Debbie Roberts

Debbie Roberts joined Panera as the EVP, Chief Operating Officer in September of 2020. Debbie brings along with her nearly 30 years of world-class restaurant leadership.

Before joining Panera, she joined McDonald’s in 1990 in accounting, soon after achieving her CPA and finding professional growth working cross-functionally in finance, field marketing and operations roles, including franchise operations and relations. Debbie’s leadership roles included VP/General Manager Midwest Region, East Zone SVP Restaurant Support Officer, Northeast Zone President, and East Zone President where she had responsibility for 7,000+ restaurants.

Debbie holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.