YUM’S THE WORD - PANERA BREAD WINS “BEST SANDWICH” IN THE HUDSON VALLEY

December 17, 2006- No matter how you slice it, Panera Bread makes the Best Sandwich in the Hudson Valley. So says the readers of Hudson Valley Magazine who cast their ballots in the magazine’s annual “Best of the Hudson Valley” contest this year. The award dinner was held Thursday, October 26, 2006.

Panera Bread went to the award banquet ready to accept the award with plenty of prize winning samples to pass around—450 sandwiches to be exact. “Sharing our sandwiches made the evening for us,” comments Tony Diaz, operating partner of Take Home The Bread, LLC, the franchisee operating six Panera Bread Cafes in the Hudson Valley region— Middletown, Nanuet, Port Chester, Yorktown Heights, Fishkill, and Poughkeepsie. “Everyone thanked us from the heart,” he adds. In turn, Diaz thanked his bakers and his managers for their signature warmth that he says made the event a success.

Hudson Valley is a regional interest monthly magazine reaching approximately 150,000 readers covering counties from Albany to Westchester on both sides of the Hudson River. The Best of the Hudson award goes to businesses, individuals, and organizations nominated by and voted upon by readers for being leaders in specific categories.

Panera Bread Company owns and franchises 1,000 bakery-cafes under the Panera Bread and Saint Louis Bread Co. names. With its identity rooted in handcrafted, fresh-baked, artisan bread, Panera Bread is committed to providing great tasting, quality food that people can trust. Highlighted by antibiotic free chicken, whole grain bread, select organic, and all-natural ingredients and a menu free of man-made trans fat, Panera's bakery-cafe selection offers flavorful, wholesome offerings. The menu includes a wide variety of year-round favorites, complemented by new items introduced seasonally with the goal of creating new standards in everyday food choices. In neighborhoods across the country, guests are enjoying Panera's warm and welcoming environment featuring comfortable gathering areas, relaxing decor, and free internet access provided through a managed WiFi network. At the close of each day, Panera Bread bakery-cafes donate bread and baked goods to community organizations in need. Additional information is available on the Company’s website, panerabread.com.

# # #