When our trusted general contractor partner brought us onto this Panera Bread project, we knew we were in for an exciting challenge that would showcase our engineering and customization capabilities. The collaborative approach between our team, the GC, and Panera’s representatives ensured smooth coordination throughout the entire process.
The primary goal was to create robust aluminium canopies for rain protection, with a unique requirement to integrate them directly into the building’s downspout system. This wasn’t your typical canopy installation – architectural considerations meant we needed to minimize visible support structures, which led our engineering team to develop an innovative reinforcement solution that maintained the clean, modern look Panera desired while ensuring structural integrity.
One of the most interesting aspects of this project was incorporating Panera’s proprietary faux wood cladding system. Our fabrication team worked closely with both the general contractor and Panera’s specifications to design the canopy frames that would seamlessly accept their underlayment system, ensuring a perfect match with other Panera locations. We also crafted custom louvered canopies that complemented the main structures, all finished in Panera’s signature green to maintain brand consistency.
The complexity didn’t stop at design – precise coordination between all parties was essential. Through effective partnership with our GC and regular communication with Panera’s team, we ensured every component met their exacting specifications. Despite the technical challenges of custom engineering, specialized finishing, and intricate installation requirements, our collaborative approach helped deliver the entire project on schedule and within budget.
This project perfectly demonstrates how professional partnerships, engineering expertise, and attention to detail can transform a complex set of requirements into a cohesive, beautiful, and functional design solution.