Dining on post? Check out these two new chain restaurants set to open on Fort Liberty

Taylor Shook, Fayetteville Observer
Updated ·2 min read
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While Fort Liberty barracks undergo renovations, roads are repaired and plans are made for a new aircraft hangar and childcare development center, the military installation’s dining scene is also seeing some changes.

One eatery closed last month, and two chain restaurants are opening their first Fort Liberty locations in the next few weeks, Army & Air Force Exchange Service spokesperson Thomas Kuttamperoor said at a January Fort Liberty Community Action Council meeting.

Here’s a look at the latest comings and goings.

Panera opens at Smoke Bomb Hill

Fort Liberty's new Panera Bread at the Smoke Bomb Hill Express food court on Rock Merritt Avenue held a soft opening Wednesday. The store’s grand opening festivities begin at 10:15 a.m. Friday, AAFES spokesperson Marisa Conner said Wednesday.

The new store, which has a drive-thru, is Panera’s only location at Fort Liberty and is replacing a former Arby's.

Business hours are 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

What makes it so special? Fayetteville is crazy about this restaurant's famous ranch dip.

Potbelly to replace Taco Bell at Fort Liberty Mini Mall

Taco Bell in the food court at Fort Liberty Mini Mall on Rock Merritt Avenue closed in late January. Potbelly Sandwich Shop, a Chicago-founded chain known for submarine sandwiches and milkshakes, is set to open in its place in April.

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The new sandwich shop, which has about 400 locations in 32 states, will be the chain’s first Fayetteville-area outpost. The nearest stores are in the Triangle.

A Fort Liberty Taco Bell location remains open at the Airborne Troop Store food court off Ardennes Street.

What else is coming soon?

A $12.5 million mini mall, which will include a Chipotle location, is scheduled to open this spring, Conner said.

Sbarro will join the Smoke Bomb Hill Express food court in May, she said, and an announcement for another Starbucks location on post is expected later this week.

Food, dining and culture reporter Taylor Shook can be reached at tshook@gannett.com. 

This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: Panera and Potbelly chain restaurants to open in Fort Liberty, NC