Panera Bread to replace TGI Friday's
An Advanced Auto Parts and Starbucks also will be built at the site at 34881 Emerald Coast Parkway in Destin
DESTIN — The old TGI Friday's building at 34881 Emerald Coast Parkway has been demolished and two new buildings now stand in its place, but TGI Friday's will not return.
That is, according to Okaloosa County's Growth Managment Director Elliot Kampert. Instead of initial plans for a larger TGI Fridays, a Panera Bread will now take its place.
Next door will be an Advanced Auto Parts and a Starbucks Coffee.
The 1.25-acre parcel where the restaurant used to stand and an adjacent parcel were sold to developers 30AIP Destin LLC for $6.1 million. The redevelopment will take up 2.35 acres, Kampert had said previously.
The old TGI Friday’s abruptly closed last December after being open for more than 20 years. A sign was posted on the door thanking customers for their dedication.
Kampert said there is no timeline for when construction could be finished. County inspectors will be called in after the job if completed.
Whether Panera Bread is merely opening a second location in Destin or if the Destin Commons location will be closed is not known. The general manager of Panera Bread's Destin Commons restuarant said staff are not allowed to answer any questions about the development.