Panera Bread Celebrates Opening at The Landing in Renton

Renton Mayor Denis Law and civic leaders gathered Wednesday to break bread with the newest tenant of The Landing--Panera Bread--and officially celebrate its

Instead of the usual red ribbon, the ceremony featured dignitaries cutting a long baguette of French bread.

CEO Bill Taylor and members of the City Council and the Chamber of Commerce mingled with patrons, who enjoyed sandwiches, salads, coffee and fresh smoothies, compliments of the restaurant.

Others who attended the event included City Council members Marcie Palmer, Randy Corman and King Parker, city of Renton staff and King County Assessor Lloyd Hara.

Restaurant manager Rob Morrow said he is thrilled to be in Renton.  Regional catering manager Dana Nilson was also on hand and quick to point out that the restaurant offers that service in addition to the restaurant menus and take-out bread offerings.

Don Jacobson, from the Renton Chamber of Commerce, has worked with the corporate and local Panera Bread office to develop a partnership to take the restaurant's extra bread and distribute it to local charitable organizations. Watch Renton Patch next week for a feature on this partnership.