What Will Panera Do Next?

After 26 years of leading Panera, Ron Shaich stepped down as CEO in late 2017. Shaich's strategy of setting Panera apart by emphasizing a clean menu — and, at times, by pointing out the competition's flaws — seems set to continue into the new era. On Monday, Panera launched the Clean Consultant, a group intended to work with other brands on clean food initiatives. After 26 years at the helm of Panera, Ron Shaich stepped down as CEO at the end of 2017. But the vocal ex-CEO is set to continue exerting a strong influence over Panera — and the rest of the restaurant business — in years to come.