Panera Bread Is Open in Missoula

Say goodbye to your dough because once you’ve had Panera Bread, you’ll never want to make your own food again.

At least that was my impression when I discovered the restaurant in Houston in 2005 before I moved to Montana. Panera Bread opened in Missoula on Monday on the corner of Reserve Street and Palmer, right in front of Target. Before Monday, you’d have to drive all the way to Kalispell for the nearest one.

Now that we have a Panera Bread of our own, I’m sure my unhealthy obsession with their bread bowls filled with soup will return. But it’s not just soup, sandwiches, salads, and flatbread pizzas. They also specialize in breakfast items like wraps, soufflés, and a wide array of bagels. Be sure to try the cinnamon crunch bagel. You’ll thank me later.

With Covid safety in mind, the restaurant made the decision to only open the drive thru, not indoor dining. Once they’re fully open, you’ll be amazed that fresh food with high-quality ingredients can be served so swiftly and in such a comfortable setting. It’s a fast food restaurant with a fine dining feel. Until then, I guess I will have to devour a soup-filled bread bowl in my car after ordering online because I definitely can’t wait another day for Panera Bread.