Panera workers slam new menu item as 'huge waste' as customers question value

Panera Bread's latest menu item is drawing backlash online, as employees of the chain are claiming the new item leads to perfectly good bread and extra salad being tossed in the trash.

The fast-casual chain's new Salad Stuffers, which launched April 8, are marketed as "a bread bowl for your salad." 

But workers posting on Reddit claim the offering requires throwing away significant portions of Italian bread — and in some cases, leftover salad — according to an article in Today.com.

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In Panera's announcement earlier this month about the new category, chief marketing officer Mark Shambura said guests in testing "couldn't get enough" of the new roll, and called the concept a fresh spin on the chain's signature bread bowl.

The reaction online, though, has been less enthusiastic.

"The core of the bread is thrown out, and a good chunk of the salad gets tossed in the trash, too," someone claiming to be an employee at the chain wrote on Reddit's Panera forum. 

"These are a huge waste of money and food. ... I wouldn't recommend spending your hard-earned cash on them."

Another poster shared a photo on the same Reddit community, showing a tray piled with hollowed-out bread pieces. 

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The person wrote, "My manager went to a meeting about menu changes and was told these scraps cannot be given to customers or fed to birds."

Some commenters also questioned whether the item represents a true innovation — arguing it closely resembles a standard sandwich with minor changes.

"What's a Salad Stuffer roll? They shove a salad into a hollowed-out roll? Isn't that just a sandwich then?" one Reddit user wrote.

Another chimed in, "Why not just make a sandwich??"

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Others suggested ways the leftover bread could be repurposed to reduce waste.

"We made croutons and had a snack," one commenter wrote — while another said, "I will be making French toast casserole with these scraps."

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Said yet another person, "If the CEO were a smart man, these would be the new croutons.

Someone else added, "They should bake the dough with a tinfoil thing inside so the bread is hollow and doesn't need to be wasted!!"

Others suggested a bread pudding dessert or stuffing.

One commenter simply exclaimed, "I want my bread guts!"

Outside reviewers have also raised questions about whether the product is worth the price, adding to criticism from some customers.

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In a review, Tasting Table said Panera's Salad Stuffers were "meh" as expected. The outlet praised a few heartier combinations, such as the Steakhouse Salad Stuffer, but argued against the value.

The review ultimately recommended that customers just order a half salad, take the free baguette on the side and make their own version.

Some critics have also pointed out that the item bears a resemblance to offerings from Bread Zeppelin, a Texas-based chain known for its salad-stuffed baguettes, Today.com reported.

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Bread Zeppelin also leaned into the comparison.

"Hey @PaneraBread, Zeppelin's walked, so Stuffers could ... try," the company posted on social media. 

It also promoted a limited-time deal encouraging customers to bring in a Panera receipt to receive a free salad-stuffed baguette to compare the two.

The chain has also emphasized that it repurposes leftover bread into items like croutons and bread pudding.

But not everyone was so quick to toss the Salad Stuffer. 

One Reddit commenter said the item was "delicious" and described it as "like a Panera version of a wrap."

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Fox News Digital reached out to Panera, which is headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, for comment.

In its announcement about the new Salad Stuffer item, the brand said, "Panera chefs and bakers innovated the new Italian Stuffer Roll to deliver the ideal balance of fluffy, soft bread and a freshly prepared dressed salad in every bite. Guests can make any salad on the menu a Stuffer, from classics like the Green Goddess Cobb Salad with Chicken or Caesar Salad to two bold, chef-crafted options created specifically for this new innovation, available at participating cafés."

Panera Bread first opened in 1987. As of March 31, 2026, there were 2,251 bakery-cafés in 48 states, in Washington, D.C., and in Ontario, Canada, the company said in its release. 

source https://www.foxnews.com/food-drink/panera-workers-slam-new-menu-item-huge-waste-customers-question-value

Leavitt blames 'left-wing cult of hatred' after WHCA Dinner shooting

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, delaying her maternity leave after Saturday's shooting at the White House Correspondents Association Dinner, praised the "fearless" leadership of President Donald Trump, blaming a "left-wing cult of hatred" for political violence.

"Those who constantly falsely label and slander the president as a fascist, as a threat to democracy, and compare him to Hitler to score political points, are fueling this kind of violence," Leavitt told reporters Monday at the White House. 

"The left-wing cult of hatred against the president and all of those who support him and work for him has gotten multiple people hurt and killed, and it almost did so again this weekend."

Leavitt said the White House had expected to spend the evening discussing "speech and the First Amendment" with reporters before, but "the night was hijacked by a crazed anti-Trump individual who traveled across the country to assassinate the president and as many administration officials as possible."

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Leavitt thanked law enforcement and the Secret Service for rushing into action, singling out an agent who she said was struck in the chest but saved by a bulletproof vest.

She said Trump, after returning to the Oval Office, wanted to check on that agent personally and had tried to remain at the event Saturday night even after shots were fired.

Leavitt, seated next to Trump and first lady Melania Trump when the gunfire erupted, described the president as "calm amid the chaos."

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"President Trump is fearless because he loves this country, and he is willing to put his own life on the line to deliver on the promises that he made to the American public," she said.

"And while we are blessed to have a fearless president, we should not live in a country where such constant fear of political violence permeates our society every single day. We can and we should have fierce disagreement in this country. 

"As you all know, we disagree often – myself in this role and all of you in the news media – but those disagreements must remain peaceful. 

"Debating, peaceful protesting and voting are how we need to settle disagreements, not bullets."

She repeatedly blamed Democrats, media figures and online commentators for what she called a years-long effort to demonize Trump and his supporters, saying such rhetoric had helped create a climate that inspires violence.

"Nobody in recent years has faced more bullets and more violence than President Trump," Leavitt said. "This political violence stems from a systemic demonization of him and his supporters by commentators, yes, by elected members of the Democrat Party and even some in the media. 

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"This hateful and constant and violent rhetoric directed at President Trump, day after day for 11 years, has helped to legitimize this violence and bring us to this dark moment."

Leavitt denounced the recent comment by ABC late-night host Jimmy Kimmel about the first lady having the "glow of an expectant widow," calling it "completely deranged." 

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Pressed by reporters on public fears about the president’s safety, Leavitt said Trump continues to trust the Secret Service and argued the security perimeter worked because the suspect was stopped before inflicting massive harm.

She added that White House chief of staff Susie Wiles would convene a meeting with Department of Homeland Security leaders, Secret Service officials and White House operations staff to review procedures and ensure Trump’s safety at future events.

Asked why she returned to the podium instead of taking maternity leave, Leavitt said that serving as Trump’s spokeswoman is a "public service," and that the president’s determination after the shooting inspired the White House staff to "keep going and keep fighting every day."

 Justice Department and FBI to counter online conspiracy theories that began spreading after the shooting.

Leavitt also used the briefing to press Congress to fund the Department of Homeland Security, calling the prolonged lapse a "national scandal." She warned that continued obstruction could place more strain on the Secret Service ahead of major events and the next presidential election.

Leavitt said the administration’s immediate focus was getting facts out quickly and relying on what she described as transparency from the

"I hope and pray that this is the last time I speak to you, for some time, until after my maternity leave," Leavitt concluded at the end of a short briefing before the Justice Department's news conference announcing the charges for Saturday's shooting suspect.

source https://www.foxnews.com/politics/leavitt-blames-left-wing-cult-hatred-whca-dinner-shooting

Kevin Nealon challenges Danny DeVito to wrestling match, piques AEW CEO Tony Khan's interest

Danny DeVito revitalized his acting career on the comedy series "It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia."

DeVito, who plays Frank Reynolds on the show, entered the squared circle as the "Trash Man." He explained in the episode that his gimmick was that he enters the ring with a trashcan, throws trash in the ring and eats garbage before bashing his opponent in the head with the can.

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There’s a slim possibility that the "Trash Man" could come to life.

Comedian Kevin Nealon challenged DeVito to a match in either WWE or All Elite Wrestling (AEW).

"I challenge Danny DeVito to a match in the WWE or AEW," Nealon wrote on X.

He followed up after a few hours, "I’m here. You’re quiet."

In the midst of the social media posts, AEW CEO Tony Khan appeared to have an interest in booking the match.

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"Do you guys own these outfits," Khan wrote on X with a photo of Nealon and DeVito in the "Hans and Franz" skit on "Saturday Night Live."

Nealon responded that he did have the outfits.

"Then you guys are in," Khan responded.

For what it’s worth, a Reddit user pointed out recently that AEW star Chris Jericho appeared to be using Nealon’s "Mr. Subliminal" character from the comedy sketch show in his own way. If a match is set up, everything will soon come full circle.

AEW has used celebrities in the past for some of their events. Comedian Wayne Brady got involved in a match at Revolution. Social media influencer "Big Boom" A.J. and his family have also been featured in matches on several occasions.

source https://www.foxnews.com/sports/kevin-nealon-challenges-danny-devito-wrestling-match-piques-aew-ceo-tony-khans-interest

STEPHEN MOORE: I was there at the WHCD as celebration turned into chaos

On Saturday night, I attended my eighth White House Correspondents' Dinner at the Washington Hilton hotel. This is one of the premier dinners in D.C. to hobnob — to see and be seen. Every time I enter this hotel, I recall that this was the same Hilton where Ronald Reagan was shot and nearly killed 45 years ago. I walked through the same entrance where that assassin’s bullet came within an inch of killing Reagan.

I had anticipated a very long security line and about an hour wait to enter the hotel. I brought my paper ticket and my passport identification.

To my surprise, the security was lax to put it lightly. Wearing my tux, I walked in the front door by flashing the paper ticket. There was no code to be scanned, and I never once was asked for my ID. I could have given that ticket to anyone or xeroxed several copies for friends who wanted to attend the pre-event parties. That was odd to say the least.

The pre-parties hosted by Fox and CNN and Wall Street Journal, with ladies donned in beautiful gowns, lasted about an hour, and then we were ushered into the 2,500-seat ballroom for dinner. We entered through an airport-like scanner, but never asked for ID.

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The room was packed tight and at 7 p.m. President Trump entered to shallow applause — after all, these were mostly journalists unfriendly to Trump. What shocked me was that after the National Anthem and military color guard, Trump and the first lady sat for dinner front and center in front of 2,500 people. That didn’t strike me as safe or advisable. For a sniper, God forbid, it seemed he was a sitting duck.

It also struck me that the president, the vice president and Speaker of the House Mike Johnson were all in attendance. I am told five of the six in succession to the presidency were there for this crazy party. That didn’t seem advisable either.

About 15 minutes into the dinner, I was chatting with the Wall Street Journal reporters at my table when all hell broke loose. The Secret Service suddenly charged in with pistols and machine guns, and all of a sudden, I heard two loud booms, like a bomb going off. There was screaming, and we all ducked down and many climbed under their tables.

I looked toward the president, and he was surrounded by Secret Service. They pulled him out of his seat and shoved him toward the exit. My heart sank, and I panicked when I saw Trump appear to stumble to the ground. You can see that on the video. Oh my God, I gasped, in horror. Trump has been hit.

Please NO! I frantically worried.

None of us knew what was going on.

The Secret Service agents stood on the tables. I was seated at the table next to Speaker Johnson and had just been chatting with him. The Secret Service began yelling: "Where is the speaker?" His seatmates had pulled him under the table evidently. He was ushered out.

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For about five minutes it was a frightening environment, although people stayed mostly calm. I was impressed with the reporters at our table who were instantly filing stories and taking cell phone photos of the pandemonium even as the safety of the situation was still unresolved.

The Secret Service was phenomenal in their instantaneous response. I was heartsick that Trump might have again been hit with a bullet.

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Everyone stood in mostly stunned silence, and we were told of a lone gunman who had been taken down and that one agent was shot.

We didn’t get the word that Trump was unharmed until about 20 minutes later.

This was clearly a major security breakdown on multiple levels. It was easier to get into the Hilton to see the president and to get 30 feet from him than to attend a sporting event at a Wizards basketball game down the street.

Anyone with a photo copy of the ticket could have entered. No one ever actually inspected my ticket to ensure it was authentic. I saw one person in line enter with a ticket and his date didn’t have one, but they waved her in.

Given the heightened threat to the president of late and the other highest ranking government officials packed in the room, none of this made any sense to me.

Obviously, these protocols need to be fixed.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM STEPHEN MOORE

source https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/stephen-moore-whcd-celebration-turned-chaos

Cincinnati Reds debut City Connect uniforms and they are an abomination

MLB teams have been trying out uniforms across the league labeled as the "City Connect" collection. Some are cool, some are lame and some are... the Cincinnati Reds.

Full disclosure: I am a Reds fan. It's a painful existence, to be certain (Cincinnati hasn't won a playoff series since 1995 when I was 6 years old). But I'm not sure that I've seen anything as disgusting on the field as the uniforms the Reds wore on Saturday night against the Detroit Tigers.

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Prior to the game, the Reds welcomed the team's 2026 Reds Hall of Fame Class, including Brandon Phillips, Lou Piniella, Aaron Harang and Reggie Sanders. And then they subjected those team legends to the worst uniforms in franchise history. A history that also includes many sleeveless jerseys, by the way.

For the squeamish among us, I'd encourage you now to either shield your eyes or go read another story (preferably not that one, retention time is important for me).

Seriously, what the heck are these uniforms? The all-red is atrocious. The logo is huge and ugly. And, you might not be able to tell, but there are also faint pinstripes on the jersey, the pants and the helmet. Why? It's as if the designer's direction was "Hey, can you make the ugliest uniforms in Reds history?"

"Done and done."

And just to be clear, this is the actual plan: an all-red City Connect 2.0 set with faint pinstripes and a darker red sleeve. It's not a one-off mistake.

For the record, here's what the Reds official website says about the uniforms:

"A perennial favorite of both Reds fans and players alike, pinstripes have been featured on various Reds uniforms throughout history. City Connect 2.0 brings back this classic element to a new generation, but in a modernized tone-on-tone style. The sleeve is a darker shade of red and the jersey’s pinstripes [are] intentionally cut off at the shoulder, a nod to the popular vest-style uniforms last worn two decades ago."

Why in the world are they reminding people about the "vest-style" uniforms? Those were terrible too!

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With all the discussions about the New York Yankees looking to finally add an alternate uniform, I think it's time the Reds went the opposite direction. Cincinnati is the oldest franchise in MLB history. They should have simple, classic uniforms. I get it, I sound like a mid-30-year-old trapped in the mind of an 80-year-old. Fine.

Give me the classic Reds uniforms all day over this "modern" abomination.

source https://www.foxnews.com/outkick-sports/cincinnati-reds-debut-city-connect-uniforms-abomination

Kimmel calls Melania Trump an ‘expectant widow’ before White House Correspondents’ Dinner shooting

Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel mocked President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump in a White House Correspondents' Dinner parody this week, calling her "an expectant widow" and joking about her marriage, just days before the dinner was disrupted by a shooting.

"Our First Lady, Melania, is here. Look at Melania, so beautiful. Mrs. Trump, you have a glow like an expectant widow," Kimmel said in his parody of the event on Thursday.

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The White House Correspondents’ Dinner is an annual gathering hosted by the White House Correspondents’ Association to honor journalism and fund scholarships. This year’s event, which took place on Saturday in Washington D.C., drew outsized attention because Trump attended in person for the first time while in office, though the evening was later overshadowed by violence.

Kimmel also used the parody to mock the Trumps' relationship, portraying distance between the president and the first lady.

"Oh, by the way, Melania, this is Donald. Donald, this is Melania," Kimmel said.

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The comedian pivoted to the first lady's April 26 birthday and imagined how she would mark the occasion.

"She’s planning to celebrate at home the same way she always does, looking out a window and whispering, ‘What have I done?’" Kimmel said.

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Kimmel’s segment aired just days before the annual Correspondents’ Dinner was thrown into chaos when authorities said 31-year-old Cole Allen of Torrance, Calif., rushed a Secret Service checkpoint at the Washington Hilton armed with multiple weapons and opened fire on an officer.

Fox News Digital reported the officer was struck in a ballistic vest and taken to a hospital, while agents returned fire and detained Allen, who was also transported for treatment. Trump, first lady Melania Trump and senior administration officials were then rushed from the venue by Secret Service agents.

Fox News Digital reached out to the White House and ABC for comment but did not immediately hear back.

source https://www.foxnews.com/media/kimmel-calls-melania-trump-expectant-widow-days-before-white-house-correspondents-dinner-shooting

WWE legend touts 'very, very high' ceilings for rising stars Kendal Grey, Kali Armstrong

Kendal Grey and Kali Armstrong are two pro wrestlers who represent the future of WWE's women’s division.

Each rising superstar was able to attain WWE Evolve Women’s Championships during their time at the developmental promotion and have made a major impact since being called up to the NXT brand. Grey won the Women’s Iron Survivor Challenge and Armstrong put Lola Vice on notice that she was coming for the NXT Women’s Championship.

WWE Hall of Famer Booker T analyzed Grey and Armstrong’s meteoric rise in the company so far in a recent interview with Fox News Digital.

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"She’s proved that she’s special man. She’s a special talent just in her infancy stages already. Then again, I wouldn’t want to push Kendal too quick because right now she’s being highly touted as one of the greatest, if not the greatest, women’s wrestler to come to the WWE system," he said.

"I don’t want her to get a big head or anything like that because she is so young to the business and she’s picked it up so quickly. But then again, psychology. When she learns that, oh man, she’s gonna be hell to deal with. She’s going to be something very, very special. But she’s gotta really lean into learning that side of it."

Booker T said that Armstrong has the ability to be great as well. However, there were still certain skills that she needed to hone before her greatness could be achieved.

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"She’s a very, very special talent. The first Evolve women’s champion. And then she lost that championship to Kendal Grey. I told her, ‘There’s a reason why you lost that championship. We gotta figure that out.’ You gotta put yourself into a position where, if you do lose it, it comes right back to you," he said.

"Again, there are those building blocks that we gotta work with Kali. Me, personally, I’m going to be working with Kali person-to-person, on a one-on-one perspective, to just hone that skill, to let her know those details. I always say what you do before and what you do after … She’s got it all. She checks off so many boxes but making her complete is something I’m so looking forward to."

Grey was an amateur wrestling star in high school and was on Team USA’s national wrestling team at one point.

Armstrong was a track and field star in college before she signed with WWE.

"But as far as the ceiling, very, very high for both of those ladies," Booker T added.

Both Grey and Armstrong will be among the talent appearing on Season 3 of "WWE Legends and Future Greats" on A+E. The new season begins Sunday night at 10 p.m. ET.

source https://www.foxnews.com/sports/wwe-legend-touts-high-ceilings-rising-stars-kendal-grey-kali-armstrong