A representative at the Panera Bread in Rockville Town Center confirmed Monday that the restaurant’s final day of operation will be Tuesday, May 19, with the location expected to close permanently at 8pm.
The restaurant is located at 219 East Middle Lane in Rockville Town Center. Employees had previously indicated the cafe would likely close sometime in the coming weeks, but this marks the first specific closure date confirmed by staff.
The space is currently being marketed for lease by Willard Retail, suggesting plans for Panera’s departure have been in motion for some time as ownership searches for a future tenant for the highly visible Town Center storefront.
The closure comes as questions continue surrounding another Montgomery County Panera Bread location in Olney. According to a representative from franchise owner Lemek, Panera Bread hopes to remain in Olney, but the future of that restaurant ultimately depends on the landlord. The representative said there is currently no official closing date for the Olney location at 18141 Town Center Drive, which is presently operating on a month-to-month basis.
