Panera is a chain of sandwich shops that was founded in 1981. It is headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri and has over 2, 000 locations in the United States and Canada. The chain specializes in freshly-baked breads, salads, soups, sandwiches, and other food items. Panera is known for its commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients and its focus on providing a comfortable atmosphere for customers.