Panera Bread owner eyes April opening

The long-in-the-works Panera Bread could be open by April, according to franchisee Tom Krings, depending on timing and weather. Construction on the Baton Rouge location started in October 2013 and the majority of the work is done except for some site work, including the parking lot, he says.

In 2012, Baton Rouge was set to have the state’s first Panera Bread. However, plans for a Corporate Boulevard location were scrapped because of pre-existing development restrictions. Krings then took the franchise to Jefferson Highway near the intersection of McCarroll Drive.

“We’re looking to get the doors open,” Krings says. “When we were researching the market along the Gulf Coast, Baton Rouge stuck out like a sore thumb. Baton Rouge is a great city for Panera Bread. We’re excited about the opportunity to bring it here.”

The Baton Rouge Panera Bread will have the same menu as other locations and feature artisan breads, cookies, bagels, soups and hot sandwiches. Already, Krings is looking for more opportunities around the Capital City for the bakery and café.

“We see one, two, possibly three locations that would be a great fit for us,” he says. “We’re researching additional real estate.”

For more information, click here.—Matthew Sigur