Columbia Heights Expands its Palate with New Panera Bread

Conveniently located across the street from the Columbia Heights Metro Station, Panera Bread will open its doors in just a few weeks.

Howard students and local residents can now savor the taste of a Fuji Apple Chicken Salad or a Cinnamon Crunch Bagel without traveling too far. This Panera Bread will open on 14th Street in between Panda Express and iHop. Currently, the only other Panera Bread restaurant in the city is in Dupont Circle.

According to a Panera Bread representative, the approximate date for the restaurant's completion and opening is set for the second week in October.

Many students, like Maegan Samuel, were thrilled when they heard that the popular chain is coming to an area closer to campus.

"I'm so excited that they are opening a Panera Bread in Columbia Heights because now it's more convenient for me to go get my sandwich … I love Panera Bread. It's my favorite place in the whole entire world," Samuel said.

Trey Poindexter, another Howard student, pointed out that by putting different food options in the heart of a major shopping district was a strategy for success, from a business perspective. 

"You have your Potbelly, your iHop, your Chipotle and adding a Panera Bread wouldn't be that bad because it's a little different from the [other] spots," said Poindexter. "The only thing that's close to it is the Potbelly. They would be the only competition."

While many quickly praise the availability of familiar food options, ANC 1A Commissioner Kent Boese, expressed his appreciation but also noted the lack of small businesses in 

the area. 

"I personally would like something that's a little bit more special. But then again, I understand that it's really hard if you're a private business owner to enter that kind of money on a gamble, and I presume that the rates in that corridor would be higher than they would be in other parts of the city," said Boese.

Panera Bread is a national restaurant chain widely recognized for their assortment of specialized bagels, loaves, pastries and other sweets. Other popular menu items include its sandwiches, soups, salads and specialty beverages.