Panera Coming to Baxter: What This Means for Local Dining

Panera Bread Plans Baxter Location

Big news for Baxter food lovers: Panera Bread is making plans to build a new restaurant in Baxter, complete with drive-thru and patio seating.

If city approvals go through, the popular fast-casual chain could open its doors in summer or early fall of 2026.

The proposed location will feature the signature Panera experience—fresh-baked bread, soups, salads, sandwiches, and that beloved mac and cheese—along with the convenience of a drive-thru for busy mornings and patio seating for those perfect Minnesota summer days.

Passport: Downtown Brainerd's New Global Kitchen

While chains expand, local entrepreneurs are also making waves.

Passport has opened in downtown Brainerd, replacing Sage on Laurel with a fresh concept that takes diners on a culinary journey around the world.

Owner Matt's vision is simple but ambitious: serve traditional foods from various countries, adapted so that Minnesotans will actually eat them.

It's an approachable introduction to global cuisine that doesn't sacrifice authenticity for accessibility.

The restaurant's downtown location adds to the growing food scene in Brainerd's core, giving residents and visitors another reason to explore Main Street.

Weekend Food & Fun

Beyond new openings, the Lakes Area food scene is buzzing with weekly events:

Meat Raffles: A beloved local tradition! Try your luck at Lucky's Tavern in Pequot Lakes or Quarterdeck Resort on Gull Lake—both at 6PM.

Live Music & Dining: Many local restaurants combine great food with live entertainment. Jack Pine Brewery in Baxter and Ye Old Pickle Factory in Nisswa regularly host musicians while serving up local brews and pub fare.

What This Means for Our Community

New restaurants—whether national chains or local startups—signal confidence in the Brainerd Lakes economy.

They create jobs, attract visitors, and give residents more options for dining out.

For local business owners, new competition also means raising the bar and continuing to innovate.

For diners, it means more choices, better quality, and a vibrant food culture that makes the Lakes Area an even better place to live and visit.

Whether you're craving a familiar Panera sandwich or eager to try international flavors at Passport, the Brainerd Lakes dining scene has something for everyone.