Ron Shaich
<p>As one of the leaders behind the fast-casual bakery and cafe concept, Ron Shaich has transformed the way America dines with his finger-on-the-pulse insights on the restaurant business and instinctive ability to know what the customer wants.</p><p>In 1981, Shaich co-founded Au Bon Pain Co., Inc. and Panera Bread, the two most successful bakery-cafe brands in the country. For more than 20 years, Shaich, now Executive Chairman of the Board of Panera Bread, served as Chief Executive Officer.