Updated May 2026
Panera Bread Easter 2026
Hours, Catering & Easter Brunch Ideas
Easter Sunday falls on April 5 2026. Most Panera locations will operate on reduced hours. If you are planning an Easter brunch or need catering for a family gathering, here is everything you need to know including deadlines, menu picks, and the exact hours schedule.
Apr 5
Easter Sunday
7AM–6PM
Typical Hours
48 hrs
Catering Lead
Open
Most Locations
Easter Weekend 2026 Schedule
Plan your visits around these hours. Saturday is normal. Sunday is reduced. Monday is back to regular.
Saturday April 4
Normal Hours
6 AM – 9 PM
Last day for normal catering orders
Easter
Sunday April 5
Reduced Hours
7 AM – 6 PM varies
Check your local store
Monday April 6
Normal Hours
6 AM – 9 PM
Regular schedule resumes
Do Not Miss the Deadline
Easter Catering Order Timeline
Catering orders for Easter Sunday must be placed by Thursday April 3rd at the latest. Here is the full timeline.
Thursday April 3
By 5:00 PM local time
Final Catering Deadline
Last chance to place catering orders for Easter Sunday pickup. Large orders may need 72 hours.
Pickup Confirmation
Panera calls to confirm your pickup time window. Have your phone available.
Friday April 4
Confirmation calls go out
Sunday April 5
Easter Sunday
Pickup Day
Arrive within your confirmed time window. Bring ID and order confirmation. Store closes early at 6 PM.
Spring Picks
6 Items Perfect for Easter Brunch
These Panera items work especially well for a spring family gathering. Order them for pickup on Easter morning.
$6.69
Breakfast
Scrambled Egg & Cheese on Ciabatta
470 cal
Classic Easter breakfast sandwich. Hearty and satisfying for a morning gathering.
$2.39
Sweet
Cinnamon Crunch Bagel
420 cal
Sweet cinnamon crunch topping makes this feel like a special occasion treat.
$5.09
Shareable
Kitchen Sink Cookie
800 cal
Big enough to split. Packed with chocolate, pretzels, and toffee.
$8.59
Comfort
Broccoli Cheddar Soup
360 cal
Creamy and familiar. A safe choice that everyone at the table will enjoy.
$12.69
Fresh
Fuji Apple Chicken Salad
580 cal
Greens, apples, and chicken with a sweet dressing. A fresh spring option.
$3.49
Pastry
Bear Claw
540 cal
Almond filling and sliced almonds on top. A bakery classic for special mornings.
Easter Breakfast vs Lunch: What to Order When
Panera serves breakfast until 10:30 AM on Easter Sunday. After that the full menu is available. Here is how to plan.
Morning Easter (7 AM – 10:30 AM)
The breakfast menu is active. This is when you want breakfast sandwiches, pastries, bagels, and morning coffee. Ideal for an early Easter gathering or pre church breakfast.
Breakfast sandwiches served until 10:30 AM
Fresh pastries and bagels available all day
Hot coffee and breakfast drinks ready
Order deadline: Same day via Rapid Pick Up
Afternoon Easter (10:30 AM – 6 PM)
The full menu is available. Soups, salads, sandwiches, and warm bowls are all on the table. Perfect for a post church Easter lunch or family gathering.
Full soup menu including seasonal spring options
All sandwiches and warm bowls available
Catering trays ready for pickup
Catering deadline: Thursday April 3rd by 5 PM
Easter Brunch Ordering Ideas
Feed a family of 4 to 12 using Panera's catering and individual options. Here are two complete Easter meal plans.
Best Value
Group Brunch (8 to 12 people)
- Breakfast Sandwich Tray (12 pcs)~$72
- Pastry & Muffin Assortment$24.99
- Coffee Chafer (serves 10)$24.99
- Fruit Cup Tray$29.99
Total: ~$152 for 8 to 12 people
Order by Thursday April 3rd for Sunday pickup
Flexible
Family of 4 (Individual Orders)
- 2x Breakfast Sandwiches~$15
- 2x Kids Mac & Cheese~$12.58
- 4x Drinks (Sip Club or paid)$0 to $10
- Pastry Box (4 pastries)~$14
Total: ~$42 to $52 for 4 people
Order same day via Rapid Pick Up
Written by Marcus Cole
Easter hours based on historical Panera holiday schedules — May 2026
Hours will be updated with official 2026 announcements when available. Catering deadlines and pricing verified against Panera's current catering portal. Check your local store hours before heading out on Easter weekend.
More Holiday Guides Worth Reading
Holiday
Christmas Day 2026
Holiday hours and heat and serve options for Christmas gatherings.
Holiday
Thanksgiving 2026
Thanksgiving hours and Turkey Chili season availability.
Catering
Full Catering Menu
Complete catering menu with group ordering options and pricing.
Ordering
Group Ordering Guide
How to order for groups of 4 or more with the best value options.
Value
Family Feast Meals
Complete family meal deals that work perfectly for Easter gatherings.
Menu
Breakfast Menu 2026
Full breakfast menu with prices for early morning Easter meals.
Easter Questions Answered
Common questions about Panera hours, catering, and ordering on Easter Sunday 2026.
Is Panera open on Easter 2026?
Most Panera locations operate on reduced hours on Easter Sunday April 5 2026. Expect openings at 7 to 8 AM and closings at 5 to 7 PM instead of the usual 9 PM. Some franchise locations may close entirely. Always check the Panera app's store locator the morning of Easter to confirm your location's hours.
What are Panera's Easter hours?
Typical Easter Sunday hours are 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM though this varies by location. The Saturday before Easter operates normal hours 6 AM to 9 PM. Easter Monday returns to regular hours. Mall based locations may follow the mall's holiday schedule instead.
Does Panera do Easter catering?
Yes. Panera's standard catering menu is available for Easter gatherings including sandwich trays, soup tubs, salad bowls, pastry boxes, and boxed lunches. Place your order at least 48 hours in advance by Thursday April 3rd for Easter Sunday pickup. Large orders may require 72 hours notice.
What is the best Panera order for Easter brunch?
For a group brunch order a Breakfast Sandwich tray with 12 sandwiches for about $72, a Pastry and Muffin tray for $24.99, and a coffee chafer for $24.99 that serves 10 cups. For individual orders the Scrambled Egg and Cheese on Ciabatta with a side of fruit is a solid Easter breakfast pick.
Does Panera have Easter specific menu items?
No. Panera does not create Easter specific menu items. However the spring seasonal items are typically available so check for any new spring soups or salads. The regular menu including breakfast, bakery, and soups is fully available on Easter within operating hours.
Can I pre-order from Panera for Easter pickup?
Yes. Use the Panera app to place a Rapid Pick Up order or a catering order for Easter Sunday. Set your pickup time within the store's Easter hours. Rapid Pick Up orders can be placed same day. Catering needs 48 or more hours notice.
Does Panera offer Easter gift cards?
Yes. Panera gift cards are available in store, on the website, and at retail locations like Target and Walmart. They come in any denomination and do not expire. They make a practical Easter basket gift for Panera fans.
Are Panera bakery items good for Easter baskets?
Panera cookies, scones, and pastries can work as Easter treats. The Chocolate Chip Cookie and Kitchen Sink Cookie are individually wrapped. Bear Claws and Cinnamon Rolls work for a bakery themed Easter morning. Buy them the day before for freshness.
Plan Your Easter Brunch Now
Catering deadline is Thursday April 3rd at 5 PM. Do not wait until the last minute.
Fetching feedback...