JOHNSON CITY, N.Y. — Panera Bread — a chain of about 2,000 bakery-café, fast-casual restaurants — has formally opened a new eatery in Oakdale Commons at 615 Harry L Drive, bringing another restaurant option to the revitalizing area. Frank Gatto, area operating partner, says he is excited to bring another Panera location to the greater […]
JOHNSON CITY, N.Y. — Panera Bread — a chain of about 2,000 bakery-café, fast-casual restaurants — has formally opened a new eatery in Oakdale Commons at 615 Harry L Drive, bringing another restaurant option to the revitalizing area.
Frank Gatto, area operating partner, says he is excited to bring another Panera location to the greater Binghamton region. He also operates a Panera on Vestal Parkway in Vestal.
While the Oakdale Commons location was already planned before Gatto took over as the area’s operating partner a little over a year ago, he’s excited about being there. Oakdale Commons is undergoing a transformation by owner Spark JC, LLC from a former indoor shopping mall to an entertainment and shopping district.
“It’s location, location, location,” Gatto says. “We’re right on a busy road.” The area is also home to a Wegman’s grocery store that will draw people to the area and a Dick’s House of Sport.
He’s hoping to draw in hungry shoppers looking for a meal that’s fast and different from the typical fast-food options. Panera specializes in soups, salads, and sandwiches, along with bakery treats.
Panera officially opened on Sept. 22 and is open Sunday from 7 a.m.-9 p.m. and Monday to Saturday from 6 a.m.-9 p.m.
The 3,800-square-foot restaurant can seat about 90 diners and also includes a drive-thru, a newer offering that has replaced the curbside pick-up service offered during COVID, Gatto says. He predicts the drive-thru will be a popular option for families.
“This gives them another avenue to stay in the car and get some food,” that isn’t the usual burger and fries, he says.
This Panera location employs between 60 and 70 people, mostly in part-time positions.
Gatto, who has been with Panera for about 20 years, also operates cafés in Auburn, Ithaca, Big Flats, Oneonta, and Amsterdam in upstate New York.
Panera Bread, based in the St. Louis, Missouri area, is privately held by JAB Holding Company, a German conglomerate based in Luxembourg that also owns Caribou Coffee, Krispy Kreme, and Einstein Bros. Bagels.