Bites Nearby: Panera Bread

Who knew that a small group of bakery-cafes in the St. Louis area would become the fastest growing food franchise in the U.S…? With the national headquarters still located in a suburb of St. Louis, Missouri, Panera Bread has made its’ mission “a loaf of bread in every arm.”  

How do they do it? All dough for the variety of bread products is made from the freshest, highest quality ingredients and is baked daily in each location. And healthy too? Panera recently nixed the use of high fructose corn syrup in its products. The chain was also the first to list caloric content on the menu panels— to which many companies have now followed suit. 

Breakfast, lunch or dinner? Panera’s breakfast, served until 10:30 a.m., offers a wide assortment of soufflés, breakfast sandwiches, bagels and sweet rolls. For lunch, Panera provides a virtual haven of soups, salads, paninis and sandwiches that could easily translate into a light and easy dinner selection.

Creative sandwiches like Bacon Turkey Bravo on tomato basil with smoked turkey, applewood smoked bacon, smoked gouda, lettuce, tomato and signature spread are a customer favorite. Frontega Chicken Panini on focaccia with smoked pulled chicken, mozzarella, tomatoes, onions, fresh basil and chipotle mayonnaise and other mouthwatering hot sandwiches like the new Steak and White Cheddar on baguette with seared top sirloin, caramelized onions, Vermont white cheddar and horseradish spread, keep the clientele faithful. 

So why don’t we ever get bored? Panera keeps it fresh by always modifying and testing new recipes, and by offering frequent and or seasonal menu changes. The new, recently introduced Lobster Roll has quickly become very popular. And look forward to the return of the favorite Strawberry Poppyseed Salad for the summer months.

Don’t ask questions. Just head to the local Kentlands Panera where you will find a delicious bread to highlight any meal.

Kentlands Panera Bread is located at 285 Kentlands Blvd. and is open Mon. - Sat. 6 a.m. - 9 p.m. and Sun. 7 a.m. - 9 p.m.