Chain Restaurant Coming To Darien Area

DARIEN, IL – A Panera Bread is planned for the northeast corner of 75th Street and Lemont Road in Downers Grove, just across the street from the Darien city limit.

The 4,000-square-foot building is under construction at 7361 Lemont Road, near the Taco Bell at the Downers Park Plaza Center. A two-lane drive-thru is planned.

Panera's corporate communications office did not return a message for comment. A contractor said the restaurant was expected to open in the fall.

Panera offers sandwiches, salads, soups and other items.

Panera was founded in 1987 in the St. Louis area, where it is still based.

Now, Panera operates as Panera Bread or Saint Louis Bread Co. in 48 states, the District of Columbia and Canada. It has nearly 2,200 locations.

Panera already has two locations in Downers Grove – 160 Ogden Ave. and 1400 Butterfield Road. It also has a restaurant at 1001 W. 75th St. in Woodridge.