Panera Bread is taking a cue from McDonald’s. Here’s what you can get with its first-ever $5 value menu

It’s no secret that fast casual restaurants have struggled in recent years, with some companies turning to cheaper options as a way to lure customers back. 

The latest chain to do so is Panera Bread, which just announced its first-ever value menu. It includes 10 items that are each $4.99.

Customers must pick at least two items to use the menu and will get the typical free side of an apple, chips or bread.

Anyone who has been to Panera will recognize it as a scaled-down...