Updated: 6 days ago
By Barbara A. Preston for The Montgomery News | September 25, 2026 (Updated October 1, 2026 at 8 pm)
Panera Bread opened at Montgomery Promenade in Skillman at 7 am on Thursday, Sept. 24 only to be shut down that afternoon because the landlord had not received a CO (certificate of occupancy). The restaurant now is expected to reopen on Friday, October 9, according to the tenants of the building, which includes AFC Urgent Care.
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 on Sept. 25. She said, "I have a call out to [landlord] SJC Ventures for timing on completion of any items." She emailed the following response to the newspaper on September 28.
Building 400 (containing three retail units, to include Panera Bread, Urgent Care, and a vacancy), needs a CO to comply with the Township Planning Board approvals, land use regulations, and the developer’s agreement entered into between SJC (the developer) and Montgomery Township.
The interior building and health inspections had been scheduled and passed. The required exterior site submission, however, was not provided to the township until near the close of business on Tuesday, September 22, despite the township having supplied the developer with the list of required items several months earlier. Township staff promptly reviewed the materials and conducted the site inspection the following day, Wednesday.
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Some of the key exterior site requirements for Building 400 (as required by the township) included:
Installation of the second required ADA parking stall and signage and in front of Building 400, to comply with New Jersey traffic and ADA regulations.
Removal of sediment traps from storm sewer inlets to prevent parking lot flooding.
Adjustments to prevent obscuring stop signs, to meet federal MUTCD compliance.
Repair of a damaged cleanout in the drive through to prevent vehicle damage or pedestrian injury.
Installing construction fencing around the active construction of Building 500 for public safety.
Sweeping and removal of construction debris for public safety.
Survey revisions to include all missing site improvements, property features, and compliance certifications that have appeared on approved surveys for other buildings.
Once all of the items from the township’s inspection are completed and verified, the township will be able to issue the Certificate of Occupancy for Building 400, Savron said.
For now, though, Panera Bread is 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, Sep. 25, 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
