Panera: Lackluster Results From a Ho-Hum Product

More bad news from Panera (PNRA) which is no surprise to readers of this blog and my column. Here's what I wrote October 12. No matter how hard it tries, the trouble with Panera is that as it expands, it's ultimately a ho-hum product. "Nothing special," is the way my wife puts it when I mention going there for lunch on the weekends -- at least nothing special for the price, which is on the high end for lunch. Great surroundings. Love the free Internet access. But according to same-store sales, customers are voting with their feet. For now, at least.

The beat goes on...

PNRA 1-yr chart: