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Panera Bread Company (Nasdaq: PNRA) announces the grand opening of its most recent Indianapolis-area bakery-café on Monday, August 11 in Trader’s Point, a growing shopping center conveniently located near I-465 at 6050 W. 86th St.
Panera Bread’s $1.5 million investment in the 4,500 sq. ft. northwest side location is further evidence of the company’s long-term commitment to growth in the Hoosier state. The company plans to open three to five new stores in Indiana over the next 12 months, adding approximately 200 jobs to the local economy. The Trader’s Point location will add at least 75 jobs to the Pike Township workforce, building upon the existing 1,500 employees the company currently employs in its 25 state-wide locations.
“We are thrilled to open our newest bakery-café in such a growing and robust community,” said Kevin Farhat, Indiana area director of Panera Bread. “We chose Trader’s Point as one of our strategic locations because it’s a highly dynamic neighborhood comprised of families and business professionals who desire fresh and nutritional food choices, paired with the convenient service that their busy schedules demand.”
Panera Bread is committed to offering great tasting, quality food and serves antibiotic-free chicken, whole grain bread, select organic and all-natural ingredients and a menu with zero grams added trans fat. The infrastructure of Panera Bread at Trader’s Point is representative of the company’s new cutting-edge store model that features the convenience of drive-thru and catering services, as well as ample parking. The business community’s needs are served with free WiFi access, conference room space in most locations and roomy tables for business meetings.
“I am highly encouraged by Panera Bread’s expansion in the Indianapolis area,” said Roland Dorson, president of the Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce. “Panera Bread has proven to be a positive community partner and economic catalyst in the neighborhoods in which it invests—providing high-quality food for patrons, support for service organizations and excellent job opportunities for area workers.”
At the close of each day, Panera Bread donates bread and baked goods to community organizations in need. Organizations receiving donations from the Trader’s Point location will include: Mid North Pantry, Heritage Classic Foundation, Forest Manor Multiservice Center and Horizon Central Christian Preschool. Panera Bread is also a proud sponsor of the Make-a-Wish Foundation, Susan G. Komen Foundation and the Salvation Army, among others.
As part of the August 11 opening day celebration, Panera Bread will be hosting a “Breaking of the Bread” ceremony at 8 am. Throughout the day, the store will provide free French baguettes to every customer, while supplies last. Store hours will be from 6 am to 9 pm. Monday thru Saturday and 7 am to 8 pm on Sunday.
About Panera Bread
Panera Bread (panerabread.com) serves fresh-baked, handcrafted artisan breads, sweet and savory baked goods, hand-tossed salads, wholesome soups and signature sandwiches in a distinctly warm and welcoming environment. Panera Bread is committed to using great- tasting, quality ingredients in the food we offer and contributing to the neighborhoods in which our customers and employees live and work through programs like Operation Dough-Nation®. Headquartered in Richmond Heights, Mo., Panera Bread owns and franchises 1,185 bakery-cafes under the Panera Bread® and Saint Louis Bread Co. ® names as of March 25, 2008.
Via Panera® Catering
Panera Bread’s innovative catering concept, Via Panera, is available at the new bakery-café in Trader’s Point. Available for breakfast, lunch and snacks, Via Panera is ideal for any group of five or more. It emphasizes service and unique packaging design to deliver the experience of fresh, handcrafted, quality meals with accuracy and efficiency to any workplace setting, social event or gathering. Each item is clearly labeled to avoid confusion and arranged in a unique, compartmentalized box that is easy to carry. In addition, each bakery-café has a dedicated Via Panera coordinator on site to manage the entire process, from order to pick-up, and to follow up with the customers to ensure satisfaction. For information about ordering Via Panera, contact the new Trader’s Point location at (317) 259-7882. Orders may be faxed to (317) 259-7832. Major credit cards are accepted.
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