Business Case: Panera Bread CompanyThe main challenge is determining how Panera Bread can continue to achieve high growth rates in the future. Panera Bread operates in an extremely competitive restaurant market, requiring the company to improve and grow steadily to remain profitable. The company's mission statement to put "a loaf of bread in every arm" is just the foundation of Panera's commitment to growth. They are now in a good financial position and facing growth rates of up to 20% per year in a niche market that has great growth potential. Over the next 7 years, the fast-casual market is expected to grow 500% in sales to reach a total of $30 billion. So I think there are 3 alternatives that can be considered for the future. The first idea that came to mind was to sell Panera or partner with one of the big players in the restaurant business. Panera has an incredibly high market value, as evidenced by the goodwill estimate on the balance sheet. By partnering with a large franchise company like McDonalds or Burger King, Panera's expansion could be backed by a much larger amount of money. The downside of this deal would be that Panera executives would lose their power of control over the company's operations and allow the combined company to misuse Panera for its own interests and goals. Considering these issues by partnering with another company raises questions about the need for a joint venture which led me to the second alternative. The company must maintain its strategy of steady growth model and production of high quality products. Panera has been doing very well in recent years and the fast casual market has great undertapped potential for the future. Nevertheless, Panera must be aware of the major competing franchisors who have the power and will to compete with Panera for customers, market share, and profits. This major threat could result in a long-term recession in sales. Panera still doesn't have the financial strength of McDonald's or a similar large franchiser. My third idea was the opportunity for international expansion that would allow Panera to become a pioneer in the global fast-casual market. There is nothing similar on the European market so far and it could fit perfectly with European culture..