1. What is Panera Bread's strategy? Which of the five generic competitive strategies discussed in most closely fit the competitive approach that Panera Bread is taking? What type of competitive advantage is Panera Bread trying to achieve?
2. What does a SWOT analysis of Panera Bread reveal about the overall attractiveness of its situation? Does the company have any core competencies or distinctive competencies?
3. What is your appraisal of Panera Breads' financial performance based on the data in case Exhibits 1, 2 and 8?
4. Based on the information in case Exhibit 9, which rival restaurant chains appear to be Panera's closest rivals?