DOLLAR GENERAL.… located at 8214 Perry Highway is now open. Dollar General is an American chain of variety stores. Dollar General is not a dollar store by the strict definition of the term as most of its products are priced at more than a $1.00. However, Dollar General offers both brand name and generic merchandise including off-brand goods and closeouts of name brand items, in the same store, often on the same shelf.  This popular store offers something for everyone, a selection of merchandise including consumables, seasonal, home products and apparel at a discount price.

PANERA BREAD…. Musca Properties, LLC, property owner, has just finished the land development process and received a zoning permit for their proposed expansion  at 1935 Keystone Drive, which includes the addition of a drive-thru lane and 420 sq. Ft. building addition. Panera Bread is already a popular spot in Erie, but now there’s a faster way to get your favorite bagels and  “you pick-two’s”   The Panera Bread drive thru is the first drive thru in Northwest Pa and will be finalized and open in mid December 2016. Panera Bread is one of the fastest growing Chains of bakery-café fast casual restaurants in the United States.  They offer a wide array of pastries and baked goods, such as croissants, bagels, cookies and brownies.  These, along with Panera’s artisan breads are typically baked before dawn by an on-staff baker.  Aside from the bakery section, Panera has a regular menu for dine-in or takeout  which includes, sandwiches, paninis, pastas, soups, salads, drinks and more.  Panera Bread has a reputation for being healthy and wholesome, not too expensive,  and the stores are nicely designed  as well as comfortable.