Panera is moving its headquarters to Weston, Mass., with plans to open the new corporate offices in July 2027. The current HQ is in Fenton, Mo., near St. Louis. Panera CEO Paul Carbone, in a memo to employees, said the company will keep a support center in St. Louis but relocate many employees and remote positions to the new headquarters.
Carbone, a Boston-area native, was instated as CEO of the fast-casual restaurant in March of 2025. He first joined Panera Brands in August 2023 as chief financial officer, reports Boston.com.
“We understand this is a significant change, but one that is necessary to drive forward our RISE strategy that will lead us into the future,” Carbone wrote in the memo to employees, which was obtained by Boston.com.
Founded in 1987, Panera now operates more than 2,200 company-owned and franchised bakery-cafés across the U.S. and Canada, including 64 locations in Massachusetts. The chain is known for its soups, salads, sandwiches, mac and cheese, and baked goods. Panera Brands also includes Caribou Coffee and Einstein Bros. Bagels.
Panera is joining a growing list of companies moving their corporate headquarters to Greater Boston, including Hasbro, LEGO, and the veterinary pharmaceutical company Dechra.