Shake Shack Restaurateur Danny Meyer Is Investing in Panera Bread | Eater

"Set to go public under the Panera Brands umbrella, this large fast-casual chain (more than 2,000 locations) is known for its fan-favorite broccoli and cheddar soup and generally wholesome, on-the-go menu. An acquisition group tied to Union Square Hospitality Group will make Danny Meyer and his company a cornerstone partner, with Meyer named lead independent director — a role that signals active involvement in shaping the chain’s future. Advocates hope his model of “enlightened hospitality” could raise labor standards in a sector where wages are low and workers often lack protections, while skeptics worry that applying a fine-dining–informed ethos to fast food may be unrealistic: expecting short-term, often transient staff to deliver joy-driven service risks placing unfair burdens on workers unless structural changes (wages, safety, agency) accompany cultural shifts. Observers also note the difference between building a concept from scratch and joining an entrenched operation, and debate whether an employee-first promise will translate into concrete improvements beyond livable pay — or into new consumer-facing trends such as experimenting with regional items like St. Louis–style bagels." - Elazar Sontag