Two new Panera Bread locations are in progress for Jacksonville, including a new site in St. Augustine at 235 Village Commons Dr.
The Missouri-based company recently applied for a plan review for a new location in the Parkway Village of St. Johns. While the plan review has yet to be approved, Panera Bread is already looking to hire for this location on its website. The restaurant received a permit earlier this year to build out 3,533 square feet of space, costing $300,000, according to Jacksonville Daily Record. Panera Bread plans to feature a drive-thru at this location. It is expected to open later this year.
The company isn’t stopping there. Earlier this year, Panera Bread received a permit to build out a restaurant in the shell of a new building in St. Johns County at 7177 Philips Highway, according to Jacksonville Daily Record. The new 3,650-square-foot building will also have a drive-thru, as well as outdoor patio seating. This location is also expected to open later this year. Interestingly, these new Panera Bread sites will both be located near Starbucks and Whataburger.
Panera began in 1987 as St. Louis Bread Company and has since expanded to over 100 locations nationwide. The company currently has six locations in the Jacksonville area and none in St. Johns County. When these locations open, customers can expect various dining options, with several sandwich, soup, pizza, and bakery options available. Some of the company’s “chef’s picks” include the smoky buffalo chicken melt, a strawberry poppyseed salad, and chicken tikka masala.
