Panera Bread Opens in Edmonds

Panera Bread, a bakery and café, opened its doors in Edmonds on Thursday.

"We take pride is saying that everything is made fresh here every day," said general manager Dasedric Watts, who previously helped open new Panera locations in Bothell and Woodinville. Watts added that food left over at the end of day is donated to local charities and food banks.

Panera stocks a variety of artisan and specialty bread baked fresh each morning. Varieties include stone-milled rye, three seed, focaccia, whole grain, sourdough, cinnamon raisin, tomato basil and honey wheat, among others.

Watts says that with so many breads to choose from, employees can help customers with their selections. "We ask people what they are making," he said. "We can help pair their bread up with that."

, open daily from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. (7 a.m. on Sunday), features a combination of booth and tables, free Wi-Fi access, a community table and a fireplace. It serves a selection of hot and cold sandwiches, soufflés, bagels, soups, paninis and salads. Panera’s signature hot entrees are steak chili with cornbread, and macaroni and cheese with white cheddar cheese sauce over shell pasta.

Beverages include a full line of coffee drinks using beans from Costa Rica.

Panera Bread also offers catering service.

The Edmonds location, at 7929 244th St. SW (Lake Ballinger Way), is opposite the east entrance to Home Depot, Costco and the rest of the tenants comprising Shoreline's Aurora Village.

The store, which has 46 employees, has seating for more than 100 and includes a drive-through lane and outdoor seating.

Panera Bread, founded in St. Louis 30 years ago, has almost 1,400 restaurants in 40 states. Edmonds is the 21st in Washington; another location is at Alderwood Mall in Lynnwood.

The store will close at 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve, be closed Christmas Day and be open until 7 p.m. on New Year’s Eve.