Panera Customers Embrace New Wiregrass Location

Cindy Beson and her daughter-in-law, Jessica Beson, love Panera Bread.

They say the fresh food and friendly service keep them coming back.

“We used to go to the New Tampa one all the time,” Cindy said.

“Once a week—sometimes more,” Jessica added.

Now, they have a more convenient option.

Cindy, of Zephyrhills, and Jessica, of Wesley Chapel, are becoming regular customers at the new Panera at The Shops at Wiregrass, which opened Jan. 10 and is closer to where they each live.

The new restaurant is seeing a positive response from customers in New Tampa and Wesley Chapel, according to Vikki Kaiser, director of Marketing and Public Relations for Covelli Family Limited Partnership, a franchisee of Panera. The community welcomed the eatery with open arms, she said.

“Words cannot express how honored we are to have loyal customers like our friends in Wesley Chapel and New Tampa,” said Kevin Ricci, operating partner of Covelli Family Limited Partnership, in a statement. “We realize we could never have had a successful opening like this without the support of each and every customer. The residents, retailers, shoppers, and business community have embraced our new neighborhood bakery-café and are happy to call it their own.”

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The restaurant chain, known for its freshly-baked bread, operates nearly 1,600 locations in 41 states and Ontario, including the Panera 4.9 miles to the south in New Tampa on Highwoods Preserve Parkway.

The newest location at 28332 Willet Way is a stand-alone structure and totals about 4,400 square feet. It features Wi-Fi access, café-style eating areas and a community table.

The eatery was busy around lunchtime on Wednesday. Customers buzzed in and out of the building, and some chose to sit under umbrellas on the outside patio.

The outdoor seating is what Cindy and Jessica said they like most about the new location.

“We’re glad it’s here,” Cindy said.

For more information about Panera at The Shops at Wiregrass, including catering and charitable programs, visit the Covelli franchise website or the Panera website.

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

See also:

• Panera Bread Coming to Wiregrass