Imagine walking into Panera and being able to pay the amount you decide on rather than a pre-listed price on a menu. Well, that's exactly what the Panera Cares locations offered. Between 2010 and 2019, Panera opened several of these community cafes across the U.S., operating on a pay-what-you-can model designed to help low-income individuals access nutritious meals. This innovative concept really broke down a barrier to healthy food by allowing customers to choose their prices, encouraging generosity while supporting community engagement. The initiative was part of Panera's broader commitment to addressing food insecurity and promoting social responsibility. However, despite its noble intentions, the model faced financial sustainability challenges, leading to the gradual closure of all Panera Cares locations. The last remaining one in Boston sadly shut its doors in 2019.