Planning a visit to Panera Bread becomes much easier when you know the right time to go. Whether you want a quick breakfast, a healthy lunch, or a warm soup in the evening, understanding Panera Bread hours helps you avoid long waits and closed doors. In 2026, Panera continues to follow mostly consistent schedules, with a few changes during holidays and weekends.
This guide covers Panera Bread opening and closing times, breakfast, lunch, dinner, drive-thru hours, and holiday schedules across the USA. While hours may vary slightly by location, the information below reflects what most Panera cafés follow nationwide.
Panera Bread Regular Hours February 2026
Panera Bread is known for opening early and serving customers throughout the day. Most locations follow a similar schedule, but exact hours can depend on location, local laws, weather conditions, or whether the café is inside a mall, hospital, or airport.
In general, Panera opens early for breakfast and closes after dinner. This makes it a convenient option for both morning commuters and evening diners.
Typical Panera Bread Opening & Closing Times
| Day | Opening Time | Closing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 6:00 AM – 7:00 AM | 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 6:00 AM – 7:00 AM | 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 6:00 AM – 7:00 AM | 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM |
| Thursday | 6:00 AM – 7:00 AM | 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM |
| Friday | 6:00 AM – 7:00 AM | 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM |
| Saturday | 6:00 AM – 7:00 AM | 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM |
| Sunday | 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM | 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM |
Tip: Urban locations may open earlier or close later, while smaller towns may close sooner.
Panera Bread Breakfast Hours
Panera is very popular for breakfast, offering bagels, egg sandwiches, pastries, and hot coffee. Breakfast hours are mostly the same across locations, especially when it comes to ending time.
When Does Panera Stop Serving Breakfast?
Panera stops serving breakfast at 10:30 AM at almost all locations, regardless of the day.
Panera Breakfast Schedule
| Day | Breakfast Start | Breakfast End |
|---|---|---|
| Monday – Friday | 6:00 AM – 7:00 AM | 10:30 AM |
| Saturday – Sunday | 6:00 AM – 8:00 AM | 10:30 AM |
Even after breakfast ends, you can still order bakery items and drinks throughout the day.
Panera Bread Lunch & Dinner Hours
Once breakfast ends, Panera smoothly transitions into lunch service. Many customers enjoy the popular Pick Two combo during both Panera lunch hours and dinner hours.
Lunch & Dinner Timing
| Meal | Start Time | End Time |
|---|---|---|
| Lunch | 10:30 AM | Closing Time |
| Dinner | 4:00 PM | Closing Time |
Lunch and dinner hours depend on the café’s closing time, which usually falls between 8:00 PM and 10:00 PM.
Panera Bread Drive-Thru Hours
Not all Panera locations have a drive-thru, but those that do usually follow the same schedule as dine-in hours. In some locations, the drive-thru may stay open slightly later.
Drive-Thru Hours (Typical)
| Service | Opening Time | Closing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Drive-Thru | 6:00 AM – 7:00 AM | 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM |
For exact drive-thru hours, checking your local café is always recommended.
Panera Bread Holiday Hours 2026
Holiday schedules are one of the most searched topics related to Panera Bread hours. While Panera stays open on many holidays, hours are often reduced, and some major holidays result in full closures.
Panera Bread Holiday Schedule
| Holiday | Open / Closed | Special Hours |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | Open | Reduced Hours |
| Easter Sunday | Open | Reduced Hours |
| Memorial Day | Open | Regular Hours |
| Independence Day | Open | Regular Hours |
| Labor Day | Open | Regular Hours |
| Thanksgiving Day | Closed | N/A |
| Christmas Eve | Open | Closes Early |
| Christmas Day | Closed | N/A |
| New Year’s Eve | Open | Closes Early |
Christmas Eve & Christmas Day Hours
- Christmas Eve (Dec 24): Most locations open in the morning and close early, usually around 6:00 PM
- Christmas Day (Dec 25): Nearly all Panera Bread cafés are closed
Why Panera Bread Hours May Vary
Although Panera follows standard hours, some locations operate differently due to:
- State or city regulations
- Weather conditions
- Mall or airport settings
- Hospital-based cafés
- High-traffic urban areas
A few special locations may even operate 24 hours, but this is rare.
How to Check Your Local Panera Bread Hours
To avoid confusion, always confirm the hours of your nearest café using one of these methods:
- Panera Bread Store Locator (Official Website)
- Panera Bread Mobile App (iOS & Android)
- Call the Café Directly
This is especially important during holidays or bad weather.
Most Popular Panera Menu Items in the USA
Many customers plan their visits around these favorites:
- Broccoli Cheddar Soup in a Bread Bowl
- Tomato Soup
- Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt
- Green Goddess Caprese Melt
- Mediterranean Bowl with Chicken
- Asiago Bagel Sandwiches
- Asian Sesame Chicken Salad
Knowing Panera Bread hours ensures you can enjoy these items fresh and on time.
FAQs
Most locations open between 6:00 AM and 7:00 AM, with Sundays opening slightly later.
Panera Closing times usually range from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM, depending on location.
No. Breakfast ends at 10:30 AM, but bakery items remain available.
No. Most locations are completely closed on Christmas Day.
Yes. Always check your local café for exact timings.
Yes, Panera is open on most holidays, but usually with reduced hours. They are closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
Conclusion
Panera Bread hours in 2026 remain customer-friendly and easy to plan around. Most cafés open early for breakfast, serve lunch and dinner smoothly, and adjust schedules slightly during holidays. Breakfast ends at 10:30 AM, while closing times usually fall between 8:00 PM and 10:00 PM.
To enjoy a stress-free visit, always confirm your local Panera Bread hours using the official store locator or mobile app. With the right timing, your Panera menu experience will always be fresh, fast, and satisfying.
Check Also : Panera Bread Sandwiches Menu Prices 2026