In the past month, you have probably seen some signs at our dining facilities and on social media (@dsonservices) about a new retail food item coming to the Union Station – Panera Bread To-Go Soups.
Dining Services decided to carry Panera Bread soups after talking with several students about how they love Panera. After researching what Panera options were available through our vendors and talking with several students about the possibility of carrying these items, we decided to put in our first order before winter break. It was expected to arrive in January, but the delivery has been delayed and is now expected to arrive by mid-February.
Emily Smith, Dining Services’ Special Services Operations Manager, is excited to be able to offer the soups soon in Union Sation.
“We know Panera soups are a much-loved food and are excited to be able to offer them in Union Station,” Smith said. “The three varieties of soups, chicken tortilla, baked potato, and broccoli cheddar, will be coming to our shelves in February. The soup will be available to purchase using any of the student meal plans, declining balance, or credit card.”
One of our main distributors, U.S. Foods, had initially offered four options of soup: Chicken Tortilla (Dairy-Free and the chicken is raised without antibiotics), Creamy Tomato (Vegetarian), Baked Potato, and Broccoli & Cheddar Cheese (Vegetarian). After ordering all four soups, our distributor notified us that tomato is currently unavailable.
“I have been chasing these soups for the past five weeks,” a U.S. Foods Rep said. “We have been shorted by the vendor twice.”
U.S. Foods is still working on getting other Panera soups that could be potentially added to Union Station: Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice, Greek-Style Lemon Chicken Soup, Chicken Noodle Soup, Italian Wedding Soup with Chicken Meatballs, Gluten Free Autumn Squash Soup, or Southwest Corn Chowder. For now, they don’t carry these options.
Panera also does not carry any vegan Grab-and-Go prepackaged soups at this time.
“I am following up frequently to see if there are any updates from U.S. Foods,” Angela Troup, Senior Production Manager and FSS System Administrator, said.
Dining Services is eager to start selling these soups at Union Station and will continue to keep the community updated about when these soups will be stocked.
“As soon as they arrive, we will stock them in Union Station’s grab-and-go cooler,” Sonya Wright, Assistant Director of Dining Services, said. “We will also let the college know via Instagram @dsondining when we have a solid date for Panera Soup’s arrival.”
