EXHIBIT 32

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

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906

OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

      In connection with the Annual Report of Panera Bread Company on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 25, 2004, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, we, Ronald M. Shaich, Chief Executive Officer, and Mark E. Hood, Chief Financial Officer, certify, to the best of their knowledge and belief, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

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

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

/s/ Ronald M. Shaich

Ronald M. Shaich

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Dated: March 17, 2005

/s/ Mark E. Hood

Mark E. Hood

Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer

Dated: March 17, 2005