Panera Bread, a U.S.-based fast-casual restaurant chain, has filed a WARN notice with the Maryland Department of Labor. The filing outlines plans to close a facility, affecting 118 employees.
Panera LLC to Close Facility, Affecting Jobs
Panera Bread is known for its bakery-café model and community gatherings. The brand has more than 2,000 locations nationwide. On March 17, 2026, Panera Bread filed a WARN notice. It notifies employees of the plant closure and layoffs.
Panera’s plant at 7801 Dorsey Run Road, Jessup, is slated for permanent closure. The facility supplies fresh dough to Panera’s nearby bakery-cafés. The layoffs at the site will take place from May 20 to 22. The filing did not outline a reason for the closure.
The brand traces its origins to 1987, with a focus on artisan bread made from sourdough starter.
The company focuses on ingredient selection and recipes crafted by chefs and bakers. The menu includes a variety of products, such as soups, salads, sandwiches, mac and cheese, baked goods, and beverages.
Over the years, Panera has expanded into a large fast-casual chain, operating as Panera Bread and Saint Louis Bread Co. in certain markets. The company is part of Panera Brands, which also includes Caribou Coffee and Einstein Bros. Bagels. It is privately owned by JAB Holding Company.
Panera has also invested in technology and convenience. Mobile ordering, Rapid Pick-Up, curbside pickup, catering, and delivery are among its services. These services are designed to improve speed and convenience for customers.
The brand competes with other similar chains offering overlapping menu items. The long-standing competitors include Potbelly Sandwich Shop, Jimmy John’s, and Chipotle Mexican Grill.
The closure adds to a growing number of workforce reductions reported in Maryland’s 2026 WARN filings. As the May layoff timeline approaches, employees may seek support through the state’s rapid response programs.
