Fort Liberty celebrates grand opening of new Panera

By Stephanie Meador, posted Feb 23, 2024 on BizFayetteville.com

Image provided by the Fort Liberty Exchange

The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is excited to bring Panera Bread to Fort Liberty Soldiers, families, retirees, visitors and other members of the community. Panera’s menu brings variety to customers using seasonal flavors and fresh ingredients, including poultry and pork raised without antibiotics as well as items free of artificial additives.

With a drive-thru, in-store self-ordering kiosks, a mobile app and delivery available, the Fort Liberty Exchange’s Panera offers fast and convenient service.

The Exchange Panera has created more than 30 jobs on post and is still hiring. Panera is at Building H-4512, 2240 Rock Merritt Road, and is open Monday through Saturday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

According to Fort Liberty Exchange General Manager Thomas “TK” Kuttamperoor, renovating the space took about 90 days, and the Smoke Bomb Hill Express food court remained open to customers the entire time. The project cost about $1 million, and was funded entirely by the Exchange—not taxpayers.

The opening of Panera is another example of the Exchange’s commitment to improving the lives of Fort Liberty Soldiers, families, retirees, visitors and community members.

Other recent Exchange improvements include three renovated Expresses and the opening of an American Tattoo Society shop. In the coming months, the Exchange will also open a Potbelly Sandwich Shop (the first in the Exchange’s portfolio), a Sbarro and a $12.5 million mini mall with an Express and Chipotle.

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