Panera Bread stores that closed in a franchise dispute are reopening under new ownership: See a list of locations

Seven Panera Bread locations in the Houston area, which closed in August 2025 following a franchise dispute, are set to reopen under new ownership this summer. Hamra Enterprises, a franchisee that already operates dozens of Panera Bread locations, acquired the seven Texas restaurants in a November 2025 bankruptcy sale. CEO Mike Hamra confirmed to Fast Company that the company plans to reopen these bakery-cafes, beginning with Spring and Katy in July 2026, and anticipates creating approximately 280 jobs. The specific locations slated for reopening include addresses in Spring, Katy, Houston, and Conroe, Texas. This expansion marks Hamra Enterprises' entry into its 12th state, adding to its portfolio which also includes Wendy's, Noodles & Company, and Caribou Coffee. Hamra Enterprises has been a Panera Bread franchisee since 1997 and currently operates 88 Panera cafes across eight states.