Brian Krause joins the Missouri-based coffee and food-to-go chain as Chief Development Officer to accelerate outlet growth, introduce new store formats and support franchise development
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Brian Krause (pictured left) will drive the rollout of Panera Bread’s smaller-format sites | Photo credits: Panera Bread
US coffee and food-to-go chain Panera Bread has appointed former GoTo Foods executive Brian Krause as Chief Development Officer as it seeks to accelerate company-owned and franchise outlet growth.
Reporting to Interim CEO Paul Carbone, Krause will be responsible for growth planning, franchise development and sales, design, construction and real estate.
In a press release, Panera Bread announced plans to scale across the US this year via a range of new café concepts – notably smaller-format sites designed for on-the-go customers and delivery orders.
“With a simplified operating model and a variety of proven café formats, Panera is well-positioned to drive both company and franchise growth this year and beyond. As a proven leader and collaborator, Brian is exactly the right person to help accelerate our plan for new unit growth,” Carbone said.
Joining Atlanta-based GoTo Foods as Chief Development Officer in July 2020, Krause oversaw outlet growth for the franchise group’s seven brands, including Auntie Anne’s, Jamba and Cinnabon. He previously served as Senior Vice President, Franchise Development for Wyndham Hotels and Resorts.
Krause is Panera Bread’s third senior hire this month following the appointments of Robin Seward as Senior Vice President, Brand and Integrated Marketing and Scott Uehlein as Vice President, Culinary.
Founded in 1987, Panera Bread currently operates over 2,200 stores across the US and Canada. The coffee and food-to-go chain is part of JAB Holding-backed fast-casual group Panera Brands, which also manages the Caribou Coffee and Einstein Bros. Bagels chains.