More on Panera's Opening in Lexington Center

The following is a ress release from Panera Bread:

Panera is pleased to announce the opening of its newest bakery-cafe in Lexington on Monday, Nov. 28 at 1684 Mass Avenue. Panera Bread and the Lexington Chamber of Commerce will join together for a ribbon cutting ceremony to commemorate the opening.

The new bakery-cafe features a unique layout, featuring Panera’s three-season sunroom surrounded by floor to ceiling windows, a double-sided fireplace to warm up on the coldest of days, a spacious outdoor patio, and a free parking area behind the building.

The Lexington Avenue Panera Bread bakery-cafe hours are as follows: 

• Monday – Saturday:  6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Sunday: 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

“Panera Bread is very fortunate to have the opportunity to open this new Lexington Center cafe. We worked diligently with the town and historical society to design a cafe that we feel will work well for the Lexington community,” said Gregg Godfrey, joint venture area director for the Greater Boston area. “Whether customers are gathering for a meeting or casually relaxing with friends and family in our 3-season room that features a dual-sided fireplace, we invite everyone to make their day a little better by checking out this unique Lexington location.”

An Active Community Partner

Since Panera Bread was founded, the company and its franchisees have been active participants in the communities in which it does business. 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 Greater Boston community cafes in giving back locally to Children’s Hospital Boston.

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 $50 million worth of unsold bread and baked goods in 2008 to help people in need.

On Nov. 28, Panera Bread and the Lexington Chamber will welcome the bakery-cafe’s Operation Dough-Nation partner, Children’s Hospital Boston. Visitors will enjoy Panera pastries, bagels, and coffee as they join a cooperative community effort to support Children’s Hospital.

Seasonal Menu Items

Nov. 17 marks the introduction of Panera’s new seasonal menu items. Customers can relax at the Lexington location with the Steak Balsamico Panini filled with melted mozzarella, roasted red peppers, fresh baby spinach, and tomato and basil balsamic spread. If that doesn’t strike a chord, they can try the all natural Sonoma Chicken Stew topped with a Dry Jack Cheese biscuit! With Panera’s identity rooted in handcrafted, freshly baked, artisan bread, the bakery-cafes are committed to providing great tasting, quality food that people can trust. Highlighted by antibiotic-free chicken, whole grain bread, select organic and all-natural ingredients and a menu with zero grams added trans-fat, Panera’s bakery-cafe selection offers flavorful, wholesome offerings

Bakery Fresh Catering Online

Panera’s innovative take-out concept, Panera Catering, will be offered at the new bakery-cafe with online ordering available. Panera Catering is ideal for breakfast, lunch, and dinner for any group from five to 500. Panera Catering emphasizes accuracy and efficiency in delivering the experience of fresh, handcrafted, quality meals to any workplace setting, social event or gathering. In addition, every bakery-cafe has a dedicated Panera Coordinator on site to manage the entire process, from order to pick up or delivery, to ensure customer satisfaction.

For more information about the new bakery-cafe, call Panera Bread at (617) 425-8565; Panera Catering orders may be faxed to (617) 425-8568. Major credit cards are accepted.