UPDATE JAN 16, 2026
The new Panera Bread location is now open at 23146 I-30 North in Bryant. Here’s what not to do when you go:
6AM??? See the section with green words below for full details on opening day. 🥪🥖🍲(Above) Panera Bread, 23146 Interstate 30, in Bryant, Ar. (Photo Jan 2, 2026 by Thelma Poole).
MySaline reported about year ago that Panera Bread was in talks with the City of Bryant to locate a restaurant in town. They began construction, jumped through some hoops in the process, hired some employees, and now they are ready to open on January 15th. Read more below.
The Panera Bread restaurant is located at 23146 Interstate 30, in Bryant – on the north side, nestled between David’s Burgers and HealthCare Express.
Local General Manager Justin Howard states that the restaurant invites the community to come eat on their first day open – January 15th, 2026. The first 100 guests on that day will receive a voucher for free meals for a year. That translates to 12 free “You Pick Two” meals.
The restaurant also encourages customers to get the app, to get exclusive discounts and keep in touch with new items, as well as join the sip club. See the section with green words below 👇🏻👇🏾👇🏻👇🏾for full details on opening day. 🥪🥖🍲
FULL ANNOUNCEMENT FROM PANERA IN BRYANT:
Bryant is starting the year with an exciting new dining option. Panera Bread will open its first-ever bakery-café in Bryant at 23146 I-30 North on Thursday, January 15, at 6:00 a.m.
The opening marks Panera’s third location in the greater Little Rock/Pine Bluff area and brings new jobs, community partnerships, and a modern café experience to the city.
To celebrate, Panera will host a “baguette breaking” ceremony and reward the first 100 guests with free meals for a year.* (See specific details below)
Bryant Panera Bread Details
Address:
23146 I-30 N, Bryant, AR 72022
Opening:
Thursday, January 15 at 6:00 a.m.
Hours:
Mon–Sat, 6 a.m.–9 p.m.; Sun, 7 a.m.–9 p.m.
Jobs Created:
25–30 local team members
About the Café
Designed for today’s on-the-go guest, the new bakery-café features a smaller footprint, self-ordering kiosks, and a fully digitized menu—while still offering Panera’s signature soups, salads, sandwiches, and bakery items.
Grand Opening Giveaway
Beginning at 6:00 a.m. on opening day, the first 100 guests will receive a year of free You Pick Two® meals, allowing them to mix and match soups, salads, and sandwiches throughout the year.
Giving Back to the Community
From opening day through March 15, 2026, local nonprofit organizations—including schools, sports teams, and scout groups—can host fundraising events at the Bryant Panera. During each event, Panera will donate 30% of net sales back to the participating organization.
“We’re proud to bring the first Panera to Bryant and excited to become part of this vibrant community,” said Matthew Mottley, Director of Retail Operations. “We look forward to serving our guests with the delicious food and warm, welcoming service Panera is known for.”
*12 total Free You Pick Two® meals /1 per month redeemable with promo code. MyPanera required. Valid 1/19/26-1/19/27.
As a note about the growth of the shopping center, see the following images by Loopnet. It shows aerial views of the location, but also, there is a section of the property labeled “Pending LOI – Future Class A Retail.” LOI stands for “Letter of Intent.” We hope that means we have more upcoming business news for you very soon.
See the full list of Saline County events at www.mysaline.com/events.
•
