St. Louis, MO – St Louis based Panera Bread Company (Nasdaq:PNRA) today reported revenue increased 30% to $205 million for the third quarter ended September 26, 2006 from $158 million in the comparable period of 2005. Bakery-cafe sales (known locally as "The St Louis Bread Company") accounted for $165 million of consolidated revenues while franchise royalties and fees and fresh dough sales to franchisees accounted for $40 million of consolidated revenues for the third quarter of 2006.

During the third quarter of 2006, 38 new bakery-cafes were opened (17 Company-owned and 21 franchise operated) and 1 Company-owned bakery-cafe was closed.

The Company plans to report third quarter 2006 earnings after the market close on Tuesday, October 24, 2006.

The Company will discuss third quarter results in a call that will be broadcast on the Internet at 8:30 A.M. Eastern Time on October 25, 2006. Go to http://www.panerabread.com/investor to access the call.