# Unlimited Coffee Subscriptions Panera is Looking to Revolutionize How Consumers Purchase Coffee By Kalin Ned | Published 2021-03-01 | Business Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/unlimited-coffee-subscription References: [grubstreet](https://www.grubstreet.com/2020/07/restaurant-subscriptions.html) & [usatoday](https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/food/2020/02/27/unlimited-coffee-panera-bread-new-coffee-subscription-program/4882655002/) Panera has made the unlimited coffee subscription experience a reality—at least since last winter. For just $8.99 a month, consumers can enjoy "free" unlimited coffee; apparently as often as once every two hours. This model allows for a new take on the loyalty program that many cafes and restaurants have relied on in the past. However, a subscription service might prove to be more frugal. GrubStreet writer Rachel Sugar writes: "you go to Panera because you've already paid for Panera, and while you're there, you might also buy a muffin. Many restaurants and cafes are following Panera's lead on the unlimited coffee subscription model. According to Business Insider, the popularity of this signals the "radical new weapon in the fast-food-breakfast wars.” Image Credit: Panera Bread ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.7/10 - Popularity: 78% | Activity: 83% | Freshness: 9% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/business) > [New Ventures](https://www.trendhunter.com/newventures) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Unlimited Coffee Subscriptions:** The unlimited coffee subscription model is gaining popularity among cafes and restaurants, disrupting traditional loyalty programs. - **Frugal Subscription Services:** Subscription services like Panera's unlimited coffee offering may prove to be a more budget-friendly alternative to traditional loyalty programs. - **Fast-food Breakfast Wars:** The unlimited coffee subscription model is seen as a radical new weapon in the ongoing fast-food breakfast wars. ### Who This Affects Most - **Food and Beverage:** The food and beverage industry may benefit from offering subscription-based loyalty programs to attract and retain customers. - **Hospitality:** Hotels and other hospitality businesses may find success in offering subscription-based coffee programs to guests as a value-add. - **Marketing and Advertising:** Marketing and advertising firms may be able to help businesses develop and implement subscription-based loyalty programs to drive customer engagement and retention. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Unlimited Beverage Subscriptions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/unlimited-sip-club.md) - [Free Coffee Promotions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/free-coffee-promotion.md) - [Year-Long Drink Subscriptions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/annual-unlimited-sip-club-membership.md) - [Unlimited Loyalty Programs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/panera-unlimited-sip-club.md) - [Celebratory Free Coffee Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/free-coffee-campaign.md) - [Subscription-Based Coffee Services](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/noma-kaffe.md) - [QSR Subscription Programs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/footlong-pass.md) - [AI-Powered Robotic Baristas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cookright-coffee.md) - [Members-Only Coffee Passes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cold-brew-pass.md)