The nation’s largest franchisee of Panera Bread announces their new small order delivery service will bring more than 200 new jobs to south Florida.

Covelli Enterprises, which launched delivery service in its Ohio market in June 2016, is rolling out delivery in other markets across the country.

Sam Covelli, owner and CEO of Covelli Enterprises, is eager to offer delivery to all of Palm Beach and Broward county customers. "Delivery allows us to make Panera as accessible as it is craveable," he says.

Covelli Enterprises will hire up to 16 delivery team members at each location to cover the volume of orders it expects will be added by the new service. Covelli Enterprises expects to employ between 1,500 and 2,000 DTMs across all markets by year’s end.

"Offering small order delivery is a fantastic opportunity for us," said Covelli. "We hope to be able to reach new customers but also offer this incredibly convenient service to our existing loyal customers who are unable to make it to the bakery-café on a regular basis."

Panera Bread promises delivery within a designated 8-minute delivery radius from the café.

Delivery requires a minimum order of only $5 with the addition of a $3 deliver charge. All delivery orders are currently placed online (credit card only) using the Panera Bread app or at panerabread.com. Hours of delivery service are set for 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.