Syosset Panera Officially Opens Wednesday

officially opens their doors for business Wednesday morning. Customers, employees, and local officials will join together in welcoming the new bakery-cafe at a bread breaking ceremony.

"We think Panera is a good fit for the neighborhood," said Doherty Enterprises vice president of operations Greg George. Doherty owns the Syosset Panera franchise, which held a Family and Friends event Monday night. Employees invited friends and loved ones for a free meal to give new hires a taste of the dinner rush before Wednesday's big opening.

"Everyone has been training for the past week and this is a chance for our associates to get some real experience before we start taking money," said George. Every Panera hosts a Family and Friends event before the grand opening to ease staff into real service.

Panera will open to the public Wednesday and at 10 a.m., will hold a traditional bread breaking. Nassau Legislator Judy Jacobs (D-Woodbury), TOBAY Councilman Chris Coschignano, and a representative from Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano's office will join together to officially open the store to the Syosset community.

"We're really excited to be a part of this community," said Doherty marketing coordinator, Ashley Cabarcas. "The businesses here have been excited for us to come and once we're open and introduce ourselves to the community, we'll start tapping into what's going on."

The bakery-cafe tries to get involved in community events, supplying food at fundraisers and blood drives or raising money for breast cancer. In October, Panera sells ribbon-shaped bagels and donates much of the proceeds to breast cancer research. At the Syosset Panera and others on Long Island, unsold food is donated to which helps feed hungry Long Islanders.

Panera's long-anticipated opening is . Nextdoor, , and across the street, Chipotle Mexican Grill is reportedly opening.