I don't think paying the rent is going to be an issue for the organization that owns this Panera (and the one in SS):
http://www.panera-tampa.com/
They also have a separate business set up for their central/east coast stores in FL as well:
http://orlando.covelli.com/panera/
Additionally, the man's son is a franchisee who covers most of OH as well as parts of PA, WV, KY, and southeast FL:
http://wifi.covelli.com/panera/
They're also franchisees for O'Charley's restaurants as well.
So in this case, I think they've got the rent covered!! (either that or they'll go Chapter 11 in a blaze of glory......
)
I believe the new LSL store will simply be one more nugget in their gold mine. They seem to be "printing money" with their stores.
Bill