# Cuban-Inspired Bakery Sandwiches The Panera Bread Cuban Sandwich is Made with Artisan Ingredients By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2018-09-14 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/panera-bread-cuban-sandwich References: [chewboom](https://www.chewboom.com/2018/09/13/panera-introduces-new-cuban-sandwich/) & [panerabread](https://www.panerabread.com) The Panera Bread Cuban Sandwich has been launched by the brand as a new regionally inspired menu item that is inspired by the classic sandwich from the Caribbean island nation. The sandwich consists of an artisan ciabatta bun that has been topped with premium ham, shredded pork, mustard, Emmental cheese and sweet and spicy pickles. This creates something of a savory sandwich that is sure to be a hit amongst those who are seeking out a new version of the classic snack variety that has come to be favored by consumers the world over. The Panera Bread Cuban Sandwich has been launched by the brand as a part of its fall 2018 menu that focuses on heavier fare as the temperature begins to drop and consumers seek out heartier food varieties. Image Credit: Panera Bread ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.4/10 - Popularity: 67% | Activity: 88% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Regional-inspired Menu Items:** Opportunity for other brands to create regionally inspired menu items that appeal to consumers looking for unique flavor experiences. - **Artisan Ingredients:** Opportunity to develop products using high-quality artisan ingredients that cater to consumers' growing interest in premium and gourmet options. - **Hearty Food Varieties:** Opportunity to offer heartier food options during colder months to cater to consumers' preferences for comforting and satisfying meals. ### Who This Affects Most - **Fast Casual Restaurants:** Opportunity for fast casual restaurants to introduce regional-inspired menu items and capitalize on consumers' interest in unique flavors and ingredients. - **Artisan Food Producers:** Opportunity for artisan food producers to supply high-quality ingredients to restaurants and brands looking to offer artisan-inspired menu items. - **Ready-to-eat Food Retail:** Opportunity for ready-to-eat food retailers to offer convenient and satisfying hearty food options that cater to consumers' preferences during colder months. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Hefty Pork Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/potbelly-cubano.md) - [Chef-Curated Toasted Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/panera-toasted-baguette-sandwiches.md) - [Melty Deli Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/black-forest-ham-gouda-melt-sandwich.md) - [Cuban-Inspired Sub Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cubano-sub-sandwich.md) - [Vegan-Friendly Cuban Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-cubano-sandwich.md) - [Cuban Sandwich-Inspired Burgers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cubano-charburger.md) - [Savory-Sweet Bakery Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/panera-bread-breakfast-menu.md) - [Extensive Springtime Bakery Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/panera-menu.md) - [Salsa-Topped Chicken Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spicy-fiesta-chicken.md)