Blockbuster closing Elmwood Ave store

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - The Blockbuster location on Elmwood Avenue is closing, which could mean Panera Bread will soon be coming to the popular strip.

Signs announcing the location's closing went up this week. Panera has already submitted designs to Buffalo's Planning Board for Blockbuster's location, though previously the video store giant did not acknowledge it was closing its Elmwood Avenue location.

The building's landlord was already in the process of negotiating with Panera to lease Blockbuster's space before the closure was announced this week, and the plans for the new restaurant have already received approval from the Common Council.

Last year, News 4 spoke to the civil engineer who was working with Panera. He said their new location right across the street from the Globe Market could be open some time this year.