The Frontega chicken panini was a popular menu item at Panera Bread for over a decade, but in 2017 it was discontinued, much to the dismay of many loyal customers. This sandwich featured chicken raised without antibiotics, Asiago cheese, tomato, red onion, lettuce, and chipotle mayo on focaccia bread. Here’s a look at the history of the Frontega chicken panini, why it was discontinued, customers’ reactions, and whether it will ever return to the menu.
The History of the Frontega Chicken Panini
Panera introduced the Frontega chicken panini to their menu in 2005. It was part of a new line of sandwiches featuring antibiotic-free chicken from the company Frontega, which works with family farmers to raise chickens sustainably. The sandwich quickly became one of Panera’s top-selling menu items.
For over a decade, the Frontega chicken panini was a staple on Panera’s menus across the country. Customers loved the combination of flavors and the fact that it was a healthier fast casual option made with antibiotic-free chicken and fresher ingredients than a traditional fast food chicken sandwich.
Key Facts About the Frontega Chicken Panini:
- Introduced in 2005
- Featured antibiotic-free Frontega chicken
- Toppings included Asiago cheese, tomato, red onion, lettuce, chipotle mayo
- Served on focaccia bread
- One of Panera’s top-selling sandwiches
- On the menu for over 10 years
Why Was the Frontega Chicken Panini Discontinued?
In 2017, Panera made the decision to discontinue the popular Frontega chicken panini. This came as a shock to many customers who had been ordering this sandwich for years. So what led to the downfall of this once-popular menu item?
Reasons for Discontinuation:
- Switch to new antibiotic-free chicken supplier
- Difficulty keeping up with demand for the sandwich
- Wanted to streamline menu options
- Focaccia bread was being phased out
One of the main reasons cited was that Panera was switching to a new antibiotic-free chicken supplier. Though they did not confirm the name of the new supplier, it meant they had to say goodbye to Frontega chicken. Panera also found it challenging to keep up with the demand for the sandwich, causing shortages at times. Additionally, the company was looking to streamline menu options and discontinue some less popular items.
The Frontega chicken panini was served on focaccia bread, which was being phased out on the menu around the same time. Without the focaccia, the sandwich would not have been the same. So the decision was made to remove the panini altogether rather than tweak the recipe.
Customer Reactions to the Discontinuation
Many loyal Panera customers were outraged and disappointed when the Frontega chicken panini was discontinued. Social media channels like Twitter and Facebook were flooded with negative reactions:
| Social Media Platform | Example Customer Comments |
|---|---|
| “Nooo!! Why would you get rid of the Frontega chicken panini?! @Panera that was my go-to!” | |
| “I’m crushed that you discontinued the Frontega sandwich. It was my favorite thing on the menu!” | |
| Panera’s Website | “I am so bummed the Frontega chicken panini was discontinued. I’ve been ordering it for years. Nothing else compares!” |
Customers shared how much they enjoyed the unique flavor profile of the sandwich with the smoky Asiago cheese and tangy chipotle mayo. Many people were disappointed that their go-to order was taken away and felt Panera had made a mistake getting rid of such a popular menu item.
Key Takeaways from Customer Feedback:
- Outrage and disappointment expressed on social media
- Many loyal customers said it was their “go-to order”
- Customers loved the unique flavors and ingredients
- Some felt Panera made a mistake discontinuing it
- No other sandwiches compared to the Frontega panini
Will the Frontega Chicken Panini Ever Return?
The outpouring of love for the Frontega chicken panini has left many fans wondering if Panera will ever bring it back. Unfortunately, most signs point to this being unlikely:
- No announcements from Panera about bringing it back
- Menu has been streamlined since discontinuation
- New antibiotic-free chicken supplier in place
- Focaccia bread phased out
Panera has not made any indication that this sandwich will return. And since the menu has been simplified in recent years, it seems improbable that they would add it back. However, Panera does sometimes bring back limited time offers or special menu items, so loyal fans still hold out a sliver of hope.
For the Frontega chicken panini to return, Panera would likely have to find a new supplier for the antibiotic-free chicken and bring back the focaccia bread. While not impossible, currently there are no signs they plan to do this. Customers may have to accept that this chicken panini is gone for good.
The Bottom Line:
While Panera has not definitively said the Frontega chicken panini is gone forever, all signs unfortunately point to this popular sandwich not returning. The ingredients and recipe seem to no longer fit with Panera’s current menu and supplier relationships. Devoted customers miss the smoky Asiago cheese, antibiotic-free chicken, and chipotle mayo on focaccia bread. For now, their only option is to treasure the memories of this formerly beloved menu item.
Conclusion
The discontinuation of the Frontega chicken panini left a noticeable hole on Panera’s menu. For over a decade, this sandwich was a top-seller and favorite for loyal customers. However, Panera decided to get rid of it in 2017 to streamline offerings and switch suppliers. Customers were heartbroken over the loss of this crave-worthy panini. Panera would face challenges recreating the original recipe and ingredients. While many hold out hope for its return, the odds seem unlikely at this point. Though gone, the Frontega chicken panini won’t soon be forgotten by those who loved this antibiotic-free chicken sandwich.