KANSAS CITY — Operators are refreshing their menus with seasonal offerings and innovative applications.

Panera Bread continues to lean into handheld format experimentation with the launch of croissant toast sandwiches. Featuring sandwich bread made from croissant dough, the item comes in Croque Monsieur and Fromage varieties. The former includes Black Forest ham, provolone cheese, asiago cheese and a caramelized onion and gruyere spread. The latter includes caramelized onions, arugula, provolone and American cheeses, and garlic aioli.

“Our new croissant toasts are an innovative gamechanger for our sandwich menu,” said Scott Uehlein, vice president of culinary at Panera Bread. “These unique sandwiches are curated with an all-butter, flaky croissant sliced bread, delivering a truly delicious product and experience like nothing Panera has had on its menu before.”

Krispy Kreme has unveiled its Hoppy Easter Collection ahead of the holiday weekend. The collection includes three original bunny-themed offerings, like the bunny basket donut, a glazed donut dipped in chocolate icing topped with chocolate flavored buttercream and a confectionery bunny; the marshmallow bunny donut, an unglazed donut with marshmallow-flavored crème filling that is dipped in yellow icing and topped with a bunny face and confectionery ears; and the bouncing bunny donut, a glazed donut dipped in blue icing and sprinkles and then topped with a bouncing bunny.

“We’re passing on the eggs this Easter and instead hopping into the holiday with all-new bunny-themed donuts that are almost too cute to eat,” said Dave Skena, chief growth officer at Krispy Kreme.

Quick-service pizza chain Marco’s Pizza has expanded its sides menu with pepperoni bread. The item combines shredded pepperoni with a layer of three cheeses and a finishing of garlic sauce and Romesan seasoning.

“With layers of crispy, shredded pepperoni and gooey cheese, we’ve taken a beloved side and made it the ultimate sidekick to our delicious menu items at a value-forward price,” said Denise Lauer, chief marketing officer at Marco’s.