Panera Bread $2.5M Data Breach Class Action Settlement

Consumes who received a notice letter from Panera regarding a data security incident discovered in March 2024 may qualify to claim up to $7,350 from a class action settlement.

Panera LLC agreed to pay $2.5 million to settle a class action lawsuit alleging negligence, invasion of privacy, breach of implied contract, unjust enrichment and violations of California’s Consumer Privacy Act. The lawsuit claimed an unauthorized third party accessed sensitive information, including names and Social Security numbers, of Panera’s current and former employees, as well as a small number of customers, contractors and other individuals.

Who can file a Panera claim?

Class members must reside in the United States and have received a notice from Panera stating their private information may have been compromised in the March 2024 incident.

How much can class members get?

Class members can claim one or more of the following benefits:

• Unreimbursed ordinary out-of-pocket losses: Up to $500 for documented expenses, such as credit monitoring, freezing or unfreezing credit reports, notary fees, postage, copying and mileage
• Unreimbursed extraordinary losses and attested time: Up to $6,500 for documented losses related to the incident, such as identity theft, fraud or falsified tax returns. This category also allows up to $250 for up to 10 hours of time spent remedying issues related to the incident at $25 per hour.
• California statutory payment: Up to $100 for class members who resided in California at the time of the incident (March 2024)
• Residual cash payment: Up to $250 for all class members with an approved claim. The actual amount will depend on the number of claims and the funds remaining after deductions for other payments and expenses.

If the total of all approved claims exceeds the $2.5 million settlement fund, the settlement administrator will reduce payments proportionally.

How to claim a class action payment

Class members can file an online claim form or download, print and complete the PDF claim form and mail it to the settlement administrator.

Settlement administrator's mailing address: In re Panera Data Security Litigation, c/o Kroll Settlement Administration LLC, P.O. Box 5324, New York, NY 10150-5324

What proof or documentation is required to submit a claim?

All class members must provide their class member ID. Those who received a settlement notice by U.S. mail can find their ID on the envelope or postcard. Those who received a settlement notice by email can find their ID in the email. 

For ordinary out-of-pocket or extraordinary losses, claimants must provide documentation, including receipts, account statements, correspondence with financial institutions or other official records. Self-prepared documents, such as handwritten receipts, are not sufficient on their own but can be submitted as clarification.

Payout options

• Electronic transfer (online claims only)
• Paper check

$2.5 million settlement fund breakdown

The $2,500,000 settlement fund covers:

• Settlement administration costs: To be determined
• Attorneys’ fees: Up to $833,333.33
• Attorneys’ expenses: Up to $50,000
• Service awards to class representatives: Up to $2,000 each
• Payments to eligible class members: The remainder of the fund

If any funds remain after the above payments, the settlement administrator will donate them to a nonprofit approved by the court.

Important dates

• Deadline to opt out: Oct. 13, 2025
• Deadline to file a claim: Nov. 11, 2025
• Final fairness hearing: Jan. 29, 2026

When is the Panera data breach settlement payout date?

Payments will be made approximately 90 days after the court grants final approval of the settlement and any appeals are resolved.

Why did this class action settlement happen?

The class action lawsuit alleged Panera was responsible for a data security incident in March 2024 that exposed private information of employees and others. The plaintiffs claimed Panera was negligent and violated privacy laws.

Panera denies any wrongdoing but agreed to settle to avoid the cost and risk of litigation and appeals.

Sources

1. Class notice
2. Settlement agreement.pdf)
3. Claim form
4. Settlement FAQ