Panera Revives Black Bean Soup, Launches Fall Menu With Gilmore Girls Stars Nationwide

Panera Bread has launched its fall menu campaign featuring beloved actors Jared Padalecki and Matt Czuchry from the series Gilmore Girls, highlighting a nostalgic and cozy autumn vibe that aligns with the show's fan traditions. The campaign, titled "Fall for Your Favorites Meal," promotes the return of fan-favorite soups such as the Black Bean Soup, making a comeback after seven years, along with Autumn Squash Soup and Hearty Fireside Chili. In addition to soups, Panera introduced new menu items including the Harvest Medley Chicken Salad and a Crème Brûlée Latte, alongside returning favorites like the Pumpkin Cookie and Ciabatta Dippers. Panera's Chief Marketing Officer emphasized the brand's focus on delivering warm, comforting classics and fresh seasonal flavors designed to evoke a sense of tradition and comfort during the fall season. The digital campaign creatively personifies these soups through the reunited Gilmore Girls actors, engaging fans who often enjoy the show alongside Panera's seasonal offerings. This marketing effort underscores Panera's strategy to blend pop culture nostalgia with its menu refresh to attract customers during the fall.