Panera Bread Opens in Lower Nazareth

in is open for business.

The restaurant held a "silent opening" on Monday, April 9, according to Jim Merbler, general manager of the new Panera.

The quiet introduction has allowed new employees to learn the ropes without feeling overwhelmed, Merbler said, adding that initial feedback from customers has been "really good."

"The neighbors have also been really good," Merbler said.

even sent over a platter of wings as a welcoming gift.

The will help welcome Panera Bread to the neighborhood by holding a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 9 a.m. Wednesday, April 18.

The general public is invited to attend and enjoy complimentary coffee and pastries.

The restaurant -- which features baked goods, wraps, soups, sandwiches and salads -- is the first Panera location in the area to .

The calculated wait time from order to pickup is estimated to be about three minutes and 45 seconds, according to Caryl Scobbie, senior development project manager for Panera.

“We are actually quicker with the drive-thru than inside,” Scobbie told the in September 2011.

Outdoor seating is also available, in addition to free wi-fi.

The restaurant is next to  in a space previously occupied by a Blockbuster store. The site is behind and across the roadway from .

The Panera Bread is open Monday through Saturday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Merbler said Panera is "always looking for good people to come on board." Visit www.panera.com to apply.