Panera To Open a Lake Grove Store

Panera is constructing a new bakery-cafe in Lake Grove within the former Circuit City strip mall.

The popular bakery-cafe chain is planning to open a new 4,150-square-foot eatery at 143 Alexander Avenue, previously , according to posted Town of Smithtown permits. The construction work includes new electrical and plumbing, the installation of four rooftop HVAC units and a fireplace.

Once open, the store will become Panera's third location within an approximately 10-mile stretch of Route 347, spanning from its at the intersection of Route 111 to its Port Jefferson Station store.

Panera has opened 1,453 bakery-cafes as of Dec. 28, 2010, according to its website, in 40 states and Canada. Company representatives could not be reached immediately for comment.