• FORT LEE, Va.

The Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) celebrated the opening of Panera Bread with a grand opening event on March 18 at the fast-casual restaurant chain’s new store here.

The location offers a full menu; drive thru; app ordering with rapid pickup; interactive kiosks; catering service; an outdoor patio and an overall seating capacity of 133, according to Marshall-Pierce. 

Panera Bread restaurants can also be found on other U.S. Army installations such as Fort Hood, Texas; Fort Campbell, Ky.; Fort Bragg, N.C.; Fort Jackson, S.C. and Fort Belvoir, Va. 

HISTORY 

AAFES was able to Panera Bread to this location through years of commitment by many organizational partners to best serve the military community at Fort Lee, said Exchange General Manager (GM) Lajima Marshall-Pierce.

AAFES and Fort Lee leaders began discussions about a Panera Bread here dating back to 2022.

The restaurant was renovated out of the old Burger King building off Lee Avenue next to Beaty Theater and across from Army Community Service. 

Marshall-Pierce expressed strong confidence that Panera will be warmly welcomed by the community, noting she has no doubt the new location will quickly become a favorite.

“Menu items are geared toward healthy choices, fresh food and comfort food.” Marshall-Pierce said. “It fills me with pride to know that we offer a variety of food choices and continue investment in the quality of life for the Fort Lee community.”

The Fort Lee Panera Bread began operations on March 11 with a soft opening. Store Hours of Operation: Monday–Thursday: 0600–1900; Friday–Saturday: 0600–2000; Sunday–1100–1800. 

Source: army.mil 

Edited by Larry Lapka