‘Boy Meets World’ stars reunite in a Panera spot directed by Fred Savage

Just when you thought Valentine’s Day couldn’t get any cheesier, Panera delivers with its ‘Forever Flatbreads’ spot

Published On
Feb 09, 2021

Description

The stars of '90s sitcom “Boy Meets World” share a new love this year: their desire for Panera’s pepperoni flatbread pizza.

Actors Ben Savage and Danielle Fishel, known to fans of the show and its “Girl Meets World” sequel series as Cory and Topanga, star in the brand's latest campaign from Goodby, Silverstein & Partners.

The movie-trailer style “Forever Flatbreads” video begins with a meet-cute moment when each one goes to grab the pepperoni flatbread pizza, realize they ordered the same thing, and share the pizza. Soon, Ben/Cory takes the last piece, thinking Danielle/Topanga wouldn’t want it. “I wanted you to want me to want it,” she declares, storming away from the table. 

The spot includes throwbacks to moments from movies including “Pretty Woman,” “Love Actually,” “When Harry Met Sally…” and “Jerry Maguire.” It was directed by Fred Savage, the star of “The Wonder Years,” who has directed episodes of numerous TV series and is Ben’s older brother.

The campaign continues the nostalgia-meets-dining feel seen earlier this week in the “Wayne’s World” Super Bowl campaign from Uber Eats, and seen in Panera’s work with Michael Bolton in September.

In. honor of Friday night TV from the 1990s, when “Boy Meets World” used to air, Panera is offering a “TGIF” deal, with the “F” standing for flatbread, offering 50% off a flatbread through Feb. 16. The chain introduced flatbread pizzas in October and added pepperoni and four-cheese versions to the menu in January. 

According to Panera, nearly 70% of Americans said they would be happy to get comfort food rather than flowers for Valentine’s Day this year, and nearly 60% prefer comfort food over a fancy meal for the holiday.

“We are all still stuck at home, but Valentine’s Day should be celebrated, and what’s better than a romantic dinner?” said Eduardo Luz, Panera’s chief brand and concept officer in a statement. “Panera is excited to be teaming up with two rom-com beloved icons, Ben Savage and Danielle Fisher. With our new Flatbread Pizzas, Ben and Danielle will seriously dial up the cheesiness this Valentine’s Day.”