Would you pay $8.99 a month for unlimited coffee? Panera rolls out subscription

Do you drink two cups of coffee a day? Maybe three? Four?

Panera Bread wants to help keep you good and caffeinated with its brand new coffee subscription service.

Launching Thursday, Panera’s monthly coffee subscription will set you back $8.99 a month for unlimited hot-drip and iced coffee, the company said in news release.

More into tea leaves than coffee beans? Don’t worry — hot tea is included, too.

Currently, a regular sized light roast, iced coffee or hot tea at the restaurant will run you $2.39, according to Panera’s menu.

A 2017 study by Acorns found that the average American spends about $1,100 on coffee a year — or roughly $92 a month.

Panera says it hopes to eliminate the costs that stand in the way of people getting energized for their increasingly hectic days.

“Today, we’re changing the game for coffee drinkers across the country with our no compromises, unlimited subscription service—great coffee at an amazing value,” CEO Niren Chaudhary said in the release. “We are eliminating the price barrier and the false choices between convenience and quality – between good coffee and craveable food. At Panera, there’s no more compromise—and your cup is always full.”

Panera’s light roast, dark roast, decaf and hazelnut coffees are all part of the subscription and the restaurant recently added almond milk to its menu as it continues to explore other non-dairy alternatives, the release said.

The subscription allows you one cup every two hours during regular business hours and includes free refills of the same beverage at participating Panera locations.

Sound like the subscription service of your dreams? You can sign up in-store, online or on the Panera app.

This story was originally published February 27, 2020 at 8:30 AM.