Hamra Enterprises to Open Seven Panera Bread® Cafés Across Greater Houston, Marking Its Expansion into Texas

Hamra Enterprises to Open Seven Panera Bread® Cafés Across Greater Houston, Marking Its Expansion into Texas
Family-owned operator and Panera franchisee since 1998 brings its five decades of community-first hospitality to Houston, Spring, Katy, and Conroe by the end of 2026

HOUSTON, TX — Hamra Enterprises, a nationwide, family-owned restaurant franchisee headquartered in Springfield, Mo., announced the opening of seven Panera Bread® cafés across the Greater Houston area, starting with 3548 Rayford Rd, Spring, TX 77386 on July 16th— marking the company’s arrival in Texas and its expansion into its 12th state. The new locations span Houston, Spring, Katy, and Conroe and represent the largest single-market within a year launch in the company’s history.

A Panera Bread franchisee since 1998, Hamra Enterprises has spent nearly three decades deepening its partnership with the brand — growing its Panera portfolio to 88 cafés across eight states through a people-first, community-centered approach to restaurant operations. With the addition of the 7 locations in Houston, Hamra will now own and operate 190 locations under the Panera Bread, Wendy’s, and Noodles & Company brands, employing over 6,000 people across 12 states.

Hamra’s approach to restaurant operations is rooted in a simple conviction: that great hospitality and genuine community investment go hand in hand. Each Hamra-operated Panera café provides job opportunities for the community it serves and engages with its neighborhood as if it is the only location in the portfolio. Guests at the seven Houston-area cafés can expect the full Panera Bread experience — fresh-baked bread, signature soups and sandwiches, and the clean, welcoming environment the brand is known for — along with Rapid Pick-Up®, drive-thru ordering where available, and the MyPanera® loyalty program.

• Shelly Millwee, President and CEO, Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana.

• The first 100 dine-in guests with any purchase will receive a FREE You Pick Two Certificate — once a month for an entire year. Twelve free meals, one visit at a time. While supplies last.
• The first 50 drive-thru guests with any purchase will receive a FREE freshly baked French baguette, straight from the bakery. One vehicle per giveaway. While supplies last.