Panera Bread Downtown Grand Rapids Closing Permanently

Downtown Grand Rapids is losing another quick bite option. Earlier this year, the Biggby Coffee in McKay Tower shut down, as did Rev Juice Bar on Ottawa Ave. Now, after more than 13 years in business, the Panera Bread near Louis Campau Promenade is joining that list and closing its doors for good.

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This bums me out, as I imagine it does other downtown workers. Ever since the nearby Subway closed back in 2021, Panera has been my fallback spot.

The last day of business for the 99 Monroe Ave NW restaurant will be Oct. 20.

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So why is Panera shutting down after more than a decade downtown GR?

According to MLive, the company that runs it, California-based Manna Development Group, says people just aren't walking through the front door like they used to. Most of their business moved to catering and delivery, and since they can handle those orders out of other nearby stores, paying to keep a full downtown storefront open doesn't make sense for them anymore.

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As far as the approximately 30 people who work at the downtown Grand Rapids location, Manna Development Group tells MLive they were all offered jobs at other area Panera spots.

If you are wondering where your closest option is now, they are pointing customers toward the Walker store at 3150 Alpine Ave. NW and the Grand Rapids restaurant at 2044 Celebration Dr.

If you want a final meal at the downtown Panera, get in today or tomorrow!

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Gallery Credit: Tommy McNeill