PANERA BREAD CO
10-K/A, 2000-04-24
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<PAGE>


                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                              WASHINGTON, DC 20549

                                  -------------

                                   FORM 10-K/A

                                  ------------

                          AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO FORM 10-K
                ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF
                       THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
                   FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 25, 1999
                         COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 0-19253

                                  ------------

                              PANERA BREAD COMPANY
                              --------------------
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

          DELAWARE                                             04-2723701
          --------                                             ----------
(State or other jurisdiction                                (I.R.S. employer
    of incorporation or                                     identification No.)
      organization)

7930 BIG BEND BOULEVARD, ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI                     63119
- --------------------------------------------                 -------------
 (Address of principal executive offices)                      (Zip Code)

                                 (314) 918-7779
                                 --------------
              (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)


                                 AMENDMENT NO. 1
                                 ---------------

     The undersigned registrant hereby amends the following items, financial
statements, exhibits or other portions of its Annual Report for the fiscal year
ended December 25, 1999 on Form 10-K as set forth in the pages attached hereto:

     1. Part III: Item 10 - Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant.

     2. Part III: Item 11 - Executive Compensation.

     3. Part III: Item 12 - Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and
                  Management.

     4. Part III: Item 13 - Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.

     5.  Part IV: Item 14 - Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports
                  on Form 8-K.



<PAGE>


                                    PART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT.

         BACKGROUND INFORMATION REGARDING DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

         The following table and biographical descriptions set forth
information regarding the principal occupation, other affiliations, committee
memberships and age, for each Director in office and the executive officers
of the Company, based on information furnished to the Company by each
director and officer. The following information is as of April 1, 2000 unless
otherwise noted. <TABLE><CAPTION>

                                                                                             TERM AS A
         NAME                              AGE       POSITION WITH COMPANY                DIRECTOR ENDS
         ----                              ---       ---------------------                -------------
     <S>                                   <C>       <C>                                  <C>
     Domenic Colasacco(3)...........        51       Director                                    2000
     George E. Kane (1)(2)(3).......        95       Director                                    2001
     Henry J. Nasella (1)(2)(3).....        53       Director                                    2001
     Ronald M. Shaich(2)............        45       Chairman, Director,                         2002
                                                     Chief Executive Officer
     Thomas R. Howley...............        49       Vice President, General
                                                     Counsel and Construction                      --
     William W. Moreton.............        40       Senior Vice President,
                                                     Chief Financial Officer                       --
     Richard C. Postle..............        51       President, Chief Operating
                                                     Officer                                       --
</TABLE>
- -----------
(1)  Member of the Compensation and Stock Option Committee.
(2)  Member of the Committee on Nominations.
(3)  Member of the Audit Committee.

     DOMENIC COLASACCO, Director since March 2000. Mr. Colasacco has been
President and Chief Executive Officer of United States Trust Company since
1992. He joined USTC in 1974 after beginning his career in the research
division of Merrill Lynch & Co., in New York City. Mr. Colasacco is also a
director of Hometown Auto Retailers.

     GEORGE E. KANE, Director since November 1988. Mr. Kane was a Director of
the Company from March 1981 to December 1985 and a Director Emeritus from
December 1985 to November 1988. Mr. Kane retired in 1970 as President of
Garden City Trust Company (now University Trust Company). Mr. Kane is an
Honorary Director of USTrust.

     HENRY J. NASELLA, Director since June 1995. Since May 1999, Mr. Nasella
has been the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of OnLine Retail Partners,
an e-commerce company. Prior to that he was the President, Chief Executive
Officer and Chairman of Star Markets Company, Inc. from September 1994. From
January 1994 to September 1994, he was a principal of Phillips-Smith
Specialty Venture Capital. From 1988 to July 1993, Mr. Nasella served as the
President and Chief Operating Officer of Staples, Inc. Mr. Nasella served as
President and Chief Executive Officer of Staples USA (Domestic) from 1992 to
July 1993. Mr. Nasella currently is a member of the Board of Visitors of
Northeastern University School of Business and a member of the Board of
Trustees of Northeastern University Corporation. Mr. Nasella is also a
director of Zany Brainy and Blinds to Go.

                                      -2-
<PAGE>


     RONALD M. SHAICH, Director since 1981, co-founder of the Company,
Chairman of the Board since May 1999, Co-Chairman of the Board from January
1988 to May 1999, Chief Executive Officer since May 1994 and Co-Chief
Executive Officer from January 1988 to May 1994. Mr. Shaich is Chairman of
the Board of Trustees of Clark University.

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS WHO ARE NOT DIRECTORS

     THOMAS R. HOWLEY, Vice President, General Counsel, and Assistant
Secretary since January 1993, and Vice President, Construction since June
1999. Prior to that time, and for the five years preceding January 1993,
Mr. Howley was an attorney with the law firm of Rackemann, Sawyer & Brewster.

     WILLIAM W. MORETON, Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and
Treasurer since May 1999. Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
of the Saint Louis Bread Co./Panera Bread business unit since November 1998.
Prior to that time and since April 1997, Mr. Moreton served as Executive Vice
President and Chief Financial Officer of Quality Dining, Inc. Prior to that
time and since October 1992, Mr. Moreton served as Executive Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer of Houlihan's Restaurants, Inc.

     RICHARD C. POSTLE, Chief Operating Officer and President since May 1999.
President of the Saint Louis Bread Co./Panera Bread business unit since
August 1995. From August 1994 through August 1995, Mr. Postle was President
and Chief Operating Officer of Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc. From
January 1992 through August 1994, Mr. Postle was Senior Vice President,
Operations of KFC-USA. From 1988 through December 1991, Mr. Postle was Chief
Operating Executive of Brice Foods, Inc.

                        COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 16(A) OF
                       THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

     Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires the
Company's officers and Directors, and persons who own more than 10% of the
Company's outstanding shares of Common Stock to file reports of ownership and
changes in ownership with the Commission and Nasdaq. Officers, Directors and
greater than 10% stockholders are required by SEC regulations to furnish the
Company with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file.

     In accordance with the provisions of Item 405 of Regulation S-K, to the
Company's knowledge, based solely on review of the copies of such reports
furnished to the Company and written representations that no other reports
were required during the fiscal year ended December 25, 1999, all Section
16(a) filing requirements applicable to its executive officers, Directors and
greater than 10% beneficial owners were satisfied.

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.

                               COMPENSATION TABLES

         The following tables set forth information concerning the
compensation paid or accrued by the Company during the fiscal years ended
December 27, 1997, December 26, 1998, and December 25, 1999, to or for the
Company's Chief Executive Officer and its four other most highly compensated
executive officers whose salary and bonus combined exceeded $100,000 for
fiscal year 1999 (hereinafter referred to as the "named executive officers").

                                      -3-
<PAGE>


                           SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      ANNUAL                                        LONG-TERM
                                   COMPENSATION                                    COMPENSATION
                                   ------------                                    ------------
            NAME AND                                   SALARY         BONUS        OPTIONS/SARS
       PRINCIPAL POSITION              YEAR             ($)            ($)              (#)
       ------------------              ----             ---            ---              ---
<S>                                    <C>              <C>            <C>         <C>
Ronald M. Shaich                       1999               325,000             -                   -
    Chairman and Chief                 1998               254,807             -                   -
    Executive Officer                  1997               250,000             -             400,000

Richard C. Postle                      1999               310,492             -             108,178
    President and Chief                1998               316,067             -             100,000
    Operating Officer                  1997               295,192        75,000              10,000

William W. Moreton (a)                 1999               274,976             -                   -
   Senior Vice President and           1998                48,461             -             150,000
   Chief Financial Officer

Michael J. Kupstas                     1999               160,230             -                   -
    Vice President,                    1998               165,231        38,975              45,000
    Franchising and Brand              1997               159,813        78,785               8,000
    Communication

Thomas R. Howley                       1999               150,000        23,452                   -
    Vice President, General            1998               122,260        22,659              12,000
     Counsel and Vice                  1997               118,295        16,380               5,000
     President, Construction
</TABLE>

(a) Mr. Moreton commenced his employment with the Company in November 1998.

                                      -4-
<PAGE>


                AGGREGATED OPTION/SAR GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                    INDIVIDUAL GRANTS
                          ---------------------------------------                                          ANNUAL RATES OF STOCK
                               NUMBER OF          PERCENT OF                                              VALUED AT ASSUMED PRICE
                              SECURITIES        TOTAL OPTIONS/                                              APPRECIATION PRICES
                              UNDERLYING         SARS GRANTED       EXERCISE OR                             FOR OPTION TERM ($)*
NAME                         OPTIONS/SARS       TO EMPLOYEES IN     BASE PRICE      EXPIRATION        ------------------------------
NAME                          GRANTED (#)       FISCAL YEAR (%)      ($/SHARE)         DATE               5%                 10%
                              -----------       ---------------      ---------         ----               --                 ---
<S>                           <C>                <C>                  <C>            <C>                <C>                 <C>
Ronald M. Shaich                  n/a                 n/a               n/a             n/a              n/a                 n/a
Richard C. Postle (1)           108,178               47               6.63          06/03/09          451,056            1,143,064
William W. Moreton                n/a                 n/a               n/a             n/a              n/a                 n/a
Michael J. Kupstas                n/a                 n/a               n/a             n/a              n/a                 n/a
Thomas R. Howley                  n/a                 n/a               n/a             n/a              n/a                 n/a
</TABLE>

* The dollar amounts in this table are the result of calculations at stock
appreciation rates specified by the Securities and Exchange Commission and are
not intended to forecast actual future appreciation rates of the Company's stock
price.

(1) Options were awarded under the 1992 Equity Incentive Plan. The options are
    exercisable in four annual installments of 25% per year beginning June 3,
    2001.


            AGGREGATED OPTIONS/SAR EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR AND
                        FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION/SAR VALUES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                        NUMBER OF SECURITIES                 VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
                                   SHARES                              UNDERLYING UNEXERCISED               IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS/
                                 ACQUIRED ON        VALUE            OPTIONS/SARS AT FY-END (#)            SARS AT FISCAL YEAR END
NAME                            EXERCISE (#)    REALIZED ($)         EXERCISABLE/UNEXERCISABLE            EXERCISABLE/UNEXERCISABLE
- ----                            ------------    ------------         -------------------------            -------------------------
<S>                             <C>             <C>                  <C>                                  <C>
Ronald M. Shaich                      -               -                      677,330/0                            293,337/0

Richard C. Postle                     -               -                    53,867/246,133                       45,407/304,283

William W. Moreton                    -               -                      0/150,000                            0/214,950

Michael J. Kupstas                    -               -                     7,750/56,750                         4,553/70,290

Thomas R. Howley                      -               -                    18,320/13,975                         8,756/1,745
</TABLE>

                                      -5-
<PAGE>



THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND ITS COMMITTEES

         The Company's Board of Directors held 8 meetings, including 2 actions
by written consent, during fiscal year 1999. The Board of Directors has
established an Audit Committee, a Compensation and Stock Option Committee and a
Committee on Nominations.

         The Audit Committee, which held 3 meetings in fiscal year 1999, meets
with the Company's auditors and principal financial personnel to review the
results of the annual audit. The Audit Committee also reviews the scope of, and
establishes fees for, audit and non-audit services performed by the independent
accountants, reviews the independence of the independent accountants and the
adequacy and effectiveness of the Company's internal accounting controls. The
Audit Committee consists of 3 members, currently Messrs. George E. Kane, Henry
J. Nasella, and Domenic Colasacco, and is reconstituted annually.

         The Compensation and Stock Option Committee (the "Compensation
Committee"), which held 3 meetings in fiscal year 1999, establishes the
compensation, including stock options and other incentive arrangements, of
the Company's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. It also administers the
Company's 1992 Equity Incentive Plan and 1992 Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
The Compensation Committee consists of 2 members, currently Messrs. George E.
Kane and Henry J. Nasella, and is reconstituted annually.

         The Committee on Nominations was established in November 1995 and held
1 meeting in fiscal year 1999. The Committee on Nominations selects nominees for
election as Directors and will consider written recommendations from any
stockholder of record with respect to nominees for Directors of the Company. The
Committee on Nominations consists of 3 members, currently Messrs. Ronald M.
Shaich, George E. Kane, and Henry J. Nasella, and is reconstituted annually.

         All Directors attended 100% of the meetings of the Board and of the
committees of which they are members in fiscal year 1999.


COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION

         None of the members of the Compensation Committee has interlocking or
other relationships with other boards or with the Company.

COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS

         Directors who are not employees of the Company receive a quarterly fee
ranging from $3,000 to $3,500 for serving on the Board, plus reimbursement of
out-of-pocket expenses for attendance at each Board or committee meeting.

         Under a formula-based stock option plan for independent directors
(the "Directors' Plan"), as amended by the stockholders at the 1995 Annual
Meeting of Stockholders, each current Director who is not an employee or
principal stockholder of the Company (an "Independent Director") and who is
first elected after the effective date of the Directors' Plan receives, upon
his or her election to the Board, a one-time grant of an option to purchase
5,000 shares of Class A Common Stock. Each Independent Director who serves as
such at the end of each of the Company's fiscal years receives at the end of
such fiscal year an option to purchase an additional 5,000 shares of Class A
Common Stock. All such options have an exercise price per share equal to the
closing price of a share of Class A Common Stock as of the close of the
market the trading day immediately preceding the grant date, are fully vested
when granted, and are exercisable for a period of 10 years.

                                      -6-

<PAGE>

REPORT OF THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE

         This report is made by the Compensation and Stock Option Committee
(the "Compensation Committee") of the Board of Directors, the committee which
is responsible for establishing the compensation, including base salary and
incentive compensation, for the Company's Chairman of the Board and Chief
Executive Officer, Ronald M. Shaich.

     PHILOSOPHY

         The Compensation Committee seeks to set the compensation of the
Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chairman at a level which is competitive
with companies of similar size in the Company's industry. Mr. Shaich has the
overall responsibility of Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive
Officer. The Compensation Committee examined compensation structures for the
chief executive officer of companies in the restaurant industry using generally
available source material from business periodicals and other sources, and
sought to structure the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer's compensation at a
competitive level appropriate to the comparable companies' group. The companies
that were examined for purposes of evaluating and setting compensation of the
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer are not necessarily included in the
"Standard & Poor's 400 - MidCap Restaurant Index" used in the Stock Performance
Graph set forth under "Stock Performance" below.

     COMPENSATION STRUCTURE

         The compensation of the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer is
structured to be competitive within the Company's industry and is based upon the
general performance of the Company, and is reviewed annually by the Committee.

     COMPONENTS OF COMPENSATION

         SALARY. The salary shown in the Summary Compensation Table represents
the fixed portion of compensation for the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
for the year. Changes in salary depend upon overall Company performance as well
as levels of base salary paid by companies of similar size in the Company's
industry.

         BONUS. The cash bonus is the principal incentive-based compensation
paid annually to the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. The Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer receives a bonus in a predetermined amount if the
Company achieves its objectives for the fiscal year. A higher bonus is paid if
the Company exceeds the objectives by a predetermined percentage. In determining
the bonus amount, the Compensation Committee seeks to create an overall
compensation package for the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer which is at
the mid-point for comparable companies in the restaurant industry. For 1999, Mr.
Shaich asked the Board not to award a bonus to him for the current fiscal year
as he believed the Company was in a transitional period.

         The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer may elect to take the bonus in
the form of 10-year, fully vested stock options for that number of shares of the
Company's Class A Common Stock that could be purchased with an amount equal to
two times the cash value of his bonus. The exercise price of the option equals
the fair market value of the Company's Class A Common Stock on the date of
grant.

         STOCK OPTIONS. Mr. Shaich does not participate in either the
Performance-Based Option Program under the Company's 1992 Equity Incentive Plan
or the 1992 Employee Stock Purchase Plan. In order to provide what the
Compensation Committee believes to be appropriate and continuing long-term
incentives to its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and in order to align

                                      -7-

<PAGE>

more fully the interests of the stockholders and the Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer, the Compensation Committee on June 12, 1997 granted to Mr.
Shaich a 10-year option, vesting in equal monthly installments over a
five-year period, subject to continued employment, or immediately in the
event of the sale of the Company, to purchase 400,000 shares of the Company's
Class A Common Stock at an exercise price per share equal to the closing
price of a share of the Class A Common Stock calculated immediately preceding
the date of grant. On November 17, 1998, the Board of Directors approved the
recommendation of the Compensation Committee to accelerate the vesting of Mr.
Shaich's options to the date on which the proposed sale of the Company's Au
Bon Pain Division was completed. As these options have exercise prices equal
to the market value of the Company's Class A Common Stock on the date
immediately preceding the grant date, they provide incentive for the creation
of stockholder value over the long term since their full benefit cannot be
realized unless there occurs over time an appreciation in the price of the
Company's Class A Common Stock. The Compensation Committee considers the
number of shares to be an appropriate incentive for the Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer to continue to focus on building stockholder value. The
Compensation Committee has not determined whether any ongoing program of
long-term incentive compensation should or will be adopted with respect to
its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

DEDUCTIBILITY OF EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

         The Compensation Committee has reviewed the potential consequences
for the Company of Section 162(m) of the Code which imposes a limit on tax
deductions for annual compensation in excess of one million dollars paid to
any of the five most highly compensated executive officers. Based on such
review, the Compensation Committee believes that the limitation will have no
effect on the Company in 2000.

                             Respectfully submitted,

                             HENRY J. NASELLA, GEORGE E. KANE
                             COMPENSATION COMMITTEE



EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMPENSATION

         The Company's Chief Executive Officer is responsible for establishing
the compensation, including salary, bonus and incentive compensation, for all of
the Company's executive officers other than the Chief Executive Officer and
Chairman of the Board.

     PHILOSOPHY

         In compensating its executive officers, the Chief Executive Officer
seeks to structure a salary, bonus and incentive compensation package that will
help attract and retain talented

                                      -8-
<PAGE>

individuals and align the interests of the executive officers with the interests
 of the Company's stockholders.

COMPONENTS OF COMPENSATION

         There are two components to the compensation of the Company's executive
officers: annual cash compensation (consisting of salary and bonus incentives)
and long-term incentive compensation.

         CASH COMPENSATION. The Company participates annually in an
industry-specific survey of executive officers, which serves as the basis for
determining total target cash compensation packages, which are crafted
individually for each executive officer. The individual's compensation consists
of a base salary and contingent compensation based on actual performance against
agreed to expectations of performance. The individual compensation packages are
structured so that, if the executive officer attains the expected level of
achievement of each performance goal, the cash compensation of the executive
officer will be approximately at the 75th percentile of the compensation of
individuals occupying similar positions in the industry, using generally
available surveys of executive compensation within the retail industry for
companies with comparable revenues.

         At the beginning of each fiscal year, the Chief Executive Officer and
each executive officer establish a series of individual performance goals which
are specific to the executive's responsibilities. These goals seek to measure
performance of each executive officer's job responsibilities: for executive
officers whose responsibilities are operational in nature, attainment of
operating group goals and objectives is stressed, and for corporate staff
officers, overall Company performance measured by earnings per share growth is
utilized. Currently, the maximum potential cash bonus for the Company's
executive officers, as a percentage of base salary, ranges from 20% to 60%.

         Thus, the Company's cash compensation practices seek to motivate
executives by requiring excellent performance measured against both internal
goals and competitive performance.

         LONG-TERM INCENTIVE COMPENSATION. The second element of executive
compensation, long-term incentive compensation, currently takes the form of
stock options granted under the Company's 1992 Equity Incentive Plan. Currently,
stock options are granted under the Performance-Based Option program, which
consists of a series of guidelines which provide for the periodic granting of
specific amounts of stock options, denominated in dollars rather than in numbers
of shares, depending upon the executive's position within the Company. Existing
holdings of stock or stock options are not a factor in determining the dollar
value of an individual executive officer's award.

         As is the case with short-term incentive compensation, at the beginning
of each fiscal year, the Chief Executive Officer and each executive officer
establish a series of individual performance goals specifically related to the
executive's responsibilities and designed to measure execution of these
responsibilities. In addition, a Company-wide performance goal measured in
earnings per share growth is established. Further consideration is given to each
executive officer's accountability and/or level of responsibility for managing
one or more aspects of the Company's overall business. These factors are
weighted for each executive officer, with greater emphasis and value being
placed on those factors which could have a greater impact on the Company's
long-term profitability. An individual executive officer's performance against
each of these criteria is then graded at one of five levels: significantly less
than expected, less than expected, as expected, exceeds expectation, and
significantly exceeds expectation. Awards of options are then made based upon a
dollar value, which increases as the executive officer achieves higher grades
for overall performance.

                                      -9-

<PAGE>

         As often as seems appropriate, but at least annually, the Chief
Executive Officer reviews the Company's executive compensation program to judge
its consistency with the Company's compensation philosophy, whether it supports
the Company's strategic and financial objectives, and whether it is competitive
within the Company's industry.

EMPLOYMENT RELATED AGREEMENTS

         The Company and Richard C. Postle are parties to an Executive
Employment Agreement dated September 1, 1995, which provides Mr. Postle with
a base salary of $300,000 for a two year period. The Agreement automatically
renews for additional one year periods unless either party gives notice of his
or its intent not to renew the Agreement at least twenty-six weeks prior to
its expiration. In the event that the Company gives notice of its intent not
to renew the Agreement, Mr. Postle will be entitled to his base salary, car
allowance (if any) and other benefits for twenty-six weeks, such payments to
be reduced dollar for dollar by any compensation and benefits received by Mr.
Postle from other sources. In the event the Company chooses to terminate Mr.
Postle's employment without cause, it may do so by giving Mr. Postle thirty
(30) days' written notice. In the event of a termination without cause, Mr.
Postle would be entitled to fifty-two (52) weeks severance.

         The Company and William W. Moreton are parties to an Executive
Employment Letter Agreement dated September 29, 1998, which provides Mr.
Moreton with a base salary of $275,000, a bonus of $25,000 payable in March
2000 which is based on continued employment, 150,000 stock options vesting
over five years and a relocation assistance package. The Letter Agreement
also provides that under the terms of a separate severance agreement, in the
event of an involuntary termination of Mr. Moreton's employment without
cause, Mr. Moreton will be entitled to continue to receive his base salary,
car allowance and medical and/or dental benefits for a period of up to twelve
months, such payments to be reduced by any compensation received by Mr.
Moreton in connection with any future employment during such twelve month
period.

         The Company and Michael J. Kupstas are parties to an Executive
Employment Letter Agreement dated December 22, 1995, which provides Mr.
Kupstas with a base salary of $150,000, a right to participate in the
Company's Incentive Compensation Program with a guaranteed minimum bonus
under the plan of 20% of his annual salary for fiscal 1996, subject to
continued employment, 11,500 stock options subject to the discretion of the
Company's Board of Directors, reimbursement of one year of COBRA expenses and
a relocation assistance package. The Letter Agreement also provides that
under the terms of a separate severance agreement, in the event of an
involuntary termination of Mr. Kupstas' employment without cause, Mr. Kupstas
will be entitled to continue to receive his base salary, car allowance and
medical and/or dental benefits for a period of up to twelve months, such
payments to be reduced by any compensation received by Mr. Kupstas in
connection with any future employment during such twelve month period.


                                      -10-
<PAGE>

         The Company and Thomas R. Howley are parties to Executive Employment
Agreement dated December 13, 1996 and an Amendment thereto dated November 17,
1999. The Amendment provides Mr. Howley with a base salary of $150,000, the
right to participate in the Company's performance compensation program and a
$5,000 per year car allowance. The Amendment also provides that all of Mr.
Howley's nonqualified stock options held on May 15, 1999, the effective date
of the sale of the Company's Au Bon Pain division shall vest and be
immediately exercisable, subject to the approval of the Company's Board of
Directors and that the Company will make best efforts to replace expired
options at the same exercise price. The Amendment also provides that in the
event of an involuntary termination of Mr. Howley's employment without cause,
Mr. Howley will be entitled to continue to receive his base salary, car
allowance and medical and/or dental benefits for a period of up to twelve
months, such payments to be reduced by any compensation received by Mr.
Howley in connection with any future employment during such twelve month
period.

                          TOTAL RETURN TO STOCKHOLDERS
                 (ASSUMES $100 INVESTMENT ON DECEMBER 31, 1994)

         The following graph and chart compare the cumulative annual
stockholder return on the Company's Class A Common Stock over the period
commencing December 31, 1994, and continuing through December 31, 1999, to
that of the total return index for the NASDAQ Stock Market (U.S. Companies)
and the Standard & Poor's 400 - MidCap Restaurant Index, assuming the
investment of $100 on December 31, 1994. In calculating total annual
stockholder return, reinvestment of dividends is assumed. The stock
performance graph and chart below are not necessarily indicative of future
price performance.

                                PERFORMANCE GRAPH
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL RETURN ANALYSIS
                       12/31/94         12/29/95        12/30/96         12/31/97        12/31/98         12/31/99
- ------------------- ---------------- --------------- ---------------- --------------- ---------------- ---------------
<S>                 <C>              <C>             <C>              <C>             <C>              <C>
Panera Bread        $      100.00    $       51.56   $       40.63    $       47.27   $       42.19    $       48.44
Company
- ------------------- ---------------- --------------- ---------------- --------------- ---------------- ---------------
S&P MidCap          $      100.00    $       98.22   $       58.06    $       66.14   $       80.64    $       63.40
Restaurants
- ------------------- ---------------- --------------- ---------------- --------------- ---------------- ---------------
Nasdaq Composite    $      100.00    $      139.92   $      171.69    $      208.83   $      291.60    $      541.16
- ------------------- ---------------- --------------- ---------------- --------------- ---------------- ---------------
</TABLE>


                                      -11-
<PAGE>


ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT.

                 OWNERSHIP OF PANERA BREAD COMPANY COMMON STOCK

         The following table sets forth certain information as of March 31,
2000, with respect to the Company's Class A and Class B Common Stock owned by
(1) each director of the Company, (2) the executive officers named in the
Summary Compensation Table, (3) all directors and executive officers of the
Company as a group, and (4) each person who is known by the Company to
beneficially own more than five percent of the Company's capital stock. Unless
otherwise indicated in the footnotes to the table, all stock is owned of record
and beneficially by the persons listed in the table.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                       CLASS A COMMON                  CLASS B COMMON            COMBINED VOTING
NAME AND, WITH RESPECT TO OWNER                        --------------                  --------------            ---------------
   OF MORE THAN 5%, ADDRESS                        NUMBER        PERCENT (1)        NUMBER        PERCENT (2)     PERCENTAGE (3)
- ------------------------------                     ------        -----------        ------        -----------     --------------
<S>                                                <C>           <C>                <C>           <C>             <C>

Ronald M. Shaich............................       740,865(4)         6.5%          1,291,646          84.4%            29.0%
  c/o Panera Bread Company
  7930 Big Bend Boulevard
  St. Louis, MO 63119

George E. Kane..............................        28,542(5)            *             20,000           1.3%              *
  Director

Domenic Colasacco...........................         5,000(6)            *                 --             --              *
  Director

Henry J. Nasella............................        25,080(7)            *                 --             --              *
  Director

Richard C. Postle...........................        92,531(8)            *                 --             --              *

William W. Moreton..........................            --              --                 --             --             --

Michael J. Kupstas..........................        13,781(9)            *                 --             --              *

Thomas R. Howley............................        22,198(10)           *                 --             --              *

</TABLE>

                                      -12-

<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                       CLASS A COMMON                  CLASS B COMMON            COMBINED VOTING
NAME AND, WITH RESPECT TO OWNER                        --------------                  --------------            ---------------
   OF MORE THAN 5%, ADDRESS                        NUMBER        PERCENT (1)        NUMBER        PERCENT (2)     PERCENTAGE (3)
- ------------------------------                     ------        -----------        ------        -----------     --------------
<S>                                                <C>           <C>                <C>           <C>             <C>
All Directors and executive officers as
  a group (8 persons).......................       927,997(11)        8.7%          1,311,646          85.7%            31.9%

Louis I. Kane...............................       678,580(12)        6.0%             35,800           2.3%            4.9%
  19 Fid Kennedy Avenue
  Boston, MA  02210

Brown Capital Management....................     1,957,750(13)       18.4%                 --             --            12.8%
  1201 N. Calvert Street
  Baltimore, MD  21201

Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.
Merrill Lynch Asset Management Group........     1,131,100(14)       10.6%                 --             --             7.4%
  Merrill Lynch Special
  Value Fund, Inc.
  800 Scudders Mill Road
  Plainsboro, NJ  08536

Dimensional Fund Advisors Inc.
  1299 Ocean Avenue, 11th Floor
  Santa Monica, CA 90401 ...................       804,000(15)        7.5%                 --             --             5.3%

Cobalt Capital Management, Inc..............       623,300(16)        5.8%                 --             --             4.1%
  237 Park Avenue, Suite 801
  New York, NY 10012
</TABLE>

- -------------
* Less than one percent.

(1)      Percentage ownership of Class A Common Stock is based on 10,668,831
         shares issued and outstanding plus shares subject to options
         exercisable within sixty days of March 31, 2000 held by the stockholder
         or group.

(2)      Percentage ownership of Class B Common Stock is based on 1,530,524
         shares issued and outstanding plus shares subject to options
         exercisable within sixty days of March 31, 2000 held by the stockholder
         or group.

(3)      This column represents voting power rather than percentage of equity
         interest as each share of Class A Common Stock is entitled to one vote
         while each share of Class B Common Stock is entitled to three votes.

(4)      Includes options exercisable within 60 days for 677,330 shares.

(5)      Includes options for 28,542 shares exercisable within sixty days of
         March 31, 2000 pursuant to the Directors' Plan for independent
         directors.

(6)      Consists of options for 5,000 shares exercisable within 60 days of
         March 31, 2000, issued pursuant to the Director's plan for
         independent directors.

(7)      Consists of (a) options for 24,080 shares exercisable within sixty days
         of March 31, 2000 pursuant to the Directors' Plan for independent
         directors, (b) 1,000 shares owned by Mr. Nasella.


                                      -13-

<PAGE>

(8)      Includes options for 53,867 shares exercisable within 60 days of March
         31, 2000.

(9)      Includes options for 10,625 shares exercisable within 60 days of March
         31, 2000.

(10)     Includes options for 19,426 shares exercisable within sixty days of
         March 31, 2000.

(11)     Includes options for 818,870 shares exercisable within sixty days of
         March 31, 2000.

(12)     Consists of (a) 1,200 shares owned by Mr. Kane's spouse and as to which
         Mr. Kane disclaims beneficial ownership (b) 50 shares owned by Mr. Kane
         and (c) options exercisable within 60 days for 677,330 shares.

(13)     All of the shares of Common Stock are owned by various investment
         advisory clients of Brown Capital Management, Inc., which is deemed to
         be a beneficial owner of those shares pursuant to Rule 13d-3 under the
         Securities Exchange Act of 1934, due to its discretionary power to make
         investment decisions over such shares for its clients and its ability
         to vote such shares. In all cases, persons other than Investment
         Counselors of Maryland, Inc. have the right to receive, or the power to
         direct the receipt of, dividends from, or the proceeds from the sale of
         the shares. No individual client holds more than five percent of the
         class.

         Information regarding beneficial ownership of the shares has been
         obtained solely from the Schedule 13G, Amendment No. 1 filed with the
         Commission on February 10, 2000.

(14)     Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. ("ML & Co.") is a parent holding company. The
         Merrill Lynch Asset Management Group ("AMG") is an operating division
         of ML & Co. consisting of ML & Co.'s indirectly-owned asset management
         subsidiaries. The following asset management subsidiaries hold certain
         shares of the common stock of the Company. Merrill Lynch Asset
         Management, L.P., Fund Asset Management, L.P.

         Merrill Lynch Asset Management Group of ML & Co. ("AMG") is comprised
         of doing business as Merrill Lynch Asset Management ("MLAM"), QA
         Advisers, LLC ("QA"), Merrill Lynch Quantitative Advisers, Inc.
         Hotchkis and Wiley divisions thereof; Fund Asset Management, L.P.,
         doing business as Fund Asset Management ("FAM"); Merrill Lynch Asset
         Management U.K. Limited ("MLAM UK"); Merrill Lynch (Suisse) Investment
         Management Limited ("MLS"); Mercury Asset Management International
         Limited ("MAMI"); Mercury Asset Management Ltd; Mercury Asset
         Management, Ltd.; Mercury Asia Limited; Merrill Lynch Mercury
         Kapitalanlagegesellschaft MBH; Munich London Investment Management,
         Ltd.; Merrill Lynch Asset Management (Hong Kong) Limited; Merrill Lynch
         Mercury Asset Management Japan Limited; Atlas Asset Management, Inc.;
         Merrill Lynch Investment Management Canada, Inc.; DSP Merrill Lynch
         Asset Management (India) Limited; PT Merrill Lynch Indonesia; Merrill
         Lynch Phatra Securities Co., Ltd.; Merrill Lynch Global Asset
         Management, Limited; Mercury Asset Management Channel Islands, Limited;
         Mercury Asset Management International Channel Islands Limited
         ("MAMCI"); Grosvenor Venture Managers, Limited; and Mercury Fund
         Managers, Limited. Each of MLAM, FAM, MLAM UK, MAMCI, QA, MLS, and MAMI
         is an investment adviser registered under Section 203 of the Investment
         Advisers Act of 1940, which acts as investment adviser to various
         investment companies registered under Section 8 of the Investment
         Company Act of 1940. Each other firm constituting part of AMG is an
         investment adviser operating under the laws of a jurisdiction other
         than the united States. The investment advisers that comprise AMG
         exercise voting and investment powers over portfolio securities
         independently from other direct and indirect subsidiaries of ML & Co.

         Information regarding beneficial ownership of the shares has been
         obtained solely from the joint Schedule 13G, Amendment No. 3 filed with
         the Commission on February 7, 2000.

(15)     Dimensional Fund Advisors Inc. ("Dimensional"), an investment advisor
         registered under Section 203 of the Investment Advisors Act of 1940,
         furnishes investment advice to four investment companies registered
         under the Investment Company Act of 1940, and serves as investment
         manager to certain other commingled group trusts and separate accounts.
         These investment companies, trusts and accounts are the :Funds:. In its
         role as investment adviser or manager, Dimensional possesses voting
         and/or investment power over the securities of the Issuer described in
         this schedule that are owned the Funds. All securities reported in this
         schedule are owned by the Funds. Dimensional disclaims beneficial
         ownership of such securities.

         Information regarding beneficial ownership of the shares has been
         obtained solely from the Schedule 13G filed with the Commission on
         February 3, 2000.

(16)     Information on beneficial ownership of the shares has been obtained
         solely from the Schedule 13G, Amendment No. 1 filed with the Commission
         on February 15, 2000.


                                      -14-

<PAGE>

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS.

                 CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

         There are no Certain Relationships or Related Transactions during the
fiscal year ended December 25, 1999 that exceeded $60,000 to report.


                                     PART IV

ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.

(a)      1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

         The following described consolidated financial statements of the
         Company are included in this report:

         Report of Independent Accountants

         Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 25, 1999, and December 26,
         1998.

         Consolidated Statements of Operations for the fiscal years ended
         December 25, 1999, December 26, 1998, and December 27, 1997.

         Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the fiscal years ended
         December 25, 1999, December 26, 1998, and December 27, 1997.

         Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the fiscal years
         ended December 25, 1999, December 26, 1998, and December 27, 1997.

         Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

(a)      2. FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE

         The following financial statement schedule for the Company is filed
         herewith:

         SCHEDULE II--Valuations and Qualifying Accounts

                              PANERA BREAD COMPANY
                      VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
                                 (in thousands)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                     BALANCE AT                                BALANCE
                                                     BEGINNING                                AT END OF
DESCRIPTION                                          OF PERIOD     ADDITIONS    DEDUCTIONS     PERIOD
- -----------                                          ----------    ---------    ----------    ---------
<S>                                                  <C>           <C>          <C>           <C>
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
Fiscal Year ended December 27, 1997.................   $  104        $   49        $ 19         $  134
Fiscal Year ended December 26, 1998.................   $  134        $   96        $ 22         $  208
Fiscal Year ended December 25, 1999.................   $  208        $   93        $104         $  197

Deferred Tax Valuation Allowance
Fiscal Year ended December 27, 1997.................   $   --        $1,308        $ --         $1,308
Fiscal Year ended December 26, 1998.................   $1,308        $3,434        $ --         $4,742
Fiscal Year ended December 25, 1999.................   $4,742        $   --        $ --         $4,742

</TABLE>

(b)      Form 8-K

         No reports on Form 8-K have been filed during the fourth quarter of
         the fiscal year ended December 25, 1999.

(a)      3. EXHIBITS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
  EXHIBIT                                                         DESCRIPTION
  NUMBER                                                          -----------
  -------
<S>            <C>
2.1            Asset Purchase Agreement by and among Au Bon Pain Co., Inc., ABP
               Midwest Manufacturing Co., Inc. and Bunge Foods Corporation dated
               as of February 11, 1998; Amendment to Asset Purchase Agreement,
               dated as of March 23, 1998. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit
               2.1 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
               ended December 27, 1997.

2.2.1          Stock Purchase Agreement dated August 12, 1998 by and between the
               Company, ABP Holdings, Inc. ("ABPH") and ABP Corporation.
               Incorporated by reference to the Company's Report on Form 8-K
               filed August 21, 1998.

2.2.2          Amendment to Stock Purchase Agreement dated October 28, 1998 by
               and among the Company, ABPH and ABP Corporation. Incorporated by
               reference to the Company's Report on Form 8-K filed November 6,
               1998.

3.1            Certificate of Incorporation of Registrant, as amended to June 2,
               1991. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's
               Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994.
               3.1.1 Certificate of Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation,
               dated and filed June 3, 1991. Incorporated by reference to
               Exhibit 3.1.1 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for
               the year ended December 31, 1994.

3.1.2          Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation
               filed on June 2, 1994. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1.2
               to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
               December 31, 1994.

3.1.3          Certificate of Designations, Preferences and Rights of the Class
               B Preferred Stock (Series 1), filed November 30, 1994.
               Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1.3 to the Registrant's
               Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994.

<PAGE>

3.2            Bylaws of Registrant, as amended to date. Incorporated by
               reference to Registrant's registration statement on Form S-1
               (File No. 33-40153), Exhibit 3.2. 4.1.1 Amended and Restated
               Revolving Credit Agreement dated as of February 13, 1998 among
               the Issuer, Saint Louis Bread Company, Inc., ABP Midwest
               Manufacturing Co., Inc., BankBoston, N.A., USTrust and BankBoston
               N.A. as Agent. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1.1 to the
               Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December
               27, 1997.

4.1.2          Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Note dated as of February
               13, 1998 of the Issuer, Saint Louis Bread Company, Inc. and ABP
               Midwest Manufacturing Co., Inc. in favor of BankBoston, N.A.
               Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1.2 to the Company's
               Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 27, 1997.

4.1.3          Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Note dated as of
               February 13, 1998 of the Issuer, Saint Louis Bread Company, Inc.
               and ABP Midwest Manufacturing Co., Inc. in favor of USTrust.
               Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1.3 to the Company's
               Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 27, 1997.

4.1.4          First Amendment to Amended and Restated Revolving Credit
               Agreement dated as of June 30, 1998.

4.1.5          Second Amendment and Waiver to Amended and Restated
               Revolving Credit Agreement dated as of October 14, 1998.

4.1.6          Third Amendment and Waiver to Amended and Restated
               Revolving Credit Agreement dated as of January 20, 1999.

4.1.7          Fourth Amendment to Amended and Restated Revolving Credit
               Agreement dated as of March 25, 1999.

4.1.8          Fifth Amendment to Amended and Restated Revolving Credit
               Agreement dated as of May 14, 1999. *

4.2            Form of 4.75% Convertible Subordinated Note due 2001.
               Incorporated by reference to Registrant's Form 8-K filed
               December 22, 1993, Exhibit 4.

10.3.3         Registrant's 1992 Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Incorporated by
               reference to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
               year ended December 30, 1995.

10.3.4         Registrant's Formula Stock Option Plan for Independent Directors
               and form of option agreement thereunder, as amended. Incorporated
               by reference to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for
               the year ended December 30, 1995.

10.4           Amended and Restated Coffee Supply Agreement by and among
               Registrant and Peet's Companies, Inc., Peet's Coffee and Tea,
               Inc., and Peet's Trademark Company, dated as of the 26th day of
               October, 1994. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the
               Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
               December 31, 1994.

10.5           Indenture of Trust dated as of July 1, 1995 by and between the
               Industrial Development Authority of the City of Mexico, Missouri
               and Mark Twain Bank, as Trustee. Incorporated by reference to the
               Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
               December 30, 1995. 10.5.1 Loan Agreement dated as of July 1, 1995
               by and between the Industrial Development Authority of the City
               of Mexico, Missouri and ABP Midwest Manufacturing Co., Inc.
               Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Annual Report on
               Form 10-K for the year ended December 30, 1995.

10.5.2         Promissory Note issued by ABP Midwest Manufacturing Co., Inc. in
               the face amount of $8,741,370. Incorporated by reference to the
               Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
               December 30, 1995.

10.6.1         Employment Agreement between the Registrant and Richard Postle.
               Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Annual Report on
               Form 10-K for the year ended December 30, 1995.+

10.6.2         Employment Agreement between the Registrant and Robert Taft.
               Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Annual Report on
               Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 1996.+

10.6.3         Employment Agreement between the Registrant and Maxwell Abbott.
               Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6.3 of the Registrant's
               Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 1996.+

10.6.4         Employment Letter between the Registrant and Samuel Yong.
               Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6.4 of the Registrant's
               Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 1996.+

10.6.5         Employment Letter between the Registrant and William Moreton.*

10.6           Employment Letter between the Registrant and Michael Kupstas.*

10.7           Employment Letter between the Registrant and Thomas Howley.

10.8           Executive Employment Agreement between the Registrant and
               Thomas R. Howley.

10.6.8.1       Amendment to Executive Employment Agreement between the
               Registrant and Thomas R. Howley.**+

10.7.1         Form of Stock Purchase Warrant from Au Bon Pain Co., Inc. to
               Allied Capital Corporation, Allied Capital Corporation II, and
               Capital Trust Investments, Ltd. Incorporated by reference to
               Exhibit 10.7.1 of the

<PAGE>

               Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
               December 28, 1996.

10.7.2         Form of Contingent Stock Purchase Warrant from Au Bon Pain Co.,
               Inc. to Allied Capital Corporation, Allied Capital Corporation II
               and Capital Trust Investments, Ltd. Incorporated by reference to
               Exhibit 10.7.2 of the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for
               the year ended December 28, 1996.

10.7.3         Form of Stock Purchase Warrant from Au Bon Pain Co, Inc. to
               Princes Gate Investors, L.P., Acorn Partnership I L.P., PG
               Investments Limited, PGI Sweden AB and Gregor Von Open.
               Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7.3 of the Registrant's
               Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 1996.

10.7.4         Registration Rights Agreement dated as of July 24, 1996 among
               Allied Capital Corporation, Allied Capital Corporation II,
               Capital Trust Investments, Ltd., Princes Gate Investors, L.P.,
               Acorn Partnership I, L.P., PGI Investments Limited, PGI Sweden
               AB, Gregor Von Open and Au Bon Pain Co., Inc., Incorporated by
               reference to Exhibit 10.7.4 of the Registrant's Annual Report on
               Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 1996.

10.8.4         Form of Rights Agreement, dated as of October 21, 1996 between
               the Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company.
               Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Registration
               Statement on Form 8-A (File No. 000-19253).

10.9           Bakery Product Supply Agreement by and between Bunge Foods
               Corporation and Saint Louis Bread Company, Inc. dated as of March
               23, 1998. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the
               Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December
               27, 1997. 10.10 Bakery Product Supply Agreement by and between
               Bunge Foods Corporation and Au Bon Pain Co., Inc. dated as of
               March 23, 1998. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the
               Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December
               27, 1997.

10.11          Executive Employment Agreement between the Company and Sam Yong
               dated June 16, 1998. Incorporated by reference to the Company's
               Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended July 11,
               1998.+

21             Registrant's Subsidiaries.*

23.1           Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers L.L.P.*

27             Financial Data Schedule.*
</TABLE>
- -----------

*     Filed April 10, 2000, with the Commission on Form 10-K.

**    Filed herewith.

+     Management contract or compensatory plan required to be filed as an
      exhibit to this Form 10-K pursuant to Item 14(c).

                                      -15-

<PAGE>

                                   SIGNATURES

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended, the Registrant has duly caused this amendment to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

                                   PANERA BREAD COMPANY

                                   By: /s/ RONALD M. SHAICH
                                      -----------------------------------------
                                      Ronald M. Shaich, Chairman of the Board
                                      and Chief Executive Officer

Date:  April 24, 2000

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended, this amendment has been duly signed by the following persons on behalf
of the registrant and in the capacities and on the date indicated:

/s/ RONALD M. SHAICH
- --------------------------------------------
Ronald M. Shaich, Chairman of the
Board and Chief Executive Officer

/s/ WILLIAM W. MORETON
- --------------------------------------------
William W. Moreton, Senior Vice
President and Chief Financial Officer

/s/ GEORGE E. KANE
- --------------------------------------------
George E. Kane, Director

/s/ HENRY J. NASELLA
- --------------------------------------------
Henry J. Nasella, Director

/s/ DOMENIC COLASACCO
- --------------------------------------------
Domenic Colasacco, Director

All dated:  April 24, 2000

                                      -16-

<PAGE>
                                                              Exhibit 10.6.8

                         EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

     This EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT ("Agreement") is made this thirteenth
day of December, 1996, by and between Thomas Howley ("Employee") and Au Bon
Pain, Co., Inc., a Delaware corporation with a principal place of business in
Boston, Massachusetts (the "Company").

     WHEREAS, the Company wishes to employ and engage the services of the
Employee in an executive capacity for the Company, upon the terms, conditions,
and provisions of this Agreement; and

     WHEREAS, the Employee desires to provide services to the Company in
accordance with the terms, conditions, and provisions of this Agreement;

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants set forth herein,
and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which is hereby
acknowledged, the Company and Employee hereby agree as follows:

1.   DEFINITIONS

     For all purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the
     meanings specified in this Section 1 unless the context clearly requires
     otherwise:

     (a)  "BASE SALARY" means the Employee's annualized base salary set forth in
          Section 3 of this Agreement, and such increases thereto as may be
          established by the Company from time to time. In no event, however,
          shall Employee's Base Salary be less than the amount set forth in
          Section 3 of this Agreement. "Base Salary" shall not include any
          bonus, incentive compensation or employee benefits;

     (b)  "BENEFITS" means all employee benefits provided to the Employee by the
          Company, including medical, dental, long-term disability, life
          insurance, and such other benefits as may be provided from time to
          time by the Company generally to its employees;

     (c)  "INCENTIVE COMPENSATION" means additional compensation provided to the
          Employee by the Company during the term of this Agreement, if any,
          other than Base Salary and Benefits;

     (d) "SEVERANCE" means payments by the Company to the Employee after
          termination of employment, pursuant to this Agreement, at the rate
          of the Employee's annualized Base Salary (and car allowance, if
          any) as of the date of Employee's termination. Severance is payable
          on a weekly basis in substantially equal installments following
          Employee's termination, in such increments and for such period(s)
          of time designated in this Agreement ("Severance Period").
          Severance shall not include any bonuses or other Incentive
          Compensation. Except as set forth in the immediately preceding
          sentence, Severance shall also include the continuation of
          Employee's Benefits existing at the time of Employee's termination
          for the Severance Period. Employee shall be responsible for making
          all required contributions to continue Benefits during the
          Severance Period on the same basis as existed at the time of the
          Employee's termination. Severance shall be reduced (dollar for
          dollar) by any compensation and benefits Employee receives or earns
          during the Severance Period from any source other than the Company
          including, without limitation, salary, employee benefits,
          consulting fees, income from self-employment or otherwise.

2.   EMPLOYMENT

     The Company agrees to employ the Employee to render services to the Company
     in an executive capacity. Effective as of the date hereof, Employee hereby
     accepts such employment subject to the terms and conditions set forth
     herein. Employee agrees to devote his full attention, best talents and
     abilities to the job and to perform faithfully his duties and
     responsibilities hereunder.

3.   COMPENSATION

<PAGE>

     The Company shall pay Employee a Base Salary at the rate of $109,200
     annualized, Incentive Compensation, and Benefits, subject to federal and
     state withholdings and customary payroll deductions.

4.   TERM

     Unless terminated as provided in Section 5, or as otherwise provided in
     this Agreement, this Agreement shall continue for a two-year period from
     the commencement of Employee's employment with the Company or the effective
     date of this Agreement, whichever is later; thereafter, this Agreement
     shall automatically renew for additional one-year periods, unless either
     party notifies the other in writing of its intent not to renew this
     Agreement at least twenty-six (26) weeks prior to its expiration. In the
     event that either party gives notice of intent not to renew this Agreement,
     the Employee shall not be entitled to Severance.

5.   TERMINATION

     (a)  TERMINATION FOR CAUSE
          The Company may terminate Employee's employment at any time for cause,
          upon written notice specifying the reasons. As used herein, the term
          "cause" shall mean:

          (i)  The commission by Employee of any act of embezzlement, fraud,
               larceny, theft, or other willful misconduct or gross negligence
               in connection with the performance of Employee's duties which
               adversely affects the affairs of the Company;

          (ii) Employee's conviction of a felony, or conviction of a misdemeanor
               involving moral turpitude;

          (iii) A material breach of the terms of this Agreement which continues
               for fifteen (15) days after the Company has given written notice
               to the Employee specifying in reasonable detail the material
               breach.

     (b)  TERMINATION WITHOUT CAUSE
          Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Company may
          terminate Employee's employment, without cause, at any time, for any
          reason, effective upon thirty (30) days' written notice to the
          Employee. In the event of a termination without cause, the Employee
          shall be entitled to twenty-six (26) weeks' Severance.

     (c)  RESIGNATION
          The Employee may at any time during the term of this Agreement resign
          employment, effective upon ninety (90) days' written notice to the
          Company. Upon such resignation, the Employee shall not be entitled to
          any Severance, and, except as otherwise specifically set forth herein,
          the obligations of the Company to the Employee under this Agreement
          shall terminate upon the effective date of such resignation. Employee
          agrees to continue to perform his duties hereunder, and otherwise
          assist the Company in an orderly transition, during such ninety-day
          period.

     (d)  DISABILITY

          The Company may terminate Employee's employment if, at any time during
          the term of this Agreement, the Employee shall become disabled so that
          he is unable to perform the Employee's regular duties of employment,
          with reasonable accommodation, for a period of ninety (90) days in the
          aggregate during any 180-day period. The determination of the
          Employee's disability for purposes of this Section 5(d) shall be made
          by a qualified physician acceptable to both parties. In the event that
          the Company and the Employee are unable to agree upon a qualified
          physician, each party shall select a qualified physician, and in the
          even those two physicians are unable to agree upon a determination as
          to Employee's disability, a third neutral physician ("Neutral
          Physician") acceptable to the parties shall be selected. The
          determination of disability by the Neutral

<PAGE>

          Physician shall be final and binding for purposes of this Agreement.
          In the event this Agreement is terminated pursuant to this Section
          5(d), the Employee shall be entitled to twenty-six (26) weeks'
          Severance. Such Severance shall be offset dollar for dollar by any
          payments made in the aggregate to the Employee under the Company's
          existing Salary Continuation and Long-Term Disability Plan(s).

     (e)  DEATH
          This Agreement and all obligations of the Company hereunder shall
          terminate upon the death of the Employee. In the event of a
          termination upon the death of the Employee, monies or compensation
          owed by the Company to the Employee up to the date of termination
          shall be paid to the Employee's estate or designee.

6.   CONFIDENTIAL NATURE OF THIS AGREEMENT

     Employee agrees to keep confidential the terms of this Agreement. A
     violation of this provision shall entitle the Company to terminate this
     Agreement immediately, for cause, as set forth in Section 5 (a)(iii).
     Notwithstanding the above, the Employee may disclose the terms of this
     Agreement to his immediate family, bankers, accountants, attorneys, and
     other financial advisers, the Internal Revenue Service, the Massachusetts
     Department of Revenue, in the event that disclosure is necessary in
     litigation or arbitration involving this Agreement, or in the event that
     such disclosures shall be compelled by law.

7.   CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY INFORMATION

     (a)  The Employee understands and acknowledges that in the course of
          employment with the Company, Employee will have access to confidential
          and proprietary information of the Company and its affiliates (which
          shall mean entities controlling, controlled by or under common control
          with the Company, including without limitation, Saint Louis Bread
          Company, Inc. and its Affiliates) which constitute valuable, special
          and unique assets of the Company and its Affiliates. For purposes of
          this Agreement, such confidential and proprietary information shall
          include, without limitation, the following: trade secrets; operating
          techniques; procedures and methods; product specifications; customer
          lists; account information; price lists; discount schedules;
          correspondence with customers, vendors, employees, partners, or
          others; drawings; software; leads from suppliers; marketing
          techniques; procedures and methods; employee lists; internal financial
          reports of the Company and its Affiliates; sourcing lists; and
          recruiting lists (collectively, "Confidential Information").
     (b)  The Employee agrees that during the term of this Agreement and at any
          time thereafter, Employee will not, without the authorization of the
          Company: (I) disclose any Confidential Information to any person or
          entity for any purpose whatsoever; or (ii) make use of any
          Confidential Information for Employee's own purposes or for the
          benefit of any other person or entity, other than the Company and its
          Affiliates.
     (c)  The Employee agrees that upon the request of the Company or upon
          termination of employment, Employee shall return to the Company all
          documents or other materials, including electronic or computerized
          data, containing or relating to Confidential Information, along with
          all other Company property.

8.   RESTRICTIVE COVENANT

     During the term of this Agreement, and for one year after its termination,
     for whatever reason, the Employee shall not, directly or indirectly, either
     as an individual, employee, partner, officer, owner, director, shareholder,
     advisor or consultant, or in any other capacity whatsoever, on behalf of
     any person, firm, corporation, partnership or entity:

     (a)  be employed by or retained as a consultant or advisor to a competitive
          entity in the bakery/coffee/deli business. For purposes of this
          Agreement, "competitive entity"

<PAGE>

          includes, without limitation, the following companies doing business
          as: WALL STREET DELI; PARADISE BAKERY, INC.; STARBUCKS; VIE DE FRANCE;
          JAVA CITY; BRUEGGER'S BAGEL BAKERY; FINAGEL-A-BAGEL; LE BOULANGERIE;
          GREAT HARVEST; EINSTEIN'S/NOAH'S; PEET'S; CORNER BAKERY; BIG SKY, and
          their respective parents, subsidiaries, franchisees, affiliates,
          successors, or assigns. Additionally, "competitive entity" shall
          include, without limitation, any company which generates in the
          aggregate more than 25% of its revenues from the sale of baked goods
          and coffee, and their respective parents, subsidiaries, franchisees,
          affiliates, successors or assigns. Notwithstanding the above, the
          direct or indirect ownership of one percent (1%) or less of the stock
          of a competitive entity whose shares are listed on a national
          securities exchange or are quoted on the National Association of
          Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System or so-called Bulletin
          Board shall not, in and of itself, be deemed to be a violation of this
          Section 8(a);

     (b)  recruit, solicit, hire, or assist any other person or party in
          recruiting, soliciting, or hiring any employee of the Company or any
          of its Affiliates or any of their respective franchises.

          The Company may, in its sole discretion, waive enforcement of the
          provisions of this Section 8, which waiver shall be evidenced solely
          by the execution and delivery to the Employee of a written document
          setting forth the terms of such waiver, executed by an authorized
          representative of the Company.

9.   ENFORCEMENT

     Employee agrees and acknowledges that a violation of Sections 7 or 8 of
     this Agreement shall entitle the company to terminate this Agreement
     immediately, which termination shall be conclusively deemed to be a
     termination for cause, as set forth in Section 5(a) hereunder. In the event
     of a violation of Sections 7 or 8 of this Agreement, any further Severance,
     salary continuation, Benefits or other future compensation otherwise owed
     pursuant hereto shall be forfeited, and any Severance already paid or
     provided to the Employee shall likewise be forfeited and shall be
     immediately returned to the Company.

     The Employee acknowledges and agrees that the Company's remedies at law for
     a breach of Sections 7 or 8 of this Agreement are inadequate and that the
     harm caused thereby is irreparable. The Employee expressly agrees that in
     the event of a violation of Sections 7 or 8 of this Agreement, the Company
     shall be entitled to equitable relief enforcing the terms of this
     Agreement, including without limitation, specific performance, a temporary
     restraining order, preliminary injunction or permanent injunction to
     prevent any breach or attempted breach thereof. The provisions of Sections
     7, 8, and 9 shall survive the termination of this Agreement, in addition to
     any other which may survive pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.

10.  SEVERABILITY

     If any provision of this Agreement including, without limitation, Sections
     7, 8, or 9 hereof, is declared or found to be illegal, unenforceable, void,
     overbroad, or unreasonable in scope, territory, or duration, in whole or in
     part, then both parties will be relieved of all obligations arising under
     such provision, but only to the extent it is illegal, unenforceable, void,
     overbroad, or unreasonable in scope, territory or duration. The intent and
     agreement of the parties to this Agreement is that this Agreement will be
     deemed amended by modifying any such illegal, unenforceable, void,
     overbroad or unreasonable provision to the extent necessary to make it
     legal and enforceable while preserving its intent, or if such is not
     possible, by substituting therefor another provision that is legal and
     enforceable and achieves the same objectives. The foregoing
     notwithstanding, if the remainder of this Agreement will not be affected by
     such declaration or finding and is capable of substantial performance, then
     each provision not so affected will be enforced to the extent permitted by
     law.

11.  ARBITRATION

<PAGE>

     Any controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement or
     Employee's employment with the Company, except for claims of violation by
     the Employee of Sections 7 and 8 hereof which may be enforced by the
     Company in a court of competent jurisdiction pursuant to Section 9 hereof,
     shall be settled exclusively by binding arbitration before a single
     arbitrator in the City of Boston, in accordance with the Commercial
     Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association. The provisions
     hereof shall be a complete bar and defense to any suit, action or
     proceeding instituted by the Employee in any federal, state or local court
     or before any administrative tribunal with respect to any matter which is
     arbitrable as herein set forth. This Section shall survive the termination
     or expiration of this Agreement. Nothing herein contained shall be deemed
     to give any arbitrator any authority, power, or right to alter, change,
     amend, modify, add to, or subtract from any provisions of this agreement.
     The arbitrator shall have no authority to award punitive damages or
     attorney's fees to any party. The decision of the arbitrator shall be final
     and conclusive. Judgment on an award rendered by the arbitrator may be
     entered in any court of competent jurisdiction.

12.  NO CONFLICTING AGREEMENT

     Employee hereby represents and warrants that neither the entry into this
     Agreement nor its performance by Employee will conflict with or result in a
     breach of the terms, conditions or provisions of any other agreement or
     other obligation of any nature to which Employee is a party, or by which he
     is otherwise bound, including, without limitation, any other employment
     agreement, non-competition agreement, or confidentiality agreement.

13.  GOVERNING LAW

     The terms hereof shall be governed by, and construed and interpreted in
     accordance with, the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, without
     giving effect to its conflict of laws rules which may otherwise require the
     application of the law of another jurisdiction.

14.  SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS

     This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the
     Company and the Employee and their respective successors, assigns, heirs,
     legal representatives, executors and administrators.

15.  NOTICES

     (i)  All notices to the Employee shall be addressed to Employee at: or to
          other such place(s) as may be designated by written notice to the
          Company.

     (ii) All notices to the Company shall be addressed to the Company at:

          19 Fid Kennedy Avenue
          Boston, MA 02210
          Attn: C.E.O.

          With copies to:

          Walter D. Wekstein, Esq.
          Gadsby & Hannah LLP
          125 Summer Street
          Boston, MA 02110

          or to such other place(s) as may be designated by written notice to
          Employee.
     (iii)Notice shall be sufficient if given by hand or by certified mail,
          postage prepaid, return receipt requested, addressed to the party at
          its address described above. Unless

<PAGE>

          otherwise notified in writing, each party shall direct all sums
          payable to the other party at its address for notice purposes.

16.  HEADINGS

     The captions and headings in this Agreement are for convenience and
     reference only, and they shall in no way be held or deemed to define,
     modify or add to the meaning, scope or intent of any provision of this
     Agreement.

17.  ENTIRE AGREEMENT

     This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties and
     supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, written or oral on the
     subject matter hereof including, but not limited to, offer letters,
     employment letters, and agreements concerning severance pay.

18.  AMENDMENTS

     This Agreement may be modified only by written agreement signed by both the
     Employee and the Company.

19.  WAIVER

     The failure of any part at any time to require the performance of any
     provision(s) hereof shall in no manner affect the right(s) of such party at
     a later time to require the performance of said provision(s), and shall not
     be deemed a waiver of any obligations hereunder.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties to this Agreement have executed this
Agreement under seal, as of the date first above written.

AU BON PAIN CO., INC.

By:/s/Ronald M. Shaich                    Date: December 13, 1996
  ----------------------------------           ---------------------

Witness:/s/Deborah L. Emery               Date: December 13, 1996
        ----------------------------           ---------------------


THOMAS HOWLEY

/s/Thomas R. Howley                       Date: January 17, 1997
- ------------------------------------           ---------------------

Witness:/s/Jodi L. Benedetto              Date: January 17, 1997
        ----------------------------           ---------------------

<PAGE>

                                                              Exhibit 10.6.8.1

                   AMENDMENT TO EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

     This AMENDMENT TO EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT ("Amendment") is made this
17th day of November, 1999, by and between Thomas R. Howley ("Employee") and
Panera Bread Company (formerly known as Au Bon Pain, Co., Inc.), a Delaware
Corporation with a principle place of business in Boston, Massachusetts (the
"Company").

     WHEREAS, the Company and Employee wish to amend the Executive Employment
Agreement between the Employee and the Company dated December 13, 1996
("Agreement"); and

     WHEREAS, Employee desires to provide further services to the Company in
accordance with the terms, conditions and provisions of this Amendment and the
Agreement;

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants set forth herein,
and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which is hereby
acknowledged, the Company and Employee hereby agree as follows:

1.   DEFINITIONS. For all purposes of this Amendment, the terms and definitions
     herein shall have the same meanings specified in Section 1 of the
     Agreement, unless the context clearly requires otherwise.

2.   OPTIONS. All of Employee's nonqualified stock options held on May 15, 1999,
     the effective date of the sale of the Company's Au Bon Pain division to an
     affiliate of Bruckmann, Rosser, Sherrill & Co., Inc. (the "Options"), shall
     be vested and immediately exercisable, subject to approval of the Company's
     Board of Directors, if not done already, which approval shall be sought as
     soon as reasonably practicable. The Options are listed on EXHIBIT "A" to
     this Agreement. If Employee is still employed at the Company at the end of
     the exercise period of the Options, the Company will make best efforts to
     replace the Options with new options priced at the Price/Share the Options
     as shown in Exhibit A were exercised at. The foregoing notwithstanding,
     Employee will be eligible to participate in the Company's incentive stock
     option program, subject to necessary corporate approvals.

3.   BASE SALARY. Effective July 1, 1999, Employee's base salary shall be at the
     rate of One Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($150,000) annualized. Base
     Salary does not include any bonus, incentive compensation, car allowance,
     or other employee benefits, as set forth in the Agreement.

4.   BONUS, CAR ALLOWANCE AND EMPLOYEE BENEFITS. Employee will be eligible for
     participation in the Company's performance bonus compensation program as
     may be provided from time to time generally by the Company to its employees
     and pursuant


<PAGE>

     to the Agreement. Employee will continue to receive an annual car allowance
     of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000) payable in weekly installments and shall
     receive such other benefits as may be provided from time to time generally
     by the Company to its employees and pursuant to the Agreement.

5.   SEVERANCE. The Company may terminate Employee's employment with the Company
     effective as of the date specified by not less than thirty (30) days'
     written notice to Employee. Employee may terminate his employment with the
     Company effective as of the date specified by not less than one hundred
     eighty (180) days' written notice (the "Employee's Notice Period") to the
     Company. During the Employee's Notice Period, Employee agrees to work full
     time and to use his best efforts to assist the Company in the transition.

     a.   TERMINATION AT THE COMPANY'S ELECTION. In the event that the Company
          terminates Employee's employment, without Cause, the Company shall pay
          Employee Severance for fifty-two (52) weeks, calculated as of the
          effective date of Employee's termination. Without limitation of the
          Company's obligation to pay Severance for fifty-two (52) weeks as
          described above, the Company may, in its sole discretion, shorten or
          eliminate the notice period contained in the Company's notice of
          termination, and terminate Employee's employment at an earlier date.
          Employee may be asked to work full time, at the Company's prerogative,
          during the first six months (26 weeks) of the severance period.

     b.   TERMINATION AT EMPLOYEE'S ELECTION. In the event that Employee resigns
          (including, without limitation any resignation given under Section 7
          below), he shall not be entitled to any Severance and, the obligations
          of the Company under the Amendment shall terminate. The Company may,
          in its sole discretion, shorten or eliminate the notice period
          contained in Employee's notice of termination, and terminate
          Employee's employment at an earlier date. Provided, however, that in
          the event the Company shortens or eliminates the Employee's Notice
          Period, the Company shall pay Employee compensation in lieu of notice
          equal to the balance he would have received during Employee's Notice
          Period, plus car allowance

     c.   MITIGATION BY EMPLOYMENT. By way of confirmation and not limitation or
          modification of the terms contained in the Agreement regarding
          Severance, Employee acknowledges that Severance shall be reduced
          dollar for dollar by any compensation and benefits Employee receives
          or earns during the Severance period from any source other than the
          Company, including, without limitation, salary, employee benefits,
          consulting fees, income from self employment or otherwise.

     d.   COMPETITIVE ENTITY. Employee acknowledges and agrees that the term
          "competitive entity" as used in the Agreement shall be deemed to
          include,


                                       2

<PAGE>

     without limitation, ABP Corporation and its parent, subsidiaries,
     franchisees, affiliates, successors or assigns.

6.   GENERAL COUNSEL AND VICE PRESIDENT OF CONSTRUCTION RESPONSIBILITIES.
     Although Employee's duties and responsibilities may change from time to
     time in the discretion of the Company, it is expected that Employee will
     provide leadership on business, legal, construction, development, and
     cultural issues, and participate in strategic business discussions as a
     member of Leavening Team or other executive committee with President, CFO,
     Chief Retail Operating Officer and other Vice Presidents.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties to this Amendment have executed this

                      [SIGNATURE PAGE IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWS]


                                       3

<PAGE>

Amendment under seal, as of the date first above written.

PANERA BREAD COMPANY

By:/s/Ronald M. Shaich                      Date: NOVEMBER 17, 1999
   ----------------------------                   -----------------


THOMAS R.HOWLEY

/s/THOMAS R. HOWLEY                         Date: NOVEMBER 17, 1999
- -------------------------------                   -----------------


                                       4

<PAGE>

                                   EXHIBIT "A"

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                         OPTIONS HELD AS OF MAY 15, 1999

         OPTION       OPTION
         NUMBER       DATE         PLAN/TYPE    SHARES    PRICE/SHARE

<S>                  <C>           <C>           <C>         <C>
         001167      11/02/92      1992/NQ       5,284       $   7.25
         001168      02/23/93      1992/NQ       3,154       $   7.25
         001169      06/01/94      1992/NQ       3,378       $   7.25
         020114      06/01/95      1992/NQ       4,056       $   7.25
         020218      05/31/96      1992/NQ       4,423       $   8.73
         020563      06/12/97      1992/NQ       5,000       $   7.50
         020606      06/25/98      1992/NQ       7,000       $  10.94
</TABLE>


                                       5


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