The Panera Bread Co. location at Biltmore Fashion Park is officially now closed for business.
A popular lunch and meeting spot for Valley business and political leaders, has informed customers via email of the closure. Panera did not give a reason as to why it closed.

The Macerich Co., the Santa Monica-based real estate investment trust that owns and operates Biltmore Fashion Park, said it is working on signing a lease for a new tenant to move into the now vacant space.

The two closest Panera locations to the Biltmore area are at 12th Street and Glendale Avenue and at Central Avenue and Thomas Road.

Prior to switching to Panera Bread, the location was a Paradise Bakery & Cafe. In 2009 Panera bought out Scottsdale-based Paradise Bakery. Over time, all Paradise Bakery locations were transitioned to Panera Bread.