Strategy Simplified
Strategy Simplified is here to demystify the consulting industry and help you land your dream job in management consulting. Hosted by the expert team at Management Consulted - the world's largest resource for consulting news and interview prep - each episode covers topics related to the consulting world, from interview preparation and case study techniques to networking strategies and industry trends. Whether you're just starting your career or looking to make a transition, Strategy Simplified is the go-to resource for anyone looking to break into the consulting industry. With actionable advice, insider tips, and real-life success stories, this podcast is the ultimate guide to simplifying your career strategy and landing your dream consulting job.
Strategy Simplified
S21E10: Can Panera’s Turnaround Plan Actually Work?
Panera used to dominate fast casual. Now traffic is falling and leadership is scrambling to turn it around.
In this episode, we unpack:
- How cost cutting changed salads, sides, and the in-store experience
- Why menu complexity and pricing confuse customers
- The barbell strategy Panera is betting on for its comeback
- What we’d do differently on pricing, testing, and customer research
A practical breakdown of what happens when spreadsheets win over the customer experience.
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Episode Links
- Panera lost diners by cutting portions and staff. It’s reversing course to win them back (CNBC)
- Jewelry business that implemented updated pricing strategy
Chapters
- 03:16 Personal Experiences with Panera
- 06:11 Panera's Business Challenges
- 08:50 Consumer Trends and Market Forces
- 11:46 Menu Complexity and Customer Experience
- 14:48 Cost-Cutting Measures and Their Impact
- 18:38 The Role of Younger Consumers
- 21:28 Panera's Turnaround Strategy
- 24:05 Operational Challenges and Brand Management
- 27:00 Pricing Strategies and Customer Perception
- 29:56 Lessons from Other Brands
- 32:52 Thoughts on Panera's Future
- 37:13 The Barbell Pricing Strategy
- 37:55 Consumer Sentiment and Market Positioning
- Listen to the Market Outsiders podcast, the new daily show with the Management Consulted team
Connect With Management Consulted
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