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Panera Bread opens in Carpentersville on Friday

Panera Bread will open the doors of its Carpentersville location for the first time Friday morning.

Located along Route 31, adjacent to the east side of Spring Hill Mall, the bakery cafe will feature the breads, soups, and sandwiches the chain is known for. It will have a communal table and Wi-Fi Internet access. Those in a hurry will be able to visit the drive through or order online for pickup.

"I've never heard so many positive comments about anything in Carpentersville," Village President Ed Ritter said.

"Our concept has been embraced by many surrounding communities over the past years, and we look forward to sharing our signature Panera warmth here in Carpentersville," said Mike Hamra, president and CEO of Hamra Enterprises, a Panera franchisee.

Panera is opening in the former location of Jameson's Charhouse. Ritter said he hopes the opening will attract businesses to surrounding vacant properties.

"We're hoping this will be a catalyst to get the other two buildings filled," he said.

Amy Resch, general manager of Spring Hill, is excited about the opening.

"We are thrilled to further enhance Spring Hill Mall's dining offerings with the official opening of Panera Bread," Resch said. "(We) believe its presence will drive additional visitors to the property, resulting in increased foot traffic for all of our retailers."

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