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Panera Debuts ‘Bread Hat’ Ahead Of The Kentucky Derby

The Kentucky Derby is always going to serve up fashion. The Louisville-based horse race is packed with bold colors, head-turning hats, and Southern charm. The 150th Kentucky Derby is set…

A sign is posted on the exterior of a Panera Bread
Justin Sullivan / Getty Images

The Kentucky Derby is always going to serve up fashion. The Louisville-based horse race is packed with bold colors, head-turning hats, and Southern charm. The 150th Kentucky Derby is set to kick off on Saturday, May 4, and Panera is debuting their “bread hat” to celebrate. They’re also throwing in a $100 Panera gift card.

The bread hat isn’t made from an actual bread bowl but it sure does look like it. The hat was created by  A-Morir Studio, which has created fashion for stars like Jennifer Lopez and Lady Gaga.

Panera Bread Hat: What it's made of

According to the food chain, the hat’s centerpiece is a 3D-printed replica of a bread bowl surrounded by colorful ostrich feathers. It also has green and yellow feathers that serve as a nod to the brand’s broccoli and cheddar soup.

If you want one of these Derby-themed bread hats, they’re selling them online for $12 on  ThePaneraShop.com. The company said that the price tag is a playful nod to its “21 new and enhanced dishes” on its newly revamped menu.

Additionally, all online purchases of the hat will come with a $100 gift card. You can use it to get yourself a matching broccoli cheddar soup bread bowl to match your hat. The company also said you will get your hat before the Kentucky Derby.

The company shared the news about the hat on Instagram with a post that said, "Pace day fit check [hat emoji] [star emoji]."

The chain is no stranger to wearable merchandise. In 2021, the company created a bread bowl-shaped glove specifically designed to help people hold iced coffee. They set out to create something to protect these customers' potentially “doubly-frozen” hands. 

Last year, they opened an official merchandise shop. This is when they carried the viral BAGuette handbag. The website will be the go-to place to purchase Panera-themed swag. There are mac and cheese tracksuits, “all my friends are bread” crewnecks, and even a toddler onesie that reads “Just Baked.”

Earlier this month, the company announced a new menu. "Panera items guests love the most:  Soups, Salads, Sandwiches, and Mac & Cheese.  Filled with more than 20 menu updates - 9 delicious new menu items and 12 enhanced classics—the new menu offers guests better value through enhanced portions and lower price points, while also being easier for guests to navigate," Panera said in a news release.

In addition to new and enhanced entrees, The chain has added more new menu options below $10, like the Tomato Basil BLT, Ranch Cobb Salad, and Mediterranean Greens with Grains. 

Kayla is the midday host on Detroit’s 105.1 The Bounce. She started her career in radio back in 2016 as an intern at another Detroit station and worked her way here. She's made stops in Knoxville, TN, Omaha, Ne and other places before returning to Detroit. She’s done almost everything in radio from promotions to web, creating content on social media, you name it. She’s a true Michigander, born and raised. So, you can catch her camping or vacationing up north to exploring the downtown Detroit or maybe even catching a sports game. During her free time, Kayla enjoys watching movies, roller-skating, crafting, and music festivals. She and her husband together dip into many of the great things Michigan has to offer. Together they also like to travel. A few hobbies of hers include wine and beer tastings, crafting, hiking, roller skating, movies, home improvement projects, gardening, and festivals. She’s always looking to take on more local events happening in the community. She loves connecting with the community. When writing, Kayla covers topics including lifestyle, pop culture, trending stories, hacks, and urban culture.