How I Built This with Guy Raz Panera Bread/Au Bon Pain: Ron Shaich (2018)
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Feb 10, 2020 
Ron Shaich, founder of Panera Bread, shares his transformative journey from acquiring a struggling bakery, Au Bon Pain, to creating the fast-casual restaurant revolution. He discusses innovative strategies that led to Panera’s meteoric rise, emphasizing the blend of quick service with quality dining. Listeners will also hear about the pivotal moments and leadership challenges he faced while building a brand that now includes over 2,000 locations. Plus, a heartwarming update on Lisa Dalton, who turned a personal challenge into a life-changing solution for the visually impaired.
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Body Surfing the Market
- Shaich's vision wasn't fixed but evolved as he explored opportunities.
- He viewed business as a continuous campaign, adapting and responding to the market.
From Baguettes to Sandwiches
- Shaich noticed customers using his baguettes to make sandwiches, revealing a market need.
- He partnered with Au Bon Pain, incorporating their French baked goods into his store.
Au Bon Pain Acquisition
- Shaich recognized Au Bon Pain's operational inefficiencies despite their good product.
- He proposed a takeover, offering his operational expertise in exchange for majority ownership.