Panera Bread franchisee is bringing the brand to a Massachusetts medical center

PR Restaurants/Panera Bread, a leading Panera Bread franchisee in New England, has opened its first cafe in a hospital or medical center.

The bakery-cafe opened on Thursday at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) in Boston. The new location marks PR Restaurants’ 60th Panera unit. 

"We are excited to offer a new nourishing food option for the BIDMC community," said Christopher Minette, vice president of support services at BIDMC. "Having Panera on our East Campus will provide patients, their families, and staff a space to take a break from their day and enjoy a meal."

The unit will be open Monday through Friday from 6 a.m to 11 p.m. and on weekends from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

"We're proud to provide the warmth of Panera's menu and all of our many healthy food items to BIDMC patients and their families, in addition to all of the doctors, staff and caregivers who support the medical center's vital mission each and every day,” said Mitchell Roberts, CEO of PR Restaurants.