Seven Panera Bread Locations in Texas to Reopen Under New Ownership
Seven Panera Bread bakery-cafes in the Houston, Texas area are scheduled to reopen, with the first locations in Spring and Katy planned for July 2026. These restaurants had closed in August 2025 following a franchise dispute between Panera Bread and their previous owner, EYM Cafe, which led to a court injunction and EYM Cafe seeking Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Hamra Enterprises, an existing Panera franchisee, acquired the locations in a November 2025 bankruptcy sale and plans to create approximately 280 jobs.
Seven Panera Bread bakery-cafes in the Houston, Texas area are set to reopen, with the initial phase targeting locations in Spring and Katy for July 2026. These restaurants were closed in August 2025 after a legal dispute between Panera Bread and their former owner, EYM Cafe.
Panera Bread had terminated franchise agreements with EYM Cafe in early 2025, citing alleged nonpayment of royalties and other obligations. A judge issued a permanent injunction against EYM Cafe, prohibiting them from operating the stores under the Panera Bread name, which led to the closures and EYM Cafe's subsequent filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
Hamra Enterprises, a family-owned franchise, purchased the seven restaurants in a bankruptcy sale in November 2025. Mike Hamra, CEO of Hamra Enterprises, stated that the company plans to open all seven locations, generating approximately 280 jobs.
The Panera Bread locations slated for reopening include: * 3548 Rayford Road, Spring, TX 77386 * 25546 Kingsland Boulevard, Katy, TX 77494 * 12220 FM West 1960 W, Houston, TX 77065 * 19506 Katy Freeway, Houston, TX 77094 * 22521 Tomball Parkway, Suite 125, Houston, TX 77070 * 1302 West Davis, Suite F, Conroe, TX 77304 * 13704 Northwest Freeway, Houston, TX 77065
Hamra Enterprises has been a Panera Bread franchisee since 1997, operating 88 cafes across eight states. This expansion into Texas marks the company's entry into its 12th state and its first Panera Bread locations within the state. Hamra Enterprises also owns and operates Wendy’s, Noodles & Company, and Caribou Coffee restaurant locations, employing over 6,000 individuals across a dozen states.
Despite localized closures, Panera Bread's national footprint has grown. The company reported 2,255 locations, including both company-owned and franchised stores, by the end of May. A spokesperson indicated that Panera Bread anticipates a net-positive store count by the end of 2026.
According to Fast Company, these reopenings represent a positive outcome following the protracted legal conflict.
