What Do YOU Want to See at Former Panera Site?

Shaker Heights Patch readers expressed disappointment and concern a month ago when Panera Bread announced that it was closing the Van Aken Boulevard location in favor of its Cedar Center store.

The eatery's final day of operation was Nov. 21. City officials want to fill the Shaker Plaza space, but nothing is on the table yet.

"Panera is ADDING stores nationwide and not closing or rationalizing them, in any way shape or form," a user named Elmer Evans previously commented. "They are one of, if not the premier retail food establishment these days. This is an embarrassment for the city and is an indication of how bad an investment both Van Aken and Shaker Town Plaza are to large retail chains."

Meanwhile, our Facebook fans gave a few suggestions for other coffee shops or restaurants that could open there. Alison Shorr Jaeb would welcome a Cosi restaurant at 20060 Van Aken Blvd., while reader Karen Melech Gillooly listed Cafe Ah-Roma, which has locations in Berea, Cleveland and North Ridgeville, as her selection.

What kind of business do you think would work best to fill this vacancy? Let us know in the comments section below.