Panera Bread Coming to Wiregrass

Shoppers will soon have another more food choice in Wesley Chapel.

Panera Bread, the popular chain known for its artisan breads and pastries, is opening a bakery-café at in November. Officials said it will be a stand-alone structure totally about 4,400 square feet. The eatery will feature Wi-Fi access, café-style eating areas and a community table.

“We are excited to be opening our newest bakery-cafe in such a dynamic community and are thrilled to be a part of the open-air retail and entertainment environment that The Shops at Wiregrass offers,” Kevin Ricci, operating Partner of Covelli Family Limited Partnership — a franchisee of Panera — said in a prepared statement. “We are proud to offer the many shoppers, business professionals, families and residents in the community fresh and wholesome food choices, paired with the convenient service their busy schedules demand.” 

The location will also feature a catering menu.

Panera Bread Company operates nearly 1,600 locations in 41 states and Ontario, including one 4.9 miles to the south in New Tampa on Highwoods Preserve Parkway.

Facebook users mostly lauded the Wiregrass news.

"Love Panera Bread!" Jodi Etman Weiss wrote on New Tampa Patch's page, while Angela Harrelson said she "LOVE(S) their food."

But not everyone is impressed. Alecia Collins said the area needs more quality mom and pop places rather than yet another chain restaurant.

"I'm so sick of the same things opening up within a few miles of each other," she wrote.

What do you think of Panera coming to Wiregrass? Tell us in the comments section below.