Panera’s New Loyalty Program Has Keke Palmer’s Seal Of Approval

There are likeable people, and then there’s Keke Palmer. The actress, singer-songwriter, TV and podcast host, and all-around sensation is the very definition of a modern star, and with a combination of a diverse skillset, serious charm, and media savvy, she stays booked and busy. The internet is keen to know the details of her personal life too, and over the last few months, there’s been a lot of chatter about who she’s been dating…and Palmer has decided it’s time to step into the conversation. 

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She’s doing it with Panera. In a playful, knowing move, Palmer’s teamed up with the chain to mark the refresh of its MyPanera rewards program. Here’s what you need to know. 

Refreshingly Loyal

Panera is partnering with Palmer for Refreshingly Loyal, a new campaign that sees the actress take what everyone’s been talking about (ie. her love life) and reclaim the narrative. Through the campaign, Palmer aims to show everyone that loyalty really is a virtue – and how nice it is when the relationship you’re engaging with gives something back to you. 

Here, though, the relationship isn’t with a person (so anyone who’s expecting Sean Evans to appear in the campaign, you might just be disappointed)…but with MyPanera, Panera’s loyalty program. And all of this marketing ain’t for nothing: MyPanera is getting a new lease of life. 

MyPanera’s Loyalty Update

Starting August 19, the MyPanera rewards program is getting an update. Now, it’ll work with the points-based rewards system that so many other chains utilize, and Panera promises that it’ll make “earning and redeeming rewards for free Panera items faster and easier than ever.” As has been the case in the test markets where it’s been trying this new system out, you can now earn 10 points for every $1 spent – and once you’ve stacked up enough of them, you can start redeeming, from free bagels or bakery items for 250 points to full whole entrées for 2000 points. 

Panera’s new loyalty program also has three membership tiers: Its base scheme is free and available to everyone, but guests who spend $300 in a calendar year can unlock MyPanera+, giving them access to some nifty bonuses like bonus points on delivery orders and free birthday You Pick Twos. You can also opt for a MyPanera+ Sip Club subscription, giving you everything you’d get in MyPanera+ and up to 30 select beverages a month, plus more. 

Free Points!

Oh! And to mark both the new MyPanera loyalty program and Palmer’s campaign, if you make a purchase in the new program from now through September 1, you can get 500 bonus points. That’s enough for a free Energy Refresher or Fresca, or two bagels. Not bad! And MyPanera members will also get exclusive access to the new Tropical Mango Pineapple Energy Refresher, which also launches today (it’s only available through the app, though, just FYI).

Well, now. Isn’t there a lot going on here? It’s not unusual for Panera to team up with some of the net’s favorite celebs, either: A few months ago, it collaborated with Jake Shane to promote its Mix & Match menu. The chain’s fall menu is also out now. They’ve been working overtime over there.