The popularity of Panera Bread has never been questioned. For further proof, check out the restaurant’s expansion plan in its bustling southwest Champaign location.
A building permit application was filed on Friday for the Panera Bread restaurant at 1765 W. Kirby Avenue to add a drive-thru. The permit, currently listed as “under review”, is available via the City of Champaign.
The addition of the drive-thru at the southwest Champaign store would be a welcome addition for Panera’s fans, many of whom are families “on-the-go” looking for quick, wholesome food without having to take the kids out of the car.
The Panera at 1903 Convenience Place in Champaign, near Market Place Shopping Center, already has a drive-thru.
Panera’s campus location at 616 E. Green Street has no access to a road, and does not feature a drive-thru.
The timetable for the new addition is unclear. Dan Hamelberg of University Group, which owns the building Panera occupies in Old Farm Shops, was not immediately available for comment Friday.