Diners Fork Over a Surprising Sum at This Fast Food Chain

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Fast food isn’t always cheap.

According to a new study by Certify, a company that processes corporate expense reimbursements, the most-expensed restaurants by business travelers in North America are Starbucks, McDonald’s, Panera Bread and Subway — in that order.

Among the 15 most-expensed restaurants, the average amount spent at a Starbucks is $11.55 and at McDonald’s is $8.75 (the cheapest average bill of the 15) — but one restaurant chain, Panera Bread, stands out from the fray with its comparatively hefty average expensed meal tab of $39.52.

The fast-casual cafe-style chain is not truly fast food, like McDonald’s or Burger King, but even when compared with sit-down restaurants, like Applebee’s ($35.46) and Chili’s ($34.66), Panera Bread still presented the biggest bill.

Check out “America’s Favorite Fast-Food Chain Is More Satisfying Than Ever” and “Celebrity Chefs Name Their Favorite American Fast Foods.”

What do you think accounts for Panera’s high volume and high average ticket price? Share your comments below or on our Facebook page.

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