Panda Express vs Panera Bread
Franchise Comparison 2026
Both Panda Express and Panera Bread are quick-service restaurants franchises. Panda Express requires an investment of $515K – $3.3M while Panera Bread requires $1.3M – $4.7M. In terms of revenue, Panera Bread reports higher average unit revenue at $2.6M. Note: Reported as net sales, not gross sales. FranchiseVerdict rates Panda Express A (Strongest tier) and Panera Bread A (Strongest tier).
| Metric | Panda Express | Panera Bread |
|---|---|---|
| Verdict Grade | AStrongest tierStrongest tier | AStrongest tierStrongest tier |
| Investment Range | $515K – $3.3M | $1.3M – $4.7M |
| Franchise Fee | $25K | $35K |
| Royalty Rate | 8.0% | 5.0% |
| Average Revenue (Item 19) | $1.6M | $2.6M |
| SBA Charge-Off Rate | Limited data | Limited data |
| Total Units | 2,502 | 2,206 |
| Unit Growth (YoY) | N/A | N/A |
| Year Began Franchising | 1995 | 1993 |
| FDD Year | 2025 | 2025 |
Investment Range
$515K – $3.3M
$1.3M – $4.7M
Franchise Fee
$25K
$35K
Royalty Rate
8.0%
5.0%
Average Revenue (Item 19)
$1.6M
$2.6M
SBA Charge-Off Rate
Limited data
Limited data
Total Units
2,502
2,206
Unit Growth (YoY)
N/A
N/A
Year Began Franchising
1995
1993
FDD Year
2025
2025