Panera opens non-profit cafe in MichiganPanera opens non-profit cafe in Michigan

Ron Ruggless

The Panera Bread Foundation this week opened its second non-profit, pay-what-you-can cafe in Dearborn, Mich., and has plans to open a third location in Portland, Ore., early next year.

The foundation, created by Panera Bread co-founder Ron Shaich, debuted the first non-profit Panera Cares Cafe in Clayton, Mo., in May, encouraging customers “to take what they need and leave their fair share.”

“One of the goals of this charitable program is to ensure that everyone who needs a meal gets one,” the foundation said. “There are no prices or cash registers, only suggested donation levels and donation bins.”

Shaich, who serves as executive chairman and president of the Panera Bread Foundation, said: “The vision for the Panera Cares Cafe was to use Panera’s unique restaurant skills to address real societal needs and make a direct impact in communities.”

The foundation said Dearborn, a Detroit suburb, was selected for its diverse population and need.

“Given the economic challenges in the Greater Detroit area, opening a Panera Cares Cafe in this area was a natural choice,” Shaich said. “These cafes exist to make a difference by offering the Panera experience with dignity to all – those who can afford it, those who need a hand up, and everyone in between. We anticipate that Panera Cares will have a tremendous impact on the Dearborn community.”

The foundation said it selected the Hollywood District in Portland because of its access to public transportation and eclectic mix of customers.

Panera, which is based in St. Louis, operates about 1,420 restaurants.

Contact Ron Ruggless at [email protected].