Panera Bread is continuing its U.S. expansion, bringing its bakery-cafe concept to new communities. Azusa is getting its first Panera Bread, adding the health-focused bakery-cafe to the local dining scene.
Panera Bread’s Health-Conscious Meals are Now Available in Azusa
Founded in 1987, Panera Bread has become one of the biggest fast-casual restaurants in the country. The brand’s main idea was to sell freshly baked artisan bread.
As time went on, the business grew nationwide and gained recognition for blending the skill of a bakery with cafe dining. The menu highlights include a wide variety from soups and salads to freshly baked breads. Panera’s menu features clean ingredients and customizable options, a formula that has built loyal local followings nationwide.
The menu can be accessed via dine-in, take-away, digital ordering, or the mobile pick-up lane. Each new Panera location brings jobs to the community. The Azusa location is hiring 25–30 team members, providing new local employment opportunities.
Here are the details of the new outlet:
- Address: 960 E Alosta Ave, Azusa, CA 91702
- Opening: Friday, February 20 at 6:00 a.m.
- Hours: Monday-Saturday 6 a.m. – 9 p.m., Sunday 7 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Grand Opening Giveaway and Community Effort
To mark its grand opening a ‘baguette breaking’ event for early customers is being organized. The first 100 customers in line will receive free “You Pick Two” meals for a year. Customers can mix and match soups, salads, and sandwiches all year.
The company is also introducing a community fundraising program. Between February 20 and May 20, 2026, nonprofits in the area can hold fundraising activities at the cafe, including schools, sports teams, and scout groups. Panera will also contribute 30% of net sales to the organization involved during every event.
At this point, Panera has 2,200 bakery-cafes in the United States and Canada. A big part of what Panera is about is its commitment to showing what’s in its food. The company has adopted a “clean food” plan, promising to remove preservatives, sugars, flavors, and colors from the meals it most often serves.
In terms of how it works, Panera has invested heavily in technology to make things easier for its customers. Apart from its food and tech, Panera has made a name for itself as a business that cares about the community.
