Detroit's First Panera Bread Outpost Swings Open in the RenCen on Thursday

Panera's first outpost in Detroit proper will debut April 7 in the RenCen. The sandwich and broth bowl slingin' chain has set up shop on Level A of the GM Wintergarden. The 4,429-square-foot restaurant seats more than 70 patrons and according to a release will feature customized ordering, mobile payment, fast-lane kiosks, and advanced ordering for takeout meals.

Panera vowed to eliminate artificial flavors and preservatives from its menus this year and recently jumped on the cage-free eggs bandwagon, announcing plans to make the transition by 2020. The RenCen has been skilled at attracting chains into the city. The massive Granite City Food & Brewery opened its first location within the city of Detroit in February boasting 450-seats and a huge patio space.

Panera Bread — RenCen will open from 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday; 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday; and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.