A new neighborhood dining option is opening in southwest Houston as Panera Bread launches its latest bakery-café at Meyerland Crossing, reflecting continued local growth and a generational milestone for a longtime Houston franchise family.

The café, located at 8845 West Loop South, Suite A-1, is set to open Wednesday, May 6 at 6:00 a.m. The new location is expected to create 46 jobs in the Meyerland area and introduces expanded ordering options designed for convenience, including drive-thru service, curbside pick-up, and Rapid Pick-Up®.

This opening marks the first new café under the leadership of Alex von Waaden, who became president of the family’s Houston-area franchise in 2025. The business was established locally in 2003 by Monica von Waaden and Mark von Waaden with a single café in Pasadena. Over the past 23 years, the family has expanded its presence across the greater Houston region.

The Meyerland café is designed to accommodate both dine-in and on-the-go customers. Features include indoor seating, free Wi-Fi, multiple gathering spaces, and an outdoor patio intended to serve as a community meeting place.

As part of the opening, early visitors will have access to promotional giveaways. The first 100 guests will receive a “You Pick Two for a Year” offer, providing one complimentary meal pairing each month, while the first 250 guests will receive a free baguette.

Customers at the new location can also access the MyPanera® loyalty program, which allows users to earn rewards, save favorite orders, and receive personalized offers through the company’s digital platforms.

The café will operate daily from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

The opening underscores both the continued expansion of the national brand and the ongoing development of a Houston-based family franchise that has grown steadily over more than two decades.