Panera Bread Agrees $2.5M Settlement Over 2024 Data Breach

Panera Bread has agreed to a $2.5 million settlement to resolve a class-action lawsuit stemming from a March 2024 cybersecurity breach that compromised the personal information, including Social Security numbers, of approximately 147,321 current and former employees, as well as some customers and contractors. The breach disrupted Panera's digital ordering channels for about three days and led to accusations that the company failed to adequately protect sensitive data or promptly notify affected individuals. Under the settlement, eligible claimants can receive up to $500 for ordinary out-of-pocket expenses and up to $6,500 for extraordinary losses such as identity theft, with additional compensation for time spent addressing related issues. Panera has denied any wrongdoing but agreed to enhance security measures as part of the resolution, which requires court approval. Claimants must file their claims by November 11, 2025, and the final court hearing is scheduled for January 29, 2026. This settlement follows consolidation of multiple lawsuits and offers a residual payment of up to $250 for any remaining funds, with an extra $100 payment available for California residents.