It looks like another chain wants to expand its presence in the breakfast market. Panera Bread is rolling out a line-up of breakfast sandwiches at its restaurants, and its Roanoke Valley locations already are selling them. The nationwide launch is scheduled for April, according to the company.

This bakery and food company is joining an increasing number of fast food eateries, such as Wendy’s and McDonalds, and other restaurants that have added gourmet coffee and morning-related food choices to draw on a growing business for breakfast.

At Panera Bread, there are three different kinds of grilled breakfast sandwiches, including egg and cheese, sausage egg and cheese, and bacon, egg and cheese. Prices range from $3 to $4, depending on the location, said Andrew Carlson, a spokesman for the St. Louis-based chain.

Panera Bread already sells bagels, pastries and egg soufflés, along with coffee and other hot beverages. But it’s perhaps best known for its wide selection of sandwiches and soups for lunch and dinner.

Carlson said breakfast isn’t a new business for the chain, but there has been more demand for increased morning offerings.

“Hot breakfasts are something our guests have been interested in,” he said. “It’s a good natural extension of our brand.”

Read on to learn about some upcoming baking demonstrations at the Panera Bread in Roanoke County.

Beginning later this month and stretching through May, Panera Bread on Electric Road will host baking demonstrations to show off the ingredients used in its breakfast sandwiches. They include applewood smoked bacon and Hoffman's Vermont sharp white cheddar cheese.

The dates will be March 29, April 5, April 12, and May 3. The times will be 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. I’ll let you know when I find out more details about these demonstrations.

Other Panera Breads in Southwest Virginia are located in Roanoke, near Valley View Mall, and in Christiansburg.

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• Posted by Jenny Kincaid Boone in Restaurants
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