Updates on Panera Bread, Fresh Junkie, Ruffino’s Catering downtown

A sandwich chain and a healthy salad and wraps restaurant are set to open while corporate offices for a Capital City restaurant hosted its premiere event this month.

Panera Bread will open its first Baton Rouge location May 29 on Jefferson Highway near the intersection of McCarroll Drive. Franchisee Tom Krings says construction is currently wrapping up on the parking lot. Already, Krings is negotiating on a lease for a second Panera Bread location on Siegen Lane and is in talks to bring around 10 locations to southern Louisiana.

Pat Fellows’ Fresh Junkie will be open within the next two weeks. The restaurant uses fresh ingredients in its housemade salads and wraps to go along with its fitness brand. Fresh Junkie will open at 501 Main Street.

Already open is Ruffino’s Catering at De La Ronde Hall. The corporate office and catering station at 320 Third Street made its debut in early May with a grand opening event with Mayor-President Kip Holden. The hall is capable of hosting events and has a capacity for up to 500 guests. —Matthew Sigur