Panera Brings Back Two Fan-Favorite Menu Items Just in Time for Summer
Is there anything better than diving into a buttery lobster roll on a hot summer day as you stare out at the ocean? What about digging into a decadent lobster macaroni and cheese on a summer night when the sea breeze has a bit of a chill in it?
If you're reminiscing about New England cuisine with us, but don't know the next time you'll make it to an institution like Dune Brothers in Providence, Rhode Island, don't worry, because Panera has you covered.
Related: The One Item You Shouldn't Overlook in Applebee's New $15.99 All-You-Can-Eat Menu
Starting today, the popular chain is bringing back both its lobster roll and its lobster mac & cheese just in time to celebrate the unofficial start of summer. Available at Panera cafés across the Northeast, the lobster roll will start at $23.99, with prices varying by market. It features lobster claw and knuckle meat, tossed in a lemon tarragon mayonnaise-based dressing, and piled high into a New England roll.
The lobster mac & cheese, which will start at $12.99, with prices varying by market, features Panera's beloved velvety smooth Vermont white cheddar macaroni and cheese, topped with buttered claw and knuckle lobster meat and seasoned panko bread crumbs.
Related: Popeyes Permanently Brings Back Beloved Menu Item After Fan Demand, Including a Brand-New Flavor
"From strawberries in spring to autumn squash soup, at Panera we love to lean into the flavors of the season, and nothing says summer quite like a lobster roll. Year after year, our guests enthusiastically look forward to this limited time item, so we're thrilled the Lobster Roll and Lobster Mac & Cheese are back at select regional locations just in time for the unofficial start to summer," a Panera spokesperson told Parade.
@jennasinatra My FIRST lobster roll🤣 WHAT SHOULD I DO NEXT?! #foodiefriday#panera#lobster @Panera Bread
♬ One Thing At A Time Morgan Wallen - sped up audios
When Panera rolled out the menu items last year, some fans on social media were skeptical, but others were all in, giving them an eight out of ten and praising how much lobster was on the roll. "They load this up with lobster," said one TikTok user who said they would get the lobster roll again despite it being "a little on the pricy side."
Next: Sweetgreen Debuts New First-of-Its-Kind Menu Item Nationwide
Copyright 2026 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
This story was originally published May 20, 2026 at 3:00 AM.