Michael McEwen

Michael McEwen is the Senior Culinary Manager at Panera Bread where he plays a pivotal role in developing new products for the sandwich category and leading supply chain initiatives. With deep understanding of culinary innovation and menu strategy, Michael is helping guide Panera in a new era of taste and efficiency. In his role with the Spend Smarter and Menu Transformation projects, Michael focuses on creating new sandwich offerings that not only delight customers but also drive profitability and streamline operations for the organization.

After spending 20 years honing his skills in Boston restaurants, Michael transitioned into culinary research and development. Over the past 15 years, he has made significant contributions at both Panera Bread and Dunkin’, creating craveable products that resonate with consumers both domestically and in international markets, including South Korea and Chile. 

Beyond his professional achievements, Michael is deeply committed to giving back to the community. He supports nonprofit organizations such as the Boston Food Bank and the Pie in Sky event for Community Servings. Michael enjoys spending quality time with his two children, including cooking with them, as well as paddle boarding in Boston harbor and exploring the open road on his motorcycle.