ST. LOUIS — Scott G. Davis, executive vice-president, chief concept and innovation officer at Panera Bread Co., has informed the company he will not return following his previously announced sabbatical for personal reasons to focus on his health. His last day will be Dec. 31.
Mr. Davis has been responsible for bringing the customer experience alive multi-dimensionally in Panera’s bakery-cafes. His work included the ongoing evolution of the Panera Bread concept for which he draws on his experience at Panera as well as his time with Saint Louis Bread Co. where, in 1996, he spearheaded the creation of its new prototype bakery-cafe.
He joined Au Bon Pain Co. as a store manager in 1987. In 1993 he became new concept manager and led the development of the company’s “Choices” concept. In 1995, he was tapped to create an R.&D. team for Saint Louis Bread Co., which later became known as Panera Bread as it expanded nationally. He was named director that same year and has since led the Panera concept team. In May 2010 he was named executive vice-president and was honored byNation's Restaurant Newswith its 2011 MenuMasters Innovator Award.
