Panera in Algonquin Seeks to Build Drive-Thru

The Panera Bread restaurant in Algonquin is seeking village approval to add a drive-thru lane to its existing building at 451 S. Randall Rd.

The Algonquin Plan and Zoning Commission on Monday night was expected to hear Panera's proposal for the drive-thru project. Company representatives are seeking a special-use permit to construct the drive-thru window and lane at the rear of the restaurant (the side facing Lifetime Fitness), according to Ben Mason, Algonquin village senior planner.

There is about 30 feet of land between the building and the street, he said. An additional lane would only require a portion of that space, he said.

"The staff supports the project," Mason said. "If the Plan and Zoning Commission approves it, the plans could go before the Village Board (for final approval) in July."

If all goes smoothly, the drive-thru lane could be built by the end of the summer, or early fall - just in time for winter.