The Harvard Crimson is reporting that Panera Bread in the Harvard Square section of Cambridge "abruptly" closed on Monday, leaving customers "stunned and devastated" that the Mass. Ave. shop was no longer in business. The article says that a sign on the door confirms its closure, with the note saying "We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience that this has caused you." The two-story cafe, which was one of the biggest in the region and catered to many students from Harvard and other universities/colleges in the surrounding area, first opened its doors in April of 2012, taking over the space where the stationery shop Bob Slate had been since the 1930s. (Bob Slate has since moved to a new location on Brattle Street.)
A new article from boston.com states that Tatte will move into the former Panera space, which is an interesting turn of events because Panera and Tatte recently entered into a partnership. It is not yet known when Tatte will open its new shop, which will join others in Cambridge (three around Kendall Square), Brookline (which is temporarily closed as it expands), and Boston's Beacon Hill.
Other Boston-area locations of Panera have closed recently as well, including outlets near Faneuil Hall and in West Roxbury.
The address for the now-closed Panera in Harvard Square was 1288 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA, 02138. The website for the Panera chain can be found at http://www.panerabread.com/ while the website for Tatte is at http://tattebakery.com/
Thanks to Universal Hub for initially bringing this to our attention.
[September 14 update: Cambridge Day mentions that the new location of Tatte in Harvard Square may be opening in early October, and it will include seating for 110, including a coffee bar on the second floor along with room for baking classes and events.]
[September 21 update: Eater Boston states that Tatte opens in Harvard Square on October 4.]
[Earlier Article]
Panera Acquires Majority Stake in Tatte Bakery and Cafe
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[Related article from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): Slideshow--Ten Items from Bakeries and Pastry Shops in the Boston Area and Beyond]
