Covelli Enterprises to Open Panera’s 2,000th Cafe
WARREN, Ohio – Covelli Enterprises will hold a grand opening Wednesday for the nation’s 2,000th Panera Bread bakery-café.
The new Elyria Panera, which is located across from Chestnut Commons, is also the 280th Panera operated by Covelli Entrerprises, Panera’s largest franchisee.
“We are honored to open the 2,000th Panera Bread Bakery-Cafe in the nation. It is a true testament to the strength of the brand, the loyalty of our customers, and the hard work of our employees,” said Sam Covelli, owner/operator of Covelli Enterprises.
“Cleveland has been an integral part of our company’s growth for over 20 years,” he continued. “I am thrilled that the 2,000th bakery-cafe is opening in our largest market and in Northeast Ohio, where Covelli Enterprises was founded over 50 years ago.”
Ron Shaich, Panera founder and CEO, called the opening of the new café a “proud milestone” for the company.
“Whenever we open a new location, I’m reminded that the strength of Panera has been built one guest and one bakery-cafe at a time,” he said. “We are grateful to have strong partners, like Covelli Enterprises, who continue to deliver an industry-leading guest experience and are helping to propel our growth.”
The grand-opening celebration will begin at 6:30 a.m. Wednesday. The first
200 customers will receive a free You Pick Two® for a Year certificate and, with any purchase, the first 2,000 customers will receive a free travel mug with two weeks of free coffee.
In addition, former Ohio State University star Ezekiel Elliot will sign autographs (excluding memorabilia) from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday.
Also, Covelli Enterprises will donate $2,000 to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1079 located in Elyria.
Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
