Panera eyes larger space with drive-thru outside Pittsburgh Mills mall

A move by Panera Bread will leave yet another vacant storefront in the Pittsburgh Mills mall in Frazer.

The quick-serve restaurant, with more than 2,200 locations in 48 states, wants to fill the former Steak ’n Shake restaurant building in the Village at Pittsburgh Mills near Lowe’s.

Frazer Supervisor Lori Ziencik said the township received a building permit application for interior renovations at the space, 2005 Pittsburgh Mills Blvd.

“I’m excited they are staying in the township and that they’re going to occupy that building,” Ziencik said. “It’s been sitting vacant for several years now.”

Panera media representatives did not respond to a request for comment.

The restaurant has been inside the Pittsburgh Mills mall, near Macy’s, since it opened in 2005.

It’s one of the few remaining businesses in the mall that has 75% of its available space vacant, according to the township.

Steak ’n Shake closed in 2019 and has been empty since. The move would give Panera the added benefit of a drive-thru, Ziencik said.

Panera did not buy the building. The company intends to lease it, she said.

The township supervisors are expected to review the plans in the coming weeks. They next meet Oct. 1.

At the same time, the supervisors will review an application by Skye Nails. The business is seeking a permit for interior renovations in a space in the strip of storefronts near the empty Steak ’n Shake.

If approved, the nail salon would fill a space previously rented by American Discount Uniforms.

Next week, on Sept. 26, Ollie’s Bargain Outlet will celebrate its grand opening at the Village at Pittsburgh Mills.

The closeout retailer will fill a 20,000-square-foot space that was the former Best Buy. As many as 60 jobs are expected to be created.

Bargain shoppers will find books, flooring, food, housewares, toys, electronics and more at the new store.