Panera Bread closes 24-year Pittsburgh location in Oakland
The Forbes Avenue restaurant shut down Nov. 10, joining a list of recent departures from the University of Pittsburgh's immediate neighborhood.
By Lauren Foster ·
Panera Bread stopped serving customers at 3800 Forbes Ave. on Nov. 10. This marked the end of a 24-year run for the restaurant located in the Sennott Square building. The closure is part of a wider shift in the Oakland area near the University of Pittsburgh.
The Forbes Avenue site is not the only Panera Bread closing in Pittsburgh this week. A second location in Bakery Square in East Liberty also shut its doors. These two closures follow a trend of commercial exits in the neighborhood over the past few years.
Pitt spokesperson Meredith Herndon confirmed that the restaurant management notified the University of the upcoming closure before the Nov. 10 date. Herndon stated that the company did not share the specific reason for the decision with the school. Representatives from the Forbes Avenue store declined to comment. Panera’s corporate staff did not respond to requests for information.
This is the second time this year that a Panera Bread has closed in Oakland. In March, a location at 3401 Blvd. of the Allies closed. That exit was tied to a redevelopment project involving Pitt and Radnor Property Group.
Other long-standing businesses have also left the area recently. Hemingway’s Cafe closed in May after 43 years. The University purchased that property for approximately $1.36 million. Other establishments that have shut down include Fuel and Fuddle in May 2023, the original Mad Mex location in January 2023, and Viva Los Tacos in May 2026.
Shawn Fertitta, executive director of the Oakland Business Improvement District, said the group does not track individual lease rates. However, owners have raised concerns about rising operating costs. Fertitta noted that factors include food, staffing, insurance, and utilities. He said that when these costs are combined, profit margins become tight.
Herndon said the University negotiates lease agreements with tenants individually. The terms of those agreements are not publicly disclosed.
Panera Bread is undergoing a nationwide restructuring. At least 24 locations closed between the summer of 2025 and June 2026. In November 2025, the company announced a strategy called Panera RISE. This plan focuses on modernizing restaurants and improving customer experience. Panera has not confirmed if the Forbes Avenue closure relates to this strategy.
Fertitta said Oakland continues to attract new tenants. He cited Cork & Crust, La Gourmandine, and Flora & Falcon as recent additions. He also noted that the student population affects local businesses. Revenue drops when students leave for summer and winter breaks.
The Oakland Business Improvement District is working to draw customers year-round. Initiatives include Restaurant Week and Oakland Winter Lights. Fertitta stated that the organization aims to connect visitors with local businesses. He said losing a long-time establishment is disappointing because of the employees and customers who rely on it.
