By Barbara A. Preston for The Montgomery News | September 25, 2026
Panera Bread opened at Montgomery Promenade in Skillman at 7 am on Thursday, only to be shut down that afternoon — something to do with the landlord’s building permits and a lack of the legally required number of handicap parking spaces.
The Montgomery Business Association had assisted with a grand opening of the new bakery-café at 9 am on September 24 for a festive occasion with balloons and smiles. Hours later, a Montgomery official appeared at their door and told them they had to close immediately, citing permits and parking spaces.
The Montgomery News reached out to Township Administrator Lori Savron this morning. She said, "I have a call out to [landlord] SJC Ventures for timing on completion of any items."
The café has brought about 36 jobs to Montgomery, according to General Manager Samy Sutton of Hopewell Borough. Hopefully, the permit issues will be resolved by Monday, Sutton said, and folks will be able to get back to work. However, the timing is unknown.
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General Manager Sutton has been turning customers away since the Panera Bread sign, which is visible from the busy Route 206 highway, was installed about a month ago. With the grand opening, she said she was delighted to finally be welcoming people inside.
For now, though, they are diverting their baked goods and perishable food items (soups, salads, and sandwiches) to nearby locations — the closest being Schalks Crossing in Plainsboro and Nassau Park Blvd in Lawrence Township.
The Montgomery location, which has a drive-thru, ultimately will operate from 7 am to 10 pm Monday through Saturday and 7 am to 9 pm on Sundays, once the permits are in order. The café will feature digital ordering, a mobile pick-up lane, dine-in service, drive-thru, catering, and delivery options.
Sutton, who has lived in Hopewell Borough her entire life, told The Montgomery News that she worked her way up to general manager. She started with Panera as a baker in the Flemington café five years ago. She was promoted to the position of regional baker trainer, then served as the assistant manager for the Flemington café. She previously served as an EMT with Princeton First Aid & Rescue Squad (PFARS).
On Friday morning, Sutton was at the restaurant to receive a delivery while telling multiple potential customers, “Sorry, we’re not open.”
“We will hopefully reopen on Monday, but we will not know until later,” she said.
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The first 100 guests will receive a year of free “You Pick Two” meals, which allow customers to mix and match soups, salads and sandwiches. From opening day through Dec. 24, local nonprofit organizations — including schools, sports teams, and scout groups — can host fundraising events at the cafe. Panera will donate 30% of net sales back to participating organizations during each event.
“We’re proud to bring Panera to Skillman and excited to become a part of this vibrant community,” Andrew Race, director of retail operations, said in a written statement. “We look forward to serving our guests with the delicious food and warm, welcoming service Panera is known for.”
Panera Bread Montgomery
30 Bolmer Cor Suite 400B, Princeton, NJ 08540
(609) 301-5210
