Saint Louis Bread Co., a national chain with more than 100 bakery-cafes in the St. Louis area alone, opened its first location in Kirkwood in 1987. Panera, as the company is commonly known outside the city, isn't going anywhere, but that original restaurant is. After almost 30 years, the Kirkwood's Bread Company is moving in to nicer digs.
See also: Panera to Eliminate Artificial Flavors and Ingredients by 2016
The Bread Co. is currently at 10312 Manchester Road, where it has been for the last 27 years. In August it'll move across the street to 10221 Manchester Road to accommodate a drive-through, among other things.
And although we think the introduction of the Bread Co. drive-through a few years ago was basically the best thing ever, we can't help but be a little sad that one of St. Louis' biggest exports is closing an important chapter in its history.
Regional vice president Don Hutcheson said in a statement that the move would "better serve" Kirkwood.
"We are honored and humbled to have felt the support of this community since 1987, and we are equally invested in this neighborhood," he said. "The new bakery-cafe will be directly across the street and will feature updated designs, a drive-through, expanded parking and seating, and rapid pick-up for the convenience of customers."
Do you remember when the first Saint Louis Bread Co. opened? Let us hear your stories! Here's Hutcheson's statement in full:
St. Louis Bread Company began with our first bakery-cafe in Kirkwood, MO. We are honored and humbled to have felt the support of this community since 1987, and we are equally invested in this neighborhood. In late August, we will be relocating our Kirkwood bakery-cafe to 10221 Manchester Road in order to better serve our neighbors. The new bakery-cafe will be directly across the street and will feature updated designs, a drive-thru, expanded parking and seating, and Rapid Pick-Up for the convenience of customers. We're excited to better serve our neighbors in Kirkwood.
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