Panera sues Papa John's

St. Louis-based Panera Bread is suing pizza chain Papa John’s, alleging a former executive gave away trade secrets.

The suit against former Panera information technology executive Michael Nettles and his new employer Papa John’s International claims his new position violates a confidentiality and noncompete agreement he signed after joining Panera four years ago.

“We are disappointed by Panera’s actions, as we do not consider them a competitive business,” Papa John’s spokesman Peter Collins said via email. “We have no need or desire to access Panera’s confidential or proprietary information.”

Read more from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.