Panera Bread Hiring As Jefferson St. Site Forges Ahead

JOLIET, IL — Last week's closing of the Wildhorse Bar & Grill on Jefferson Street caught many people by surprise, but it's hardly a sign of the times. In fact, just one block up the street, general contractors were busy last week renovating the old Applebee's restaurant at 2400 West Jefferson St. It's being turned into a Panera Bread restaurant.

Joliet Patch first reported about the Panera Bread expansion in Joliet back in April and that article indicated Panera Bread intended to install a drive-thru window at the site.

Now, the project is finally materializing. Several contractors are on working on the site, remodeling the building's interior and exterior and making improvements to the parking lot.

Additionally, the Panera Bread company website shows it's currently accepting applications for general manager of its new West Jefferson Street restaurant as well as shift supervisors and assistant managers.

It's also accepting applications for assisting manager and shift supervisor at its Louis Joliet Mall restaurant. Panera Bread also has a third Joliet restaurant, at Route 59 and Caton Farm Road.

On Friday, the city of Joliet's planning department did not have a firm date on when Panera Bread plans to open, other than the belief that Panera wants to be open as soon as possible.