Subway, Panera dip into the grocery business

Restaurants across the country have been offering take-out of their menu items and do it yourself family meal packs since the COVID-19 crisis closed dining rooms.

Now, two national chains are going official with “grocery” concepts.

Panera and Subway both launched what they’re calling “Panera Grocery” and “Subway Grocery” in test markets.

Subway’s concept is available in 250 markets, according to the company’s website. Fruits and vegetables are limited to what the company offers on sandwiches, including lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions and bell peppers.

Panera’s offering also is limited to what it serves from its menu, with fresh produce items like avocados, berries, grapes, apples, and tomatoes.

Both are serviced through online ordering portals.

These efforts join other foodservice organizations in offering groceries direct to consumers. Baldor Specialty Foods launched a direct-to-consumer delivery service in New York and Philadelphia.

Pro*Act and Produce Alliance members across the U.S. also are participating in programs offering grocery boxes to consumers.