Coming Attractions: Panera Bread and Chick-fil-A to Somers Point

This is the one we've been waiting for. We've been waiting for a long time.

There's been no press conferences or news releases - nothing like that.

But there is now a sign.

Panera Bread breaking bread in Somers Point

After years of hope, Panera Bread will be building a location in Atlantic County, New Jersey.

Somers Point, are you ready for Panera Bread (and Chick-fil-A)?

Social media has been abuzz the last 24 hours after a sign has gone up in Somers Point that says, "SRD. Join: Panera Bread Chick-fil-A. New Retail/Medical.  Solofff Realty and Development."

The sign has gone up at the soon-to-be-closing McNaughton's Garden Center in Somers Point. McNaughton's announced in early spring that they would be closing their Somers Point location in July of this year.

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Plans have been in the works for some time

Several people have posted a "proposed usage plan" for the property online. The huge block on New Road (Route 9) in Somers Point is currently the home of McNaghton's and a TD Bank branch. Over the last few years, a Taco Bell has been built on the block.

Now, it appears that - eventually - a Panera Bread and Chick-fil-A will be added to the "neighborhood", that's right around the corner from the Shoprite-anchored Ocean Heights Plaza, and across the street from the Acme-anchored Somers Point Plaza.

Again, no official word that this is all definitely happening, but it looks promising - at least for someone who has hopes of eating Panera Bread every day for lunch.

Don't sleep on Chick-fil-A either!