Panera Bread and Moe's Southwest Grill Coming to Palm Bay

When it comes to favorite places to go eat out, it doesn't get much better than Moe's Southwest Grill and Panera Bread. There's only one problem: As Palm Bay residents, if you want to enjoy Panera or Moe's, you're going to have to wait a bit. You see, to visit either of those places you're looking at a twenty to thirty minute drive up to the Avenues in Viera (where you'll find both) or to Lake Washington or beachside on Eau Gallie Blvd where you'll find the closest Panera Bread locations.

So, the rumors of a possible Palm Bay location... oh yeah! But where?

Hammock Landing

The Hammock Landings complex spans along Palm Bay road from I-95 and Minton Road. The 460,000 sq. ft. complex features major anchor stores such as Kohl's, Marshalls, Target, Michael's, HHGreg, Petco and a variety of smaller, specialty shops and stores. With all the road construction going on with Palm Bay road, it's easy to miss the "coming soon" signs of new businesses. But not when you decide to stop for an Egg McMuffin. As you drive around the recently built McDonalds you become aware that there's a lot of building going on. To the west side of McDonald's is a construction site with the unmistakable Burger King logo. It shouts out: "Coming soon - Now Hiring". Yes, Burger King will soon rise up next to Mac D's, making it the third BK location in Palm Bay. For hiring info, visit Burger King's career page by clicking here.

Update (4/08/10) -- Burger King is now open for business

Panera Bread - Road Trip!

Immediately east of McDonald's is another construction site. Though some had told me that Panera Bread was coming to Palm Bay, there were no outward signs indicating that. There was only one thing left to do... road trip!

My wife and I travelled to the Lake Washington Panera Bread location where we ordered up an Asiago Roast Beef Sandwich and a steaming bowl of Black Bean soup and fresh bread. Yum! The opportunity also allowed us to talk briefly with the manager. Guess what he confirmed? Yes, Panera is coming to Palm Bay. Yes, it is next to the McDonalds. I asked him if there was anything that would be unusual about the new store, and he said that there was talk of possibly putting in a drive thru. Wow, wouldn't that be cool! Estimated opening date is somewhere around June. When I asked if they were taking job applications, the manager said that it was still a bit early in construction. For more information on employment opportunities, you can visit Panera's Career Opportunities page by clicking here .

"Welcome To Moe's!"

Behind the Panera construction and a little to the east is the Five Guys Burgers and Fries restaurant. Go east a bit more -- to the opposite corner of Five Guys -- and you'll find the new Palm Bay Moe's Southwest Grill. It's not open as of this writing, but it's coming soon. A call to the Moe's up in The Avenues confirmed that they're shooting for a mid to late April timeframe. When asked about hiring opportunities, I was told that they have filled all the positions.

Update (4/23/10): Moe's is now open. Read more about it by clicking here.
To see interior layout pictures of the new Moe's, click here.

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Palm Bay residents will soon have three new dining choices at Hammock Landings. Whether you want a burger "your way" at Burger King, some delicious bread from Panera, or the cheerful greeting of, "Welcome To Moe's!" it's coming. It's all coming really soon.

Save me a seat, ok? :)

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To view construction and location pictures of the places mentioned in this article, Click Here