Covelli Enterprises

Liz Fiorino Covelli Enterprises 877 Bethel Road Columbus, OH 43214 [email protected] 412-310-3323

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PANERA BREAD OPENS NEWEST BAKERY-CAFÉ TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11 IN HISTORIC SOUTH SIDE LOCATION

Restaurant gives nod to the history of its new home

COLUMBUS, OH – Ohio-based Covelli Enterprises, the largest franchisee of Panera Bread, will open its newest location on the border of German Village and the Brewery District Tuesday in the location where the iconic Clarmont restaurant stood for more than 65 years. Although much has changed, the company insists on honoring the history of its new home at 684 South High Street.

The most recognizable piece of old Clarmont history is the sign that hangs on the exterior of the building and can be seen as you drive south from downtown. Instead of constructing a new sign in alignment with its newest store design, Covelli Enterprises decided to use the existing sign as a way to preserve it. The exterior building footprint has also remained the same so as to not disturb the existing street view.

The 5,200 sq. ft. interior is where most of the change occurred, including a complete renovation which began in September 2013, a reworked flow and all new finishes. The new layout includes a fireplace and seating for 92 guests. A patio has also been added to accommodate another 35 guests along with a customer-friendly parking lot with 46 total spaces. The patio will open in the spring at which time the landscaping will be completed along with the asphalt.

Covelli Enterprises also decided to honor the history of the Clarmont by inviting piano player Jack Widner to play as part of their Grand Opening celebration. Widner’s varied mix of show tunes and Sinatra will be featured for the enjoyment of Panera Bread customers Tuesday, February 11 through Thursday, February 13 from 5-7pm. He will also be taking requests in the same way he did at the Clarmont for years.

“This is a special opening for us since it’s so close to downtown and in such a historic location,” said Sam Covelli, Owner/Operator of Covelli Enterprises. “We’re grateful for our continued growth in Columbus, and we hope the community will embrace our newest bakery-café and make it their new south side tradition.”

The new location also will also offer several grand opening deals and giveaways Tuesday, February 11 through Thursday, February 13, including a mug and coffee giveaway to the first 500 customers starting at 10am on opening day. The new store is also raising funds for Nationwide Children’s Hospital in its opening weeks.

About Covelli Enterprises Covelli Enterprises owns and operates 250 bakery-cafés in Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Kentucky, Canada, and Florida. Covelli Enterprises is the largest franchisee of Panera, LLC. www.paneracovelli.com ###