490 case
GBA 490
Dr. Martin
09/18/2013
CASE: Panera Bread Company in 2013
1. What is Panera Bread’s strategy? Which of the five generic competitive strategies discussed in Chapter 5 most closely fit the competitive approach that Panera Bread is taking? What type of competitive advantage is Panera Bread trying to achieve?
The two core elements of Panera’s strategy were to aggressively expand its market presence across North America and to improve the quality of the dining experience it provided to customers. To accomplish their plan Panera needed to focus on strengthening their brand name and continuing to be a dominant factor in the upscale, quick dining restaurant industry. Panera Bread falls into the broad-differentiation strategy. Panera separates itself from others because it has fresh, homemade breads. Panera also has exceptional customer service and many different options to choose from.
2. What does a SWOT analysis of Panera Bread reveal about the overall attractiveness of its situation? Does the company have any core competencies or distinctive competencies?
Panera is able to identify its strengths through a strategy known as “Concept Essence.” The concepts in Panera’s strategy help them to distinguish themselves in the market place by focusing on specific areas to concentrate on. Panera has high quality meals for lower prices. The atmosphere is also very relaxing. Panera’s biggest weakness is the marketing strategy. Their campaigns have not been successful. They recently tried to restore their dinner offering and market towards breakfast and dinnertime dining. That plan failed. Panera also has very strict rules in regards to franchising. The requirements to open a franchise are very hard to accomplish. One must pay a lot upfront and also open 15 stores in six years. Panera needs to constantly seek expansion if they want to stay a dominant member in their market.
3. What are the primary components of Panera Bread’s value
Dr. Martin
09/18/2013
CASE: Panera Bread Company in 2013
1. What is Panera Bread’s strategy? Which of the five generic competitive strategies discussed in Chapter 5 most closely fit the competitive approach that Panera Bread is taking? What type of competitive advantage is Panera Bread trying to achieve?
The two core elements of Panera’s strategy were to aggressively expand its market presence across North America and to improve the quality of the dining experience it provided to customers. To accomplish their plan Panera needed to focus on strengthening their brand name and continuing to be a dominant factor in the upscale, quick dining restaurant industry. Panera Bread falls into the broad-differentiation strategy. Panera separates itself from others because it has fresh, homemade breads. Panera also has exceptional customer service and many different options to choose from.
2. What does a SWOT analysis of Panera Bread reveal about the overall attractiveness of its situation? Does the company have any core competencies or distinctive competencies?
Panera is able to identify its strengths through a strategy known as “Concept Essence.” The concepts in Panera’s strategy help them to distinguish themselves in the market place by focusing on specific areas to concentrate on. Panera has high quality meals for lower prices. The atmosphere is also very relaxing. Panera’s biggest weakness is the marketing strategy. Their campaigns have not been successful. They recently tried to restore their dinner offering and market towards breakfast and dinnertime dining. That plan failed. Panera also has very strict rules in regards to franchising. The requirements to open a franchise are very hard to accomplish. One must pay a lot upfront and also open 15 stores in six years. Panera needs to constantly seek expansion if they want to stay a dominant member in their market.
3. What are the primary components of Panera Bread’s value