Next month, there will be a public hearing for Panera's request to move its Deerfield location into the Deerbrook Shopping Center.
The bakery chain needs the approval of the plan commission for a special use permit in order to move into the space. Chicago Bread LLC owns Panera and is a local business that opened a Deerfield location in 1998. According to Randal Allen, Chicago Bread's vice president, the location change will demonstrate community commitment in the Deerfield area.
The plan is to move the Panera 1,000 feet on Waukegan Road to the south. It will have 101 seats inside a building on Lake Cook Road totaling 4,470 square feet. There will be 22 seats for outside dining and around 50 employees and catering capabilities. Some parking spots will be reserved for online or phone order pickups, highlighting Panera's most recent implementations company-wide.
Gateway Fairview, owner of the shopping center along with REVA Development Partners, wants to use the southwest part of the area to erect 246 units for residency. Around 60 townhouses and a five-story building would sit on the 11-acre property. It would replace three businesses, including an auto service center. Rent would cost from $1,450 up to $3,400.
Good graphic design and clear visuals can help persuade a planning committee to approve developments if the committee feels they are in the town's best interest.
The hearing takes place on December 13 at 7:30 pm.
