Panera in Algonquin to get drive-through
Grabbing your morning cup of coffee and bagel may soon get a little easier.
If you're a fan of Panera — and judging by the full parking lot and lines in the morning at the Algonquin location along Randall Road, many of you are — you should know that soon you'll have a new option for getting your favorite comfort foods.
The restaurant at 451 S. Randall Road will be getting a drive-through lane this spring, said Russell Farnum, community development director for the village of Algonquin.
Farnum said the business will be getting to work on the drive-through soon, if the snow ever goes away.
Ben Mason, senior planner for the village of Algonquin, said the drive-through will be built in the back of the Panera building, parallel with Rolls Drive.
It already received approval from the village board, and construction on it should begin soon, he said.
Panera officials said the drive-through should enhance the Panera experience for customers, especially those who don't have time to come in to eat.
“Adding a drive-through will add a new dynamic of convenience for both existing and new customers,” said Mike Hamra, president and CEO of Hamra Enterprises, in a news release.
Hamra Enterprises operates 33 different Panera locations in the Chicago area.
“Our current bakery-cafe has been embraced by many residents and businesses since 2001, and we look forward to sharing more of the Panera warmth in Algonquin,” Hamra said.
Pre-Valentine party: To kick off the Valentine's Day weekend, L'Occitane, along Randall Road in Geneva Commons is hosting a party on Thursday, Feb. 13, to launch its new Cherry Red fragrance.
There will be cherry-inspired mocktails for guests, who can also get a little pampering. There will be complimentary L'Occitane signature rituals, including hand massages, mini facials and fragrance layering.
Word has it that there also will be chocolate at the event.
Throughout the day, the business also will be offering a free gift with some purchases.
Love is in the air, and online: If you have a love story to tell, you may want to head to Facebook to share it.
Algonquin Commons along Randall Road is hosting a contest this month.
They're asking customers to share their love stories on the mall's Facebook page from now through Feb. 28.
And if you don't have a love story, don't worry. They're also asking for bad date stories, too.
You'll need to post a picture, too, to go along with your story. Once you do, you'll be entered to win a $500 gift basket.
If you win for your love story, you'll get a romantic gift basket. If you win for your bad date story, the basket will be a little different. You'll get a “single and loving it” basket.
If you can't enter on Facebook, you also can stop by the Algonquin Commons guest services mall office to enter and share your story that way.
• Amy Williams' column covers all the news of business along the Randall Road corridor from Batavia to Crystal Lake. Contact her at randallbiz@comcast.net or (847) 894-5036.