Panera Bread Shows Appreciation To Troops, September 18, 2011

    MIDDLETOWN, NY, October 12, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ -- September 18th was a day filled with big smiles and much appreciation over at Stewart Air National Guard Base. The fact of the matter is that though there were over 5,000 men, women and children thanking the business community that day, it is those families of our military that deserve the thanks. This day marked the 3rd Stewart Military Appreciation Day Picnic.

For many years the men and women serving our country from the New York Air National Guard and United States Marine Corps have supported the business community and the Nation right from Newburgh, NY. In addition to their much-appreciated efforts in protecting our Nation and helping many in times of need, they also have been a huge support system for our local business community.

Having a military base in our backyard has brought many families to our region. They shop in our stores, eat in our restaurants and purchase our professional services. From plumbers to restaurants, the 2011 Stewart Military Appreciation Day Picnic Committee was formed as a way to say thank you to all of the families that have come to our community to work at Stewart, bringing countless dollars in support of our local economy.

Panera Bread was one among many to jump on the bandwagon in aiding the committee with providing enough food, services, financial support and entertainment for the 5,000 plus people that were able to attend the picnic. "It's not every day that we can seize the opportunity to show our troops just how much we appreciate all that they do," said Tony Diaz, Operating Partner, Take Home The Bread, Franchisee.

Panera Bread alone was able to provide enough food to feed breakfast to 150 people from the Stewart community. This included everything that they needed from bagels and pastries to coffee and, of course, everything to go along with it, from butter and cream cheese to milk and sugar. Panera recognizes that we all play a role in the community, and this is just one way that they can give back to support those who support them.

Panera Bread Company owns and franchises 1,493 bakery-cafes as of June 28, 2011 under the Panera Bread , Saint Louis Bread Co. , and Paradise Bakery & Cafe names. We feature high quality, reasonably priced food in a warm, inviting, and comfortable environment. With our identity rooted in handcrafted, fresh-baked, artisan bread, we are committed to providing great tasting, quality food that people can trust. Nearly all of our bakery-cafes have a menu highlighted by antibiotic-free chicken, whole grain bread, and select organic and all natural ingredients, with zero grams of artificial trans fat per serving, which provide flavorful, wholesome offerings. Our menu includes a wide variety of year-round favorites complemented by new items introduced seasonally with the goal of creating new standards in everyday food choices. In neighborhoods across the United States and in Ontario, Canada, our customers enjoy our warm and welcoming environment featuring comfortable gathering areas, relaxing decor, and free internet access. Our bakery-cafes routinely donate bread and baked goods to community organizations in need. The franchisee Take Home the Bread, LLC plans to open 7 new bakery-cafes in the area over the next five years. Additional information is available on our website, http://www.panerabread.com.

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