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.

“We have spent 50 years earning the trust of guests across 11 states, and we do not take lightly what it means to serve in a new market. Houston is one of the most dynamic, diverse, and food-forward cities in the country, and we are committed to being an operator this community is proud to have. We are here to serve, we are here to give back, and we are here to stay.”

— Mike Hamra, CEO, Hamra Enterprises

The seven Greater Houston cafés are expected to open by the end of 2026 and are located at:

• 3548 Rayford Rd, Spring, TX 77386
• 25546 Kingsland Blvd, Katy, TX 77494
• 12220 FM West 1960 W, Houston, TX 77065
• 19506 Katy Freeway, Houston, TX 77094
• 22521 Tomball Pkwy, Suite 125, Houston, TX 77070
• 1302 West Davis, Suite F, Conroe, TX 77304
• 13704 Northwest Freeway, Houston, TX 77065

From its first day in Texas, Hamra Enterprises has put the community at the center of its service. Hamra is proud to announce their partnership with Make-A-Wish® Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana as their local partner.

At Make-A-Wish, we believe life-changing wishes are made possible when our community comes together to support our mission. We are incredibly grateful to partner with Hamra Enterprises, a Panera Bread franchisee that empowers customers across Houston to make a meaningful difference for local children with critical illnesses. This partnership helps create hope, joy, and renewed strength for wish children and their families

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

Since 1976, Hamra Enterprises has contributed more than $7.2 million to nonprofit partners nationwide. Houston joins a portfolio of communities that have come to count on Hamra as a neighbor, not just a restaurant. To learn more about Hamra’s community giving programs, visit hamraenterprises.com/giving-back.

To celebrate the opening of Hamra’s first Panera Bread in Texas, Hamra Enterprises will host a grand opening day celebration starting at 6:00 AM on Thursday, July 16.

• 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.

About Hamra Enterprises

Hamra Enterprises is a dynamic organization owned and founded in 1975 by the Hamra family, headquartered in Springfield, Missouri, and includes three restaurant brands with 6,000 employees across 12 states. Hamra Enterprises is committed to providing the highest quality products and services within the hospitality industry, creating exceptional experiences for people and communities by engaging each of its restaurant neighborhoods through community service, fundraising, and other philanthropic partnerships such as Boston Children’s Hospital, Make-A-Wish of Illinois, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption and St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. For more information, visit hamraenterprises.com.

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