Fort Drum Exchange Expands Restaurant Lineup with Panera Bread
The Exchange has expanded dining options for the Fort Drum community with the addition of Panera Bread, now open inside the PX food court.
The restaurant comes to Fort Drum as part of the Exchange’s effort to improve quality of life for all who work and live in the community. This is the third Panera opened by the Exchange on a military installation.
Aligned also with the Exchange’s BE FIT 360 program, designed to support healthy and active lifestyles, Panera offers a variety of low-calorie meals, such as sandwiches, salads and soups, with a focus on clean eating and responsibly-sourced products.
“Panera offers our community a variety of better-for-you meals,” said Exchange General Manager Andrea Frazier. “The restaurant being at the Exchange allows our community to choose convenience without having to sacrifice taste or health.”
Fort Drum Garrison Commander Col. Matthew Myer joined Frazier in a ribbon cutting July 17 at the Exchange food court to mark the grand opening. Guests were treated to samples and giveaways, including Panera swag items.
“A new restaurant provides the community with so much more than just food,” Frazier said. “Panera offers our community things like familiarity, variety and value and even opportunity as it provides the community with jobs.”
From left: Marc Vavalle, director of Franchise Operations, Panera Bread; Col. Matthew Myer, Fort Drum garrison commander; James Robinson, Fort Drum food court manager; Danielisa Camacho-Rosario, Fort Drum Panera concept manager; and Andrea Frazier, Fort Drum Exchange general manager.
Catering is available, and the location will also support DoorDash orders in the future.
“Dining at Panera or any of our Fort Drum Exchange restaurants strengthens our community, as 100% of Exchange earnings support service members and families,” Frazier said. “Where you eat truly matters.”
Exchange earnings are reinvested into military communities worldwide through capital improvement projects, including the Fort Drum Panera, and through contributions to vital Quality-of-Life programs designed to support service members and their families.
In fiscal year 2023, Exchange shoppers worldwide generated $308 million in dividends, with Fort Drum receiving $1.9 million for its on-installation Quality-of-Life programs. In the last 10 years, the Exchange has generated $3.7 billion in earnings, all of which was distributed back into the communities it operates in.
