Construction for a new Panera Bread is still under way at the corner of Lexington Avenue and Trimble in the Appleseed Center. Excavating for the platform will begin soon, weather permitting. The completion date is expected for late August or the beginning of September.
Clint Saiben, manager at the Panera Bread on Walker Lake Rd in Ontario said that 50-60 new associates will be hired, in addition to current employee promotions of managers and key associates. Their goal is to be up and running the first week in October.
When hiring begins, a banner will be put up at their Ontario location and potentially the site in Lexington. Prospective applicants can apply at any time online at Panerabread.com. Saiben stated “Covelli Enterprises, which is based out of Warren Ohio, has opened 200 plus Panera café’s.”
This will be the first drive-thru Panera in Richland County, similar to a Panera in Columbus. “There will be a separate kitchen for the drive-thru,” Saiben stated, “which will make the café more efficient. It doesn’t matter if you’re busy on the outside, two kitchen ensures one doesn’t affect the other.” Some of the promotions are already in place for the Lexington Panera, though the company is still awaiting qualified individuals to fill certain positions.
The Panera Bread Company began as Au Bon Pain Co. in 1981, founded by two bakers who flourished their café’s along the east coast United States and internationally. The company then purchased a twenty-location chain in St. Louis Missouri, and increased those café’s volume by 75 percent between the years 1993 and 1997. Au Bon Pain Co. ultimately changed their name to Panera, and grew significantly in the years to follow.
According to their website: “As of March 26, 2013, there are 1,673 bakery-cafes in 44 states and in Ontario Canada operating under the Panera Bread®, Saint Louis Bread Co.® and Paradise Bakery & Café® names, delivering fresh, authentic artisan bread served in a warm environment by engaging associates.”
“There will be an outdoor patio all around the front,” Saiben stated. “And a little different on the inside too,” he said. “The café will have a more updated look and a little darker color scheme for contrast.”
Saiben has been with Panera for four years and is originally from Copley, Ohio. He has been a resident of Mansfield for eleven years.
Derrenberger, the previous restaurant on the corner of Lexington Avenue and Trimble, was founded in 1991 and employed between 20-30 employees.
During Panera’s opening week, Saiben stated “It will be an exciting week.” Numerous specials, coupons and giveaways will be available.
