(KALISPELL) With additions of plenty of commercial businesses, new highways, and schools, the Flathead Valley is booming. But one area in particular is seeing more growth.
Right off Highway 93, the north side of Kalispell is proving to be a popular destination for new businesses.
“Anytime that you put in a restaurant you want it to be in a destination location. Right here is where all of the major construction is going and it’s heading north, so we wanted to be right in the middle of the action and help pull more traffic here,” said Kalispell Panera Bread general manager Michael Cothran.
The northside of Kalispell will be the first Panera Bread location in the state. Cothran also says that Missoula will be next and the company will open a total of seven throughout Montana over the next three years. The other locations have not yet been announced.
Part of what he believes will makes the business successful is its central location.
“Everything that is going on in here the construction that is already bringing people down from Whitefish it’s a great location to bring people from the southside from Kalispell and the north side from Whitefish and also we’re going to pull from Columbia Falls and Bigfork,” Cothran said.
The store is buzzing with activity as workers prepare for their grand opening next week.
Some new businesses are already open, like Bakery Bistro, and plenty more are expected to open soon, including an REI, MOD Pizza, Brickfire Pizza and a new My Place Hotel.
Cothran says the grand-opening of Panera Bread in Kalispell will be Wednesday, September 12. The restaurant will be open seven days a week.
Reaction to the news on the KRTV Facebook page has been mostly positive, with many people hoping that Great Falls will get a Panera Bread.
- Cindy Cockrell: I hope they come here!!! We have eaten at them for years, on out of state travels!! DELICIOUS, and have healthy options!
- Kristie Wilson: there needs to be a panera bread here in great falls!
- LaurelAnn Boone: They are THE BEST!! Order online & pick up, too!
- Corrina Buxengard Please come to Great Falls, PLEASE
- Colleen Clanin: I hope Great Falls is on the list!!!!!
- Tasha Loders: I hope they come to Great Falls! Used to love them when we lived in Oregon
Some others are not convinced:
- Rachel Pierce Skipper: I really hope we dont get one in Great Falls, we already have wonderful local bakeries. We just lost a great one, support local business like Wheat Montana, JJs bakery, Great Harvest Bread Co, and I’m sure I’m missing others.
- Wyatt Sprague: There food over priced and isn’t all that good!
Kalispell will be the first Panera Bread location in the state; the company plans to open six more across Montana over the next three years:
Posted by KRTV Great Falls on Wednesday, September 5, 2018
