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Panera used to dominate fast casual. Now traffic is falling and leadership is scrambling to turn it around.

In this episode, we unpack:

• How cost cutting changed salads, sides, and the in-store experience
• Why menu complexity and pricing confuse customers
• The barbell strategy Panera is betting on for its comeback
• What we’d do differently on pricing, testing, and customer research

A practical breakdown of what happens when spreadsheets win over the customer experience.

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• Learn more about NordStellar's Threat Exposure Management Program; unlock 20% off with code BLACKFRIDAY20 until Dec. 10, 2025

Episode Links

• Panera lost diners by cutting portions and staff. It’s reversing course to win them back (CNBC)
• Jewelry business that implemented updated pricing strategy

Chapters

• 03:16 Personal Experiences with Panera
• 06:11 Panera's Business Challenges
• 08:50 Consumer Trends and Market Forces
• 11:46 Menu Complexity and Customer Experience
• 14:48 Cost-Cutting Measures and Their Impact
• 18:38 The Role of Younger Consumers
• 21:28 Panera's Turnaround Strategy
• 24:05 Operational Challenges and Brand Management
• 27:00 Pricing Strategies and Customer Perception
• 29:56 Lessons from Other Brands
• 32:52 Thoughts on Panera's Future
• 37:13 The Barbell Pricing Strategy
• 37:55 Consumer Sentiment and Market Positioning

• 50% off FLASH SALE on the All Access Pass™ ends Monday, Nov. 17 ($350 vs $700)

• Listen to the Market Outsiders podcast, the new daily show with the Management Consulted team

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

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The once-a-year All Access Pass flash sale is officially live — and it ends Monday, Nov. 17 at 11:59PM PT.

For one weekend only, get 50% off the All Access Pass™ ($350 vs. $700), our complete DIY case-prep system used by candidates breaking into McKinsey, Bain, BCG, and top-tier firms.

This year’s sale is bigger than ever: a full McKinsey Solve practice test is included exclusively during the flash sale — and disappears once the sale ends.

Inside All Access, you’ll get:

• Practice digital assessments for McKinsey, Bain, and BCG
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The flash sale ends Monday, Nov. 17 at 11:59PM PT. Grab the All Access Pass while it’s live.

Connect With Management Consulted

• Schedule free 15min consultation with the MC Team.
• Watch the video version of the podcast on YouTube!
• Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and industry insights!
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The U.S. stops minting new pennies. Cost savings help, but do second-order effects matter more?

We dig into:

• Why it cost ~4¢ to make 1¢
• $56M savings vs real economic impact
• Rounding rules, cash users, and pricing behavior
• Card mix, tipping culture, and “two-way door” policy

A quick, practical look at what this means for consumers and businesses.

Partner Links:

• Learn more about NordStellar's Threat Exposure Management Program; unlock 20% off with code BLACKFRIDAY20 until Dec. 10, 2025

Chapters:

• 00:31 The End of Penny Minting
• 03:16 Economic Implications of Removing Pennies
• 05:57 Nostalgia and Cultural Impact of the Penny
• 08:30 Regulatory Challenges and Business Adaptation
• 11:36 The Future of Currency and Transaction Trends
• 14:06 Critical Thinking in Business Decisions

Connect With Management Consulted

• Schedule free 15min consultation with the MC Team.
• Watch the video version of the podcast on YouTube!
• Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and industry insights!
• Join an upcoming live event - case interviews demos, expert panels, and more.
• Email us (team@managementconsulted.com) with questions or feedback.