Bruegger’s continues to introduce new menu items with a line of toasted panini sandwiches served on ciabatta.
The 300-unit bagel chain based in Burlington, Vt., is adding the crisp-crusted, soft-centered bread as one of its bakery selections and is also using it to make two panini: one with turkey, artichoke pesto, tomatoes and mozzarella, and another with chicken, cheddar cheese and aïoli topped with fresh greens.
Prices vary depending on the location, but the sandwiches are under $7 at all stores, the company said in a statement.
The chain is also featuring two seasonal specials through September 20: a sesame multigrain bagel with cucumber dill cream cheese, and Fair Trade certified Wild Mountain Blueberry coffee, which will be served iced or hot.
Bruegger’s introduction of panini is consistent with a national trend, according to a Dataessential survey of 3,413 independent and chain restaurants, which says they are one of the fastest growing sandwich types in the country.
In the past four years, panini’s presence on menus has increased by 45 percent in all segments, and by more than 36 percent in quick- service restaurants, according to Datassential.
In the past year alone, that segment has seen a 9.8 percent increase in quick-service restaurants.
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