Panera Sandwich Chain Explores ‘Pay What You Want’ Concept

The concept of “pay what you want” for goods and services is a nostalgic throwback to the days when people trusted one another just a little bit more, and it’s something you expect to see at the occasional farm stand or at a hip, independent coffee shop.

But recently, the sandwich and coffee giant Panera decided to get into the business with Panera Cares, a nonprofit version of the national chain. The company takes existing stores and donates the entire setup to the foundation. The money the store makes pays for the operations. Any additional profits go to local charities.

“They feel like every other Panera Cafe in America; they don’t feel the least bit different,” says Ron Shaich, co-founder and co-CEO of Panera Bread Co. Well, there is one difference customers will see: There’s a donation box where the cash registers were.