- By Rob LaHood
- Business & Technology
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Panera Bread will open its bakery-cafe in Ithaca on Thursday, June 8, at 6:00am. Panera Bread is located in front of the plaza on Rt. 13 South in front of Staples and Kmart.Offering handcrafted, freshly baked, artisan bread, Panera Bread is committed to providing quality food that people can trust. The menu is highlighted by antibiotic-free chicken, whole grain bread, and select organic and all-natural ingredients. Panera Bread also offers a variety of year-round favorites to complement seasonal items and breads baked fresh daily in each bakery-cafes.
"The new bakery-cafe offers a cozy seating area, a fireplace, and something new for our locations: a quick and easy drive-thru!" said Charlie Roff, Joint Venture Partner, Panera Bread of the Greater Central New York area. "Panera offers fresh and wholesome food choices paired with the convenient service our customers' schedules demand. Our concept has been embraced by many and we look forward to sharing our signature Panera warmth with the Ithaca Community."
Panera's take-out concept and catering option are also offered at the new bakery-cafe. Available for breakfast, lunch and snacks, Panera Catering is ideal for any group from five to five hundred. Panera Catering emphasizes accuracy and efficiency in delivering the experience of fresh, handcrafted, quality meals to any workplace setting or social event. In addition, every bakery-cafe has a dedicated Catering Coordinator on site to manage the entire process, from order to pick up or delivery.
Since Panera Bread was founded, the company and its franchisees have been active participants in the communities they serve. As part of Panera's broader national Operation Dough-Nation® Program, which was created in 1992 to formalize Panera's commitment to community involvement, the new location will join the other Central New York communities in giving back through its local Day-End Dough-NationTM and Community BreadboxTM programs.
At the end of each day, Panera Bread also donates all unsold bread and baked goods to local area hunger relief agencies as part of its local Day-End Dough-Nation program Collectively, Panera bakery-cafes donated over $40 million worth of unsold bread and baked goods in 2007 to help people in need.
The hours of operation for the new Panera Bread at 748 South Meadow Street in Ithaca are Monday through Saturday from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00pm and Sunday from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
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