Panera Teams Up With Ilona Maher for the Summer of Free Sips

As summer heats up, Panera is making sure customers stay cool — by offering the ultimate refreshment deal that’s hard to beat. In a new collaboration with Pepsi, STARRY, and Olympic rugby star Ilona Maher, Panera has officially launched its “Summer of Free Sips” campaign. The promotion gives new subscribers to its Unlimited Sip Club a full three months of free drinks — a seasonal incentive designed to drive both in-store visits and digital app engagement.

What Is the Summer of Free Sips?

Between now and June 30, new members who sign up for Panera’s Unlimited Sip Club will unlock unlimited access to more than 20 beverages, including Pepsi-Cola favorites, iced and hot coffee, teas, lemonades, and soft drinks. With the ability to grab a new drink every two hours, this offer fits seamlessly into nearly every summer scenario — whether it’s a picnic in the park, a long road trip, or a post-workout cool-down.

“We’re making it easy — and fun — to sip all summer long,” said Mark Shambura, chief marketing officer at Panera, in a statement accompanying the press release announcement. “Our guests love the choice and variety that comes with the Panera Unlimited Sip Club, and this summer, we’re partnering with Pepsi, STARRY, and Ilona Maher to take it to the next level.”

Why Ilona Maher?

Ilona Maher is no stranger to big wins. As a U.S. Olympic rugby player and viral social media personality, she brings a powerful combination of athleticism and relatability that resonates across demographics. Whether she’s on the field or online, Maher embodies confidence, empowerment, and a bit of humor — all traits that align with Panera’s increasingly lifestyle-focused branding.

“From being a star athlete to a social media sensation, Ilona Maher is a member of many clubs that people only dream about joining,” said the company in a statement. “For Maher, however, there’s only one that quenches your thirst for great value and unbeatable variety: Panera’s Unlimited Sip Club.”

The Business Model Behind the Sip Club

Panera’s Unlimited Sip Club is a subscription-based service priced at $14.99 per month plus tax, offering unlimited beverages every two hours during café operating hours. Subscribers can order through the Panera app or in person and receive free refills on the same beverage during a single visit. This model not only encourages frequent visits but also deepens brand loyalty, particularly among mobile-savvy and health-conscious consumers.

With over 20 drink options and flexible ordering capabilities, it’s a win-win for both Panera and its customers. The summer promotion builds on last year’s successful “Unlimited Sips, Ultimate Trips” giveaway, a similar partnership with Pepsi that offered subscribers a chance to win exotic vacations by being members of the Unlimited Sip Club.

Strategic Timing and Digital Integration

The launch of Summer of Free Sips aligns strategically with seasonal behaviors and consumer spending patterns. Warmer weather typically sees an uptick in iced beverage consumption, and the three-month window ensures customer engagement across the summer’s peak.

Moreover, Panera has built a seamless digital integration with its app, making it easier for users to sign up, redeem drinks, and customize their orders. Whether you’re picking up curbside or ordering in-store, the process is streamlined and incentivized — further reinforcing Panera’s positioning as a modern, convenience-driven brand.

How To Join

Interested customers can activate the offer by downloading the Panera app or visiting this website. Enrollment must occur between June 3 and June 30 to receive the three months free.

The offer is available at participating U.S. bakery-cafés and provides a clear value proposition: daily access to drinks that usually add up quickly, now free for the first 90 days.