Panera Bread is moving forward with plans to build a Manteca location.

Plans are now being reviewed at city hall for a 4,200-quare-foot restaurant with outside seating at 1355 East Yosemite Avenue immediately east of the existing McDonald’s. The bakery café described as a “fast casual restaurant” is also seeking a use permit for a drive-thru lane.

A key appeal of the location is the proximity to the Highway 99/East Highway 120 interchange. The dining spots near the interchange are popular with those traveling to and from the Sierra from the Bay Area to stop to eat. The reason is simple. It is the where freeway travel for those heading to and from the Sierra ends and begins.

The proposal also includes a lot line adjustment to carve a parcel out of the site where the original Manteca Bowl once stood.

The closest Panera Breads are in Stockton, Turlock, and Lodi, and Livermore. There is a distribution center in Stockton.

There are more than 1,700 Panera Bread locations.