City Times Staff

Plan commissioners in Plover gave unanimous approval for a site plan for Panera Bread in Crossroads Commons.

The site plan includes adding an outdoor seating area, a drive-up lane and drive-thru window and an additional parking lot entry.

“We’ve been waiting a long time to be able to talk about this publicly,” said Richard Holden, the village’s community development manager. “It’s nice to finally let everyone know where we are.”

Construction on the property is expected to begin mid-June. The restaurant plans to open by November.

Village leaders announced a new owner had purchased the building last December, but were unable to announce which business until last week.

Panera Bread offers counter-service bakery, sandwiches, salads, soups and bread at locations across the nation, with a local presence in Wausau.

The property had previously been home to Denny’s, and before that Husdon’s Classic Grill.

The Plover Plan Commission meets at 5:30 PM at the Plover Municipal Center, 2400 Post Road.