Panera Bread is Hiring; Plans to Have First-Long Island Drive-Thru

Panera Bread will open its first drive-thru café on Long Island before the end of the year and is now hiring.

The bakery-café is still under construction at 1082 Old Country Road just west of Manetto Hill Road and the Plainview Diner. Company officials announced Monday that they will be hiring up to 60 people, a combination of full and part time positions.

The Plainview Panera will offer its regular menu of sandwiches, soup and seasonal selections. But the drive-thru will be a Long Island first.

“People are in a hurry, but they still want to eat right,” said Greg George, Vice President of Operations for Doherty Enterprises, franchisee for the Long Island Panera Bread cafes.

“Whether you’re a mom with a car full of kids and want to get a salad or you’ve been chosen to run out and pick up lunch for the office, Panera can now offer the added convenience of drive up and go without compromising taste or quality,” he said.

The Plainview location, being built at the site of the former Burger King, will still offer its usual indoor cafe, and officials said it will have free Wi-Fi and the usual quality food choices and breads.