The Blackstone Valley

PANERA BREAD® OPENS NEW BAKERY-CAFE IN MILLBURY, MA

SUNSET HILLS, MO, December 13th 2010 - Panera Bread will open its newest bakery-cafe in the Shoppes at Blackstone Valley in Millbury, MA located near the Barnes and Noble on December 13th. A ribbon cutting with the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce will be held at 11AM.

With its identity rooted in handcrafted, freshly baked, artisan bread, Panera Bread is 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. The menu includes a variety of year-round favorites to complement seasonal items and breads baked fresh daily in each bakery-cafe by skilled bakers.

A Neighborhood Approach

"The new bakery cafe offers a warm and welcoming environment that we believe will be a great addition to the Shoppes at Blackstone Valley. Being familiar with the shops and the area, we knew the regional draw could benefit from a healthy food option. Our cafes are a place you can meet with friends, and relax by the fire while enjoying a freshly baked good, or warm up with one of our hot soups.

We are excited to open during the busy holiday season, and we're pleased to offer a comfortable place where shoppers can take a minute to sit down and catch their breath." Said Gregg Godfrey, Joint Venture Partner for the Greater Boston area.

Bakery Fresh Catering

Panera's innovative take-out concept, Panera Catering will be offered at the new bakery-cafe. Available for breakfast, lunch and dinner, 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, 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.

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.

The hours of operation for the new Panera Bread at 70 Worcester-Providence Parkway, located in the Shoppes at Blackstone Valley are Monday through Saturday from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and Sunday from 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. For more information, call Panera Bread at Phone #(508)865-6756, and orders may be faxed to(508)865-0186. Major credit cards are accepted.

About Panera Bread

Panera Bread Company owns and franchises 1,388 bakery-cafes as of March 30, 2010 under the Panera Bread®, Saint Louis Bread Co.®, and Paradise Bakery & Café® names. With our identity rooted in handcrafted, fresh-baked, artisan bread, we are committed to providing great tasting, quality food that people can trust. Nearly all of our bakery-cafes have a menu highlighted by antibiotic free chicken, whole grain bread, select organic and all-natural ingredients, with zero grams of artificial trans fat per serving, which provide flavorful, wholesome offerings. Our menu includes a wide variety of year-round favorites, complemented by new items introduced seasonally with the goal of creating new standards in everyday food choices. In neighborhoods across this country and in Ontario, Canada, our customers enjoy our warm and welcoming environment featuring comfortable gathering areas, relaxing decor, and free internet access. Our bakery-cafes routinely donate bread and baked goods to community organizations in need. Additional information is available on the Company's website, www.panerabread.com.

# # #

About the Chamber

The mission of the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce is to promote the economic vitality of the Blackstone Valley and meet the needs of the Chamber's business members, while providing leadership on issues which impact the economy and quality of life in the Valley. The Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce serves the eleven towns in the Massachusetts BV Region: Blackstone, Douglas, Grafton, Hopedale, Mendon, Millbury, Millville, Northbridge, Sutton, Upton and Uxbridge. For more information on the Chamber please contact administrator@blackstonevalley.org or call 508 234 9090 X101.