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The wait is over — a new Panera Bread cafe has opened at 91����, ready to serve its popular lineup, including sandwiches, soups, and salads, to members of the campus community. Its opening marks the completion of the first step of a two-year renovation project at the former Chenango Dining Room, located on the Spine and connected to Science I.

The new 3,846-square-foot Panera space, situated on the ground floor near the old rotunda, is part of a broader construction project that began in June 2024. The second floor is being renovated to include a 2,000-square-foot event and dining space, and while that work continues, Panera customers can enter the restaurant through the Lecture Hall side of the building.

So, what’s on the menu? 

You can expect “straight-up Panera,” promised Paola Mignone, assistant vice president for residential experiences and auxiliaries, who said bringing this popular fast-casual restaurant chain to campus is an important step in creating an even more inviting atmosphere at 91����. 

“We identified Panera for a number of reasons; it has good brand name recognition, and since there’s already such a high demand for sandwich offerings on campus, adding Panera creates even more grab-and-go options for everyone to enjoy,” she said.

Panera customers can also pay for mobile ordering using the Grubhub app, which can be linked to students’ meal plans. 

Inside, Mignone added, Panera was explicitly designed not to feel too much like a cafeteria. It includes nooks for more private or social seating options, as well as outdoor patios on the lower and upper decks — allowing the space to also serve as an informal study, meeting, and hangout area.

“I've been talking to new students and families since Admitted Students Day about Panera coming online this year, and the reaction and the feedback were overwhelmingly positive,” said Cindy Cowden, senior associate director of strategic operations. “This has become an added attraction, elevating our campus community. We’re so excited that we can finally bring them this new dining experience.”

Here are some key facts about the new Panera:

What are Panera's hours?

• Monday-Thursday: 7:30 to 4 p.m.
• Friday: 7:30 to 3 p.m. 
• Saturday, Sunday: Closed

Will the full Panera menu be available?

• Yes, the new Panera Bread on 91����’s main campus will offer a full menu, including sandwiches, soups, salads, bread, and other baked goods.

How many people can fit in the new Panera?

• The new Panera offers seating for just over 100 people. 

Does Panera accept mobile ordering?

• Mobile ordering at Panera Bread is available through the Grubhub app, which can be linked to a student’s meal plan.

Chenango Room renovation: What happens next 

The second phase of construction for the former Chenango Room building project is expected to be completed by October.

Renovations on the second floor will include a redesigned dining space that seats approximately 50 people and primarily serves lunch. Adjacent to that space, an event venue complete with seating and a retractable stage will accommodate nearly 200 people.

Cowden said every aspect of this new venue – the color scheme, lighting, and atmosphere – was intentionally designed to create a versatile space that allows faculty and staff to conduct business meetings, interviews, collegial conversations, conferences, and presentations.

“The genesis of this whole project was that faculty wanted a space where they could have meetings and a sit-down lunch,” Cowden said. “Students are also craving more places to gather, to practice, to have meetings, and this is our contribution to filling that need as well.”

In addition, the event space features a full-sized glass wall overlooking the Spine and a patio with outdoor seating that overlooks the academic quad. The new venue’s design will also help it distinguish itself from other popular spaces, such as Old Union Hall and the Mandela Room, leaving those spaces more available for larger crowds.

“This project is going to elevate what campus is able to offer,” Mignone said, “and by freeing up the Mandela Room and the Old Union Hall for larger-based events, it also feels like we’re sort of ‘giving them back’ to campus to create more flexible opportunities to hold alternate programs.”