Ken Rosenthal opened the first Saint Louis Bread Café in Kirkwood, Missouri in 1987. By the beginning of 1994, there were 22 locations in St. Louis, and they were ready to expand to new markets outside of Missouri. In December of 1993, the Saint Louis Bread company was acquired by Boston based Au Bon Pain Co., Inc., a chain of over 200 bakery/cafes positioned primarily in urban, downtown locations. Saint Louis Bread Company and their associated company, Panera Bread Company, by contrast, locate their bakery/cafes largely in suburban areas. Residents of Solon welcomed the Panera Bread Company into our community 2001.

Panera Bread Company bakes breads and other fine bakery products from the finest top quality ingredients using no preservatives. When they opened, they revived the tradition of the "Neighborhood Bakery" where their ovens are fired all day long in the tradition of the European neighborhood bakeries where the creation of freshly baked breads is measured by the hour and not by the day. This dedication to quality is especially evident in their sourdough breads where the process starts with a real San Francisco starter at least four days before the bread is baked. In addition to over a baker's dozen types of freshly baked breads, Panera offers fresh pastries including scones, sourdough bagels, five soups every day, crisp salads, gourmet beverages, and a specialty line sandwiches that will make your taste buds jump with glee. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served seven days a week in a relaxed, café atmosphere garnished with classical and jazz music. In addition to the tantalizing fare which is served in their restaurant, Panera Bread Company also has a full menu to satisfy your catering needs.

Panera Bread Company has distinguished themselves in the community by their dedication to being a socially conscious company. Anyitems that remain unsold at the day's end are donated to organizations that distribute the product to the needy. You know, with everything we hear in the media about the excesses of corporate greed and the modern day robber barons, it's refreshing to find a company with the social conciousness and sensitiviy that's alive and well at the Panera Bread Company. With three chances each and every day to sample the freshly baked delicacies at Panera, you owe it yourself to stop in soon. While you're there, don't forget to tell them that The Advocate sent you!

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