Bonefish Grill, Panera Bread, others expected to open first Florence locations at new Florence Crossing Center

FLORENCE, S.C. The developer for Florence Crossing Center, a new shopping center off David H. McLeod Boulevard with more than 87,000 square feet of retail space, said Panera Bread, Bonefish Grill and Chick-fil-A will open with Academy Sports and Outdoors by the end of the year.

Justin Morris, owner representative of the Seitz Group Inc., said Thursday other businesses also setting up shop at Florence Crossing are Party City, Discount Tire and a few other smaller retailers.

After being contacted, Panera Bread did not want to confirm the location, saying through a spokesman, Panera is continually evaluating real estate opportunities in Florence. However we cannot confirm interest in a specific location at this time.

The Chick-fil-A corporate office did not return any phone calls.

Florence Chick-fil-A owners said they had not been informed of a new restaurant opening. The proposed new location is barely a stones throw away from two Chick-fil-A locations inside and outside Magnolia Mall.

Its news to me. Im not aware of it, David Pate, owner of Magnolia Mall Chick-fil-A, said.

Months ago there was talk of a Cheddars restaurant opening on the corner of Florence Crossing. But Morris said negotiations broke down, and Chick-fil-A showed strong interest.

Morris said the former Pepsi Bottling site, across from Virginia College, should be fully developed in four to five months.

Weve sold or leased all the parcels. Its ready to go for them to come build, he said. Its going to be an awesome site and great for Florence. Everyone weve worked with has made it easy to get things done. The buildings will go up extremely quick.

Morris said his company is in final negotiations with Salsaritas, Sport Clips and Radio Shack to fill out the remaining space.

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Bonefish Grill, Panera Bread, others expected to open first Florence locations at new Florence Crossing Center