Panera Bread opens and partners with Hattiesburg Zoo

HATTIESBURG, Miss. - The city of Hattiesburg welcomed Panera Bread to Pine Belt residents Wednesday.

It was not only a special welcome, but Panera Bread decided to do something a little different with its debut.

Panera Bread announced it will work locally with the Hattiesburg Zoo to be a true partner of the community.

The company said they are starting a 'round-up-the-dollar' program, where the remainder of a customer's change will go towards the zoo's education outreach programs.

Panera Bread Brand Manger, Allie Viele said, “Well as a company, we are committed to our community, whether that’s food, nutritious food, our people, that we invest in to serve our communities, and we are also invested in our community, to make sure that they understand that we are a true neighborhood bakery café.”

VisitHattiesburg Executive Director Rick Taylor said, "You know its of interests for businesses to be aligned with the zoo and it certainly furthers the growth of the zoo, which is good for all of Hattiesburg.”

Panera Bread partnered with Hattiesburg Zoo for the entire 2017 year.