestitures [Line Items]
Number of bakery cafe | bakery-cafes								12	15
Refranchising loss						$ 7,000,000
Cafe Held for Sale [Member]
Business Acquisitions And Divestitures [Line Items]
Number of bakery cafe | bakery-cafes											35
Minimum [Member] | Refranchised Cafe [Domain]
Business Acquisitions And Divestitures [Line Items]
Number of bakery cafe | bakery-cafes	50					50
Maximum [Member] | Refranchised Cafe [Domain]
Business Acquisitions And Divestitures [Line Items]
Number of bakery cafe | bakery-cafes	150					150

XML

Fair Value Measurements (Details) - USD ($)	Sep. 27, 2016	Dec. 29, 2015
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure		$ 2,000
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring		2,000
Interest Rate Derivative Liabilities, at Fair Value	$ 7,878,000	2,552,000
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	7,878,000	2,552,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure		2,000
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring		2,000
Interest Rate Derivative Liabilities, at Fair Value	0	0
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure		0
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring		0
Interest Rate Derivative Liabilities, at Fair Value	7,878,000	2,552,000
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	7,878,000	2,552,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure		0
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring		0
Interest Rate Derivative Liabilities, at Fair Value	0	0
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	$ 0	$ 0

XML

Inventories (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 27, 2016	Dec. 29, 2015
Inventory [Line Items]
Paper goods	$ 3,259	$ 3,656
Total	22,122	22,482
Fresh dough and other product operations [Member]
Inventory [Line Items]
Raw materials	3,382	3,561
Finished goods	471	446
Company Bakery Cafe Operations [Member]
Inventory [Line Items]
Raw materials	$ 15,010	$ 14,819

XML

Accrued Expenses (Details) - USD ($)	Sep. 27, 2016	Dec. 29, 2015
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Unredeemed gift cards, net	$ 87,711,000	$ 123,363,000
Compensation and related employment taxes	50,243,000	64,882,000
Capital Expenditures	39,189,000	53,914,000
Insurance	42,581,000	37,208,000
Taxes, other than income taxes	22,893,000	20,206,000
Fresh dough and other product operations	7,999,000	10,854,000
Utilities	5,059,000	4,581,000
Accrued Share Repurchases	4,988,000	0
Occupancy costs	9,376,000	8,594,000
Deferred Revenue	8,098,000	5,690,000
Customer Loyalty Program Liability, Current	2,830,000	2,653,000
Advertising	10,649,000	5,242,000
Other	30,681,000	22,277,000
Total	$ 322,297,000	$ 359,464,000

XML

Term Loan (Details Textuals)	3 Months Ended		5 Months Ended	7 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2016 USD ($)	Sep. 29, 2015	Jun. 10, 2014 USD ($)	Jul. 15, 2015 USD ($)	Sep. 27, 2016 USD ($)	Sep. 29, 2015	Sep. 14, 2015	Dec. 29, 2015 USD ($)	Sep. 15, 2015 USD ($)	Jul. 16, 2015 USD ($)	Jun. 11, 2014 USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross	$ 431,498,000				$ 431,498,000			$ 406,200,000
Notes Payable to Bank	$ 7,608,000				$ 7,608,000			10,144,000	$ 12,700,000
Number of Installment Payments	5				5
Notes Payable to Bank, Current	$ 2,500,000				$ 2,500,000
Line of Credit Facility, Initiation Date				Jul. 16, 2015
Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment					0.0125
Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense	(1,110,000)				$ (1,110,000)			(1,341,000)
Current portion of long-term debt	17,229,000				17,229,000			17,229,000
Long-term debt	414,269,000				414,269,000			388,971,000
Notes Payable to Banks [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Issuance Date							Sep. 15, 2015
Tatte Acquisition [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross	0				0			1,147,000
2014 Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Issuance Date			Jun. 11, 2014
Long-term Debt, Gross	$ 100,000,000				$ 100,000,000			100,000,000			$ 100,000,000
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date					Jul. 11, 2019
Debt Issuance Cost			$ (200,000)
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate at Period End	1.62%	1.19%			1.57%	1.18%
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
2015 Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate at Period End	1.65%
2015 Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Issuance Date				Jul. 16, 2015
Long-term Debt, Gross	$ 285,000,000				$ 285,000,000			296,250,000		$ 300,000,000
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date					Jul. 16, 2020
Debt Issuance Cost				$ (1,400,000)
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate at Period End	1.62%	1.32%			1.57%	1.32%
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
Current portion of long-term debt	$ 14,700,000				$ 14,700,000
2014 Term Loan [Member] | LIBOR Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate					1.00%
2014 Term Loan [Member] | LIBOR Loan [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate					1.00%
2014 Term Loan [Member] | LIBOR Loan [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate					1.50%
2014 Term Loan [Member] | Base Rate Loan [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate					0.00%
2014 Term Loan [Member] | Base Rate Loan [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate					0.50%
2014 Term Loan [Member] | Federal Funds Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate					0.50%
2015 Term Loan [Member] | LIBOR Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate					1.00%
2015 Term Loan [Member] | LIBOR Loan [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate					1.00%
2015 Term Loan [Member] | LIBOR Loan [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate					1.50%
2015 Term Loan [Member] | Base Rate Loan [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate					0.00%
2015 Term Loan [Member] | Base Rate Loan [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate					0.50%
2015 Term Loan [Member] | Federal Funds Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate					0.50%
2015 Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity										$ 250,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date					Jul. 16, 2020
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding	$ 40,000,000				$ 40,000,000			$ 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
2015 Credit Facility [Member] | LIBOR Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate					1.00%
2015 Credit Facility [Member] | LIBOR Loan [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate					1.00%
2015 Credit Facility [Member] | LIBOR Loan [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate					1.50%
2015 Credit Facility [Member] | Base Rate Loan [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate					0.00%
2015 Credit Facility [Member] | Base Rate Loan [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate					0.50%
2015 Credit Facility [Member] | Federal Funds Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate					0.50%

XML

Derivative Financial Instruments Derivative Financial Instruments (Details) - USD ($)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Sep. 27, 2016

Sep. 29, 2015

Sep. 27, 2016

Sep. 29, 2015

Dec. 29, 2015

Derivative [Line Items]

Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Effect on Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]

	For the 13 Weeks Ended						For the 39 Weeks Ended
	September 27, 2016			September 29, 2015			September 27, 2016			September 29, 2015
Net gains (losses) recognized in OCI before reclassifications	$	689		$	(2,967	)	$	(3,638	)	$	(2,967	)
Net gains (losses) reclassified from AOCI to earnings	(418		)	—			(418		)	—

Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares

1,397,740

Gain (Loss) on Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Ineffectiveness

$ 0

$ 0

$ 0

$ 0

Derivative Asset, Notional Amount

242,500,000.0

242,500,000.0

Interest Rate Derivative Liabilities, at Fair Value

7,878,000

7,878,000

$ 2,552,000

Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedges, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net

689,000

(2,967,000)

(3,638,000)

(2,967,000)

Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified within Twelve Months

1,700,000

Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) Reclassified to Earnings, Net

$ (418,000)

$ 0

(418,000)

$ 0

2014 Term Loan [Member]

Derivative [Line Items]

Derivative, Inception Date

Jul. 16, 2015

Derivative, Effective Date

Jul. 11, 2016

Derivative, Term of Contract

4 years

Derivative Asset, Notional Amount

$ 100,000,000

$ 100,000,000

Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate

1.75%

1.75%

2015 Term Loan [Member]

Derivative [Line Items]

Derivative, Notional Amount Decrease

$ 1,900,000

Derivative, Inception Date

Jul. 16, 2015

Derivative, Effective Date

Jul. 18, 2016

Derivative, Term of Contract

5 years

Derivative Asset, Notional Amount

$ 142,500,000

$ 142,500,000

Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate

1.97%

1.97%

Accrued Liabilities [Member]

Derivative [Line Items]

Interest Rate Derivative Liabilities, at Fair Value

$ 2,807,000

$ 2,807,000

0

Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member]

Derivative [Line Items]

Interest Rate Derivative Liabilities, at Fair Value

$ 5,071,000

$ 5,071,000

$ 2,552,000

2014 Repurchase Authorization [Member]

Derivative [Line Items]

Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares

839,759

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Stockholders' Equity Share Repurchase (Details) - USD ($)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2016	Sep. 29, 2015	May 19, 2016	Apr. 15, 2015	Jun. 05, 2014
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares	1,397,740
Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share	$ 205.97
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value	$ 287,900,000
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Accrued	$ 7,481,000	$ 0
2014 Repurchase Authorization [Member]
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount				$ 750,000,000	$ 600,000,000
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares	839,759
Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share	$ 201.15
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value	$ 168,900,000
2016 Repurchase Authorization [Member]
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount			$ 600,000,000
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares	557,981
Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share	$ 213.21
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value	$ 119,000,000
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount	$ 481,000,000

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Stockholders' Equity Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2016	Sep. 29, 2015	Sep. 27, 2016	Sep. 29, 2015	Jun. 28, 2016	Dec. 29, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 30, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	$ (7,478,000)	$ (5,993,000)	$ (7,478,000)	$ (5,993,000)	$ (8,501,000)	$ (5,029,000)	$ (2,063,000)	$ (1,360,000)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax	605,000	(3,930,000)	(2,867,000)	(4,633,000)
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	418,000	0	418,000	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	1,023,000	(3,930,000)	(2,449,000)	(4,633,000)
Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	(2,715,000)	(3,026,000)	(2,715,000)	(3,026,000)	(2,631,000)	(3,486,000)	(2,063,000)	(1,360,000)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax	(84,000)	(963,000)	771,000	(1,666,000)
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	0	0	0	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	(84,000)	(963,000)	771,000	(1,666,000)
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	(4,763,000)	(2,967,000)	(4,763,000)	(2,967,000)	$ (5,870,000)	$ (1,543,000)	$ 0	$ 0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax	689,000	(2,967,000)	(3,638,000)	(2,967,000)
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	418,000	0	418,000	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	$ 1,107,000	$ (2,967,000)	$ (3,220,000)	$ (2,967,000)

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Commitments and Contingencies (Detail Textuals) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2016 USD ($) franchisee
Guarantee of Indebtedness of Others [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Franchisees guaranteed under operating leases (in franchisees) | franchisee	98
Potential amount of future rental payments | $	$ 298.9
Minimum [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Lease Expiration Date	Jul. 15, 2020
Maximum [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Lease Expiration Date	Feb. 28, 2049

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Business Segment Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2016	Sep. 29, 2015	Sep. 27, 2016	Sep. 29, 2015	Dec. 29, 2015	Dec. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Refranchising loss	$ 129	$ 2,174	$ 9,072	$ 11,732
Revenues:
Total revenues	684,206	664,654	2,068,259	1,989,815
Segment profit:
Total segment profit	135,405	124,581	415,459	377,913
Depreciation and amortization	38,985	33,885	114,073	100,167
Unallocated General and Administrative Expenses	43,538	37,575	130,657	103,515
Pre-opening expenses	1,948	2,298	5,584	6,253
Interest expense	2,529	1,363	6,059	2,266
Other (income) expense, net	411	(55)	274	948
Income before income taxes	49,281	50,794	162,750	168,497
Capital expenditures:
Capital Expenditures	47,409	48,445	146,364	153,301
Segment Assets
Unallocated cash and cash equivalents	86,598	275,177	86,598	275,177	$ 241,886	$ 196,493
Unallocated trade and other accounts receivable	47,717		47,717		38,211
Unallocated property and equipment	795,476		795,476		776,248
Total assets	1,253,536		1,253,536		1,440,839
Company bakery cafe operations [Member]
Revenues:
Total revenues	593,434	584,664	1,801,502	1,756,464
Franchise operations [Member]
Revenues:
Total revenues	38,210	33,740	114,079	98,952
Operating Segments [Member]
Segment profit:
Depreciation and amortization	38,985		114,073	100,167
Unallocated Amount to Segment [Member]
Segment profit:
Unallocated General and Administrative Expenses	42,251	36,296	126,719	99,782
Segment Assets
Unallocated cash and cash equivalents	86,598		86,598		241,886
Unallocated trade and other accounts receivable	7,022		7,022		2,968
Unallocated property and equipment	114,536		114,536		107,333
Unallocated deposits and other	5,560		5,560		6,660
Other unallocated assets	24,720		24,720		39,592
Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Assets
Total assets	1,015,100		1,015,100		1,042,400
Operating Segments [Member] | Company bakery cafe operations [Member]
Revenues:
Total revenues	593,434	584,664	1,801,502	1,756,464
Segment profit:
Total segment profit	92,267	87,513	286,216	266,456
Depreciation and amortization	28,894	26,004	85,828	78,698
Capital expenditures:
Capital Expenditures	33,723	39,756	104,070	117,866
Segment Assets
Total assets	910,698		910,698		953,717
Operating Segments [Member] | Franchise operations [Member]
Revenues:
Total revenues	38,210	33,740	114,079	98,952
Segment profit:
Total segment profit	36,923	32,461	110,141	95,219
Segment Assets
Total assets	18,462		18,462		13,049
Operating Segments [Member] | Fresh dough and other product operations [Member]
Revenues:
Total revenues	103,041	96,198	301,320	284,089
Segment profit:
Total segment profit	6,215	4,607	19,102	16,238
Depreciation and amortization	2,519	2,321	7,157	6,855
Capital expenditures:
Capital Expenditures	3,026	3,217	13,585	7,710
Segment Assets
Total assets	85,940		85,940		$ 75,634
Operating Segments [Member] | Corporate Administration [Member]
Segment profit:
Depreciation and amortization	7,572	5,560	21,088	14,614
Capital expenditures:
Capital Expenditures	10,660	5,472	28,709	27,725
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | Intersegment Eliminations [Member]
Revenues:
Total revenues	$ (50,479)	$ (49,948)	$ (148,642)	$ (149,690)

XML

Business Segment Information Business Segment Information (Detail Textuals)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2016 segments
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Maximum Delivered Cost On Fresh Dough Based On Retail Value Of End Product (as a percent)	27.00%
Segment Reporting Information Number Of Business Segments (in segments)	3

XML

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2016	Sep. 29, 2015	Sep. 27, 2016	Sep. 29, 2015
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent	35.20%	36.20%	37.60%	37.00%
Refranchising loss	$ 129	$ 2,174	$ 9,072	$ 11,732
Refranchised Cafe [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Refranchising loss			$ 7,000

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Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2016	Sep. 29, 2015	Sep. 27, 2016	Sep. 29, 2015
Amounts used for basic and diluted per share calculations
Net income attributable to Panera Bread Company	$ 31,975	$ 32,393	$ 101,564	$ 106,182
Weighted average number of shares outstanding - basic (in shares)	23,276	25,394	23,651	26,011
Effect of dilutive stock-based employee compensation awards (in shares)	115	107	123	108
Weighted average number of shares outstanding - diluted (in shares)	23,391	25,501	23,774	26,119
Earnings per common share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 1.37	$ 1.28	$ 4.29	$ 4.08
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 1.37	$ 1.27	$ 4.27	$ 4.07

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Earnings Per Share (Details Textuals) - shares shares in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2016	Sep. 29, 2015	Sep. 27, 2016	Sep. 29, 2015
Stock Compensation Plan [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Shares excluded from computation of earning per share	0.1	0.1	0.1	0.1

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Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details) - USD ($)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2016	Sep. 29, 2015
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Interest Paid	$ 5,358,000	$ 1,783,000
Income Taxes Paid	49,914,000	72,519,000
Change in Accrued Capital Expenditures	(14,725,000)	13,764,000
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Accrued	7,481,000	0
Promissory Note Received in Lieu of Cash	(4,482,000)	0
Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Fixed Assets Acquired	0	12,680,000
Asset Retirement Obligation	$ 514,000	$ 348,000