Baxter City Council Approves New Panera Bread Restaurant Plans

Panera Bread has received approval from the Baxter City Council for a new restaurant featuring indoor seating, an outdoor patio, and a drive-thru located near Costco. The council granted both the preliminary and final plat for the site during its regular session on November 18, 2023. Alongside this, a conditional use permit for the drive-thru was also approved, allowing access from Elder Drive.

Construction on the new Panera could begin as soon as the necessary permits are issued, although Minnesota’s winter weather might impact the timeline. Developers have indicated an aim to open the restaurant by fall 2024, or sooner if conditions permit. The establishment plans to hire between 10 to 15 employees, comprising both full-time and part-time positions. Operating hours will be daily from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., with Sunday hours set from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The restaurant will cover 3,128 square feet and will provide a drive-thru option, accommodating customers who can access the site via Elder Drive and Forthun Road. The area meets city requirements, and the conditional use permit was necessary because the city’s zoning ordinance mandates that drive-thru businesses must have direct access to a minor arterial street or collector. The new restaurant will fulfill this requirement.

Developers also requested and received permission to open the drive-thru one hour earlier than the city ordinance typically allows. This means that the drive-thru will open at 6 a.m., with plans to close at 9 p.m., thereby reducing the time frame for outdoor speaker use. Given the commercial nature of the surrounding area, the city deemed this request acceptable due to the absence of nearby residential properties.

In terms of environmental considerations, trees will be strategically planted around the drive-thru area. Before a building permit is issued, city staff will review and approve the specific varieties and locations to ensure compliance with the headlight screening requirements related to the drive-thru car stack. Additionally, the design includes a bypass lane, allowing drivers the option to exit the line if needed.

The Baxter City Council assessed that the addition of Panera Bread would be compatible with the existing properties in the vicinity, posing no adverse effects. Plans indicate the restaurant will offer 37 parking spaces and seating for 77 customers. The exterior design will feature earth tones and brick, aligning with the aesthetic of the area.

Although a previous attempt to develop a Panera location on the Fruth property in 2017 fell through, the current project marks a significant step forward in fulfilling local demand for dining options. At that time, the development was expected to include a Panera alongside other businesses, but the project was abandoned when the developer withdrew.

Currently, Minnesota hosts 32 Panera Bread locations, primarily within the Twin Cities metro area, with additional establishments in St. Cloud and Duluth. The Baxter site will be one of the few located in a smaller community. Nationwide, Panera operates 2,252 locations, with concentrations in states such as California and Florida.

Panera Bread began its journey in 1987 as St. Louis Bread Co., originally a community bakery that aimed to provide a loaf of bread to every customer. The company emphasizes its commitment to fresh ingredients, with daily offerings that include cookies, pastries, and a variety of breads. Alongside traditional menu items, Panera also provides mobile ordering, catering, curbside pickup, and home delivery services.

With the Baxter City Council’s approval, Panera Bread is poised to become a valued addition to the local dining scene, fulfilling a long-standing interest from community members for more options in the area.