Panera Bread Launches Fall Menu With Nostalgic ‘Gilmore Girls’ Reunion

Fall is here, and Panera Bread is celebrating cozy season with a brand-new seasonal menu and a dose of small-town nostalgia. The fast-casual favorite has tapped "Gilmore Girls" stars Jared Padalecki and Matt Czuchry to headline its Fall for Your Favorites Meal campaign, highlighting the return of beloved classics and the debut of exciting new items. Much like a "Gilmore Girls" rewatch on a crisp autumn afternoon, Panera’s fall menu aims to deliver comfort, warmth, and tradition. In the new campaign, Padalecki and Czuchry bring to life the personalities of Panera’s iconic soup lineup, including the dependable Hearty Fireside Chili, the sophisticated Autumn Squash Soup, and the brooding Black Bean Soup, which is making its long-awaited return after a seven-year hiatus. For fans, it’s a reminder that nothing pairs better with cozy traditions than a hot bowl of soup.

“Fall and Panera soup just go together, just like a nostalgic rewatch of your favorite fall show,” Padalecki shared, per a press release sent to The Blast. “It was so much fun to get back into the autumn spirit for this campaign, and it didn’t hurt having some delicious soups and new menu items from Panera while on set.”

Alongside its signature soups, Panera is introducing a Crème Brûlée Latte, a rich espresso drink topped with whipped cream and caramel sugar, as well as a vibrant Harvest Medley Chicken Salad featuring seasonal flavors. Rounding out the menu are the returning fan-favorite Pumpkin Cookie and the revival of Ciabatta Dippers, which include the classic French Dipper and a new Chicken Pesto version, both designed for dunking into warm soups.

“Fall is one of our favorite seasons at Panera, when we get to spotlight warm, comforting classics alongside fresh, seasonal flavors,” Mark Shambura, Chief Marketing Officer at Panera Bread, said.

He added, “This year, we’re celebrating not just with the return of guest-favorite soups, but also with playful content that personifies them in a way fans will instantly recognize.”

Panera’s fall rollout comes just a week after the brand delighted fans by bringing back its Ciabatta Dippers, those iconic melty sandwiches paired with soup for the ultimate dunking experience. Inspired by guests’ favorite ritual of dipping Panera sandwiches into hearty bowls, the dippable duo debuted last year and quickly became a fan obsession.

Now back by popular demand, the lineup includes the returning French Dipper, featuring marinated steak with provolone, asiago, and garlic aioli on rustic ciabatta with a side of Bistro French Onion Soup, and the all-new Chicken Pesto Dipper, loaded with grilled chicken, provolone, parmesan, and basil pesto, served with Creamy Tomato Soup.

The bakery-café chain also recently expanded its breakfast menu with the Ham Croissant Benny, a flaky, all-butter croissant layered with Black Forest ham, scrambled egg, and cheesy Benedict sauce.

Together, these new additions prove Panera isn’t just leaning into cozy fall flavors; it’s making sure fans can get their fix from breakfast through dinner.

With the return of beloved favorites like Black Bean Soup, the launch of new seasonal staples, and a touch of celebrity nostalgia courtesy of Jared Padalecki and Matt Czuchry, Panera Bread is solidifying its position as a go-to destination for fall comfort. Add the comeback of Ciabatta Dippers and the indulgent new Ham Croissant Benny, and the bakery-café ensures fans can enjoy cozy flavors morning, noon, and night. Whether you’re curling up with a warm latte, dipping a sandwich into soup, or settling in for a Gilmore Girls rewatch, Panera is delivering the perfect recipe for fall.

Panera’s new fall menu officially launches on September 24, 2025, and is available for dine-in, drive-thru, Rapid Pick-Up, or delivery. The Fall for Your Favorites Meal will be offered exclusively through the Panera Bread app, making it easier than ever to savor fall flavors at home, at work, or on the go.