Shea Simmons
Move over, Dunkin’ and Starbucks, there’s a new coffee purveyor in town. Everyone’s favorite soup, salad, and sandwich bistro is moving into the coffee space, and you’ll want to join in. Panera’s coffee subscription begins March 3 and brings unlimited hot and iced coffee and tea to members for just $8.99 per month.
If you’re a member of Panera’s rewards program, MyPanera, you can sign up now using your account. For those who haven’t joined the bonus-getting loyalty system, you can still add your name at the restaurant chain’s website and activate the $8.99 coffee subscription.
There is a rule, though. If you like to switch up what you’re drinking, you can only change your drink every two hours while you’re at the cafe. If you start your morning with iced coffee but want to switch to hot tea halfway through your work session at the restaurant, you’ll need to wait two hours to do so. Refills, though, are free no matter how many times you want to fill up your cup.
In a press release, Panera asserts that the new subscription could save customers an estimated $1,000 per year thanks to a (hopeful) reduction in their coffee-buying habits. Plus, unlike other programs, the Panera version of unlimited coffee gives you multiple options. Customers can choose between a light and dark roast as well as a hazelnut flavored bean and decaf.
Of the decision to incorporate a subscription service, Panera CEO Niren Chaudhary says, “Coffee is an important daily ritual for so many—it can give you a dose of optimism—it lifts you up. We kept asking ourselves, why can’t it be more accessible, more affordable? Moreover, could unlimited coffee translate to unlimited optimism?’ Today, we’re changing the game for coffee drinkers across the country with our no compromises, unlimited subscription service—great coffee at an amazing value. We are eliminating the price barrier and the false choices between convenience and quality—between good coffee and crave-able food. At Panera, there’s no more compromise—and your cup is always full.”
If you want the cup of optimism Chaudhary mentions, you can sign up now at the Panera website and start getting your morning jolt courtesy of Panera.
[via CNBC]
