What are you willing to buy from Panera Bread for $16.99? There are three answers: two full entrees, 18 bagels, or nothing. Notice what isn’t on that list? A $16.99 lobster salad sandwich.
I was in Panera a while ago and noticed a poster with a sandwich with the intimidating $17 price tag. Immediately I assumed it was some kind of large family style sandwich or something, but then upon further inspection I realized it wasn’t. I jumped back from the menu so hard I nearly pulled a mussel.
Are they serious? Everything on the menu (outside of 18 bagels) is $8.99. How can a reasonable person be expected to pay $18.45 (tax included) on a single sandwich? Not only would that take an exceptional level of trust on the consumer’s side, but also, a lunch budget more than twice the average ticket price. I am getting salty just thinking about it.
Lobster rolls are a classic New England summertime treat that many seafood lovers look forward to each year With its flaky lobster meat and toasted bun, a good lobster roll is the perfect meal for a hot day. For the past few years, fans of this iconic sandwich have been wondering does Panera Bread have lobster rolls yet? The answer is finally yes!
After a three year hiatus, Panera announced that they are bringing back their popular lobster rolls and lobster mac & cheese to menus just in time for summer 2022. Starting on May 25th, select Panera locations in the Northeast will offer both of these seasonal customer favorites for a limited time.
A Brief History of Panera’s Lobster Rolls
Panera first introduced lobster rolls and lobster mac & cheese to their menus back in 2019. The sandwiches quickly became a popular summer specialty item due to their high-quality ingredients. Panera’s lobster roll features knuckle and claw lobster meat tossed in a lemon tarragon mayonnaise dressing and served New England-style on a toasted brioche bun. For lobster lovers, it was a delicious alternative to the average sub or salad Panera is known for.
Unfortunately, when the covid-19 pandemic hit in 2020, Panera made the decision to streamline their menu offerings and the lobster roll was cut For the past three summers, fans of the sandwich have been missing this seasonal treat and wondering if it would ever come back. Luckily, the wait is over and lobster rolls have finally returned to Panera!
Lobster Rolls Are Back for Summer 2022
Panera recently announced that they are bringing back lobster rolls and lobster mac & cheese to approximately 200 locations in the Northeast just in time for summer 2022. The lobster rolls will be available starting on May 25th for a limited time only while supplies last.
In addition to the classic lobster roll, Panera is also bringing back their lobster mac & cheese which features their signature mac & cheese topped with lobster meat and breadcrumbs. Both of these seasonal items are sure to be very popular this summer.
Lobster rolls will be priced between $22.99 – $25.99 individually or $20.49 – $23.49 as part of a You Pick Two meal. The lobster mac & cheese will be $9.99 – $10.99 for a small or $18.49 – $19.99 for a large. Prices do vary slightly by location.
Panera Chef Claes Petersson said in a statement, “We’re thrilled to offer our East Coast guests two outstanding lobster entrees for the summer. Pairing juicy, delicious lobster with our iconic mac & cheese is a bold flavor sensation we think our guests will wish could be on the menu all year round.”
Enjoy Lobster This Summer at Panera
If you’re a lobster lover, this summer is the perfect time to head to your local Panera Bread to enjoy their seasonal lobster rolls and lobster mac & cheese. These menu items truly showcase summer’s finest flavors. The lobster roll is a tasty twist on the chain’s usual sandwiches, while the lobster mac is a decadent comfort food.
Keep in mind that these dishes are only available for a limited time at participating locations in the Northeast region. Panera’s lobster roll and lobster mac will likely sell out quick, so try not to wait too long if you want to get your claws on them this summer.
The return of these fan favorites proves that Panera does listen to customer demand. Hopefully the lobster rolls and mac will continue to be a summer tradition at Panera for years to come. But for now, take advantage of these seasonal items before they’re gone.
Stop into your local Panera and ask “does Panera bread have lobster rolls yet?” and the answer will finally be yes! This is the summer to enjoy the taste of buttery lobster, lemon tarragon dressing, and toasted brioche from this iconic New England chain.
Frequently Asked Questions About Panera’s Lobster Rolls
Here are answers to some common questions about Panera’s lobster rolls:
When will lobster rolls be available at Panera?
Lobster rolls returned to Panera on May 25, 2022 for a limited time at select locations.
What cities will have lobster rolls at Panera?
The lobster rolls and lobster mac are only available at about 200 Panera locations in the Northeast region.
How much do lobster rolls cost at Panera?
Lobster rolls range from $22.99 – $25.99 individually or $20.49 – $23.49 as part of a You Pick Two meal. Pricing varies slightly by location.
What is Panera’s lobster roll made of?
Panera’s lobster roll consists of lobster knuckle and claw meat tossed in a lemon tarragon mayonnaise dressing. It is served New England-style on a toasted brioche bun.
Is there real lobster meat in Panera’s lobster rolls?
Yes, Panera uses real lobster claw and knuckle meat in their lobster rolls.
Are the lobster rolls limited time only?
Yes, Panera’s lobster rolls and lobster mac are only available for a limited summertime run. Get them before they’re gone!
Does Panera have lobster bisque soup?
No, lobster bisque is not currently on Panera’s menu. The only lobster items are the lobster roll sandwich and lobster mac & cheese.
Is lobster mac and cheese back at Panera too?
Yes, along with lobster rolls, Panera also brought back their popular lobster mac & cheese made with lobster meat.
Does Panera ship lobster rolls nationwide?
Unfortunately, no. Panera’s lobster rolls are only available in person at participating Northeast locations.
Satisfy your summer lobster craving at Panera Bread while their famous lobster rolls are in season. But act quick because these tasty lobster treats won’t be around for long!
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“Why is it so much?!” I asked
The young lady insulted my intelligence by saying, in a passive aggressive tone “Lobster is expensive.” leading me to believe she has been asked this question before, good. I am happy as a clam to hear that others, like me, are also shellshocked by the price. Of course I know lobster is expensive, it’s an “exotic” ingredient you can only get from the east coast. I can understand it costing more. I have watched the Deadliest Catch (and that’s JUST crab.) “Costing more” however, by Panera standards, should mean $10.99, at $17 I expect truffle oil infused mayo and gold flakes as garnish. I dug a little harder, trying to figure out exactly why it is SO MUCH other than just (mis)-targeting rich people. She touted the freshness of the lobster involved.