ASHLAND, Ky — Panera Bread will open located in the Ashland Town Center.

The new 4,200-square-foot store is set to open Tuesday at 6:30 a.m.

It will be located next to the mall entrance by the Belk for Women’s and Kids store.

Company officials say Panera Bread bakery-cafes are about providing an enticing menu checkered with variety. All of Panera’s breads are baked fresh all day every day, resulting in the freshest pastries and bagels.

Panera also offers soups, sandwiches and salads. For example, Panera’s BBQ Chopped Chicken Salad was featured as the No. 1 salad in the country by “Good Morning America” on March 16. Panera Bread continues to be recognized for driving the nationwide trend for specialty breads. According to the Wall Street Journal, Panera Bread scored the highest level of customer loyalty among quick-casual restaurants.

“We are excited about the addition of Panera Bread to the Ashland Town Center.

Their investment into the new location will be a great asset to the mall and the community,” says Merri Hurn, general manager for the Ashland Town Center.

Panera Bread will hold several promotions during their opening week. On Tuesday, they will give away free coffee mugs with a coupon for coffee for two weeks to the first 500 customers starting at 10 a.m.

Plus, customers can register to win a Free Bowl of Soup per week for a year from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. On Tuesday and Wednesday customers can purchase a “U pick 2” and receive a $5 gift card free.

You can also register to win a trip to Myrtle Beach from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Winner will be announced at 12:45 p.m. on Wednesday.

“Panera Bread will be an outstanding addition to our community, and we know they will be very successful here,” said Jim Purgerson, president of the Ashland Alliance.

For more information about Panera Bread, please visit www.panerabread.com, call the store phone number 606-329-0439, or call the Mall Office phone number 606-324-1100.