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Panera Will Post Calorie Counts

Gets the jump on potential calorie posting law

By the Associated Press

Posted Mar 10, 2010 1:27 PM CST

(AP) – Panera Bread customers around the country soon will be able to tally calories for their smokehouse turkey panini and broccoli cheddar soup with just a glance at the menu board. The firm announced today that it will be the first nationwide chain to voluntarily post calorie information at all of its company-owned restaurants. The move is notable in an industry that had historically opposed requirements that chain operations post calorie counts.

Congress is considering mandating such calorie postings nationwide, and Panera officials admitted that possibility played a role in the move. But they also were pleased with how their customers reacted at locations that already advertise calorie counts. "It puts everything out in the open, obviously," said the company's chief concept officer. Calorie counts will be posted by March 24 at all 585 company-owned stores, including Saint Louis Bread Co. and Paradise Bakery & Cafe stores.

A customer reviews the sandwich board at the Panera store in Brookline, Mass., Monday, March 8, 2010.
A customer reviews the sandwich board at the Panera store in Brookline, Mass., Monday, March 8, 2010.   (Charles Krupa)
The sandwich board at a Brookline, Mass. Panera store shows the calorie count for each item, March 8, 2010.
The sandwich board at a Brookline, Mass. Panera store shows the calorie count for each item, March 8, 2010.   (Charles Krupa)
Loaves of sourdough bread, with a listing of 140 calories for a two ounce serving, are displayed on a rack at the Panera store in Brookline, Mass., Monday, March 8, 2010.
Loaves of sourdough bread, with a listing of 140 calories for a two ounce serving, are displayed on a rack at the Panera store in Brookline, Mass., Monday, March 8, 2010.   (Charles Krupa)
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COMMENTS
Showing 2 of 5 comments
CHRiSTFELD
Mar 10, 2010 9:08 PM CST
When I visit St Louis it always strikes me how bad local food must be for folks to think the Saint Louis Bread Company is a good place to get a sandwich. It's like airport food.
attaboy
Mar 10, 2010 8:04 PM CST
"Congress is considering mandating such calorie postings nationwide" ... Stop considering it and DO it. Absolutely no reason not to.


Copyright 2012 Newser, LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. AP contributed to this report.

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