Alabaster continues to garner the interest of business owners and entrepreneurs from around the nation, despite the current economic climate.

By Thanksgiving, a Panera Bread should be open in Colonial Promenade South, said Cam Ward, who works on economic development in Alabaster.

In addition, Sonic Drive In has been looking at property along Highway 119 in Alabaster, Ward said. However, that company has yet to firm up plans for an Alabaster location.

“We’re in talks with several other individual restaurants, but none that have been confirmed,” Ward said. “That’s pretty good, considering how bad the economy is right now. That speaks volumes about Alabaster, that we continue to have such strong interest during this economy.”

Jack’s Restaurant and Gutherie’s also opened recently in Alabaster.