Panda Express debuts new restaurant design with opening in Beachwalk
Known for its signature wok-tossed Orange Chicken, Broccoli Beef and Kung Pao Chicken dishes, a nationwide fast-casual Asian restaurant chain unveiled its newest store design in Northeast Florida with its Beachwalk debut.
Panda Express recently opened at 575 Beachwalk Shore Drive in the mixed-use retail and residential community in Saint Johns. There, it joins established restaurants including Island Fin Poke Co., Playa Bowls, and BurgerFi.
The new restaurant “marks the debut of a new store design inspired by traditional Chinese architecture and traditions with modern motifs that tells the unique story of Panda Express,” a restaurant spokesperson told the Times-Union in emails about the Dec. 18 opening.
“Combining design styles from the East and West, the Panda Home exterior design is uniquely identified by a color palette of black and white with strong red accents complemented by warm wood tones and a sweeping roofline,” she said.
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The interior evokes celebration.
“The interior design tells a story of celebration through vibrant colors and a mashup of traditional and modern design motifs welcoming guests into Panda’s ‘home’ where they can meet the Panda family of associates and experience their culture,” she also said.
Each new Panda Express Panda Home location will feature “traditional elements such as a moon gate-inspired entrance, vibrant neon signs, a Dragon Dance mural and more.”
The new design reflects Panda Express’ response to evolving customer habits, the spokesperson noted.
“Panda recognizes consumer habits have changed over the last few years and to meet the needs of guests’ evolved lifestyles, the new store design has a larger back-of-house area to better support speed of service while maintaining quality operations. The new store design will still focus on providing an inviting dine-in experience while also supporting online and drive-thru experiences for guests,” she said.
Popular Panda Express menu items
With the tagline line “We Wok For You,” the Panda Express menu includes a variety of bowls, two sizes of plates, Panda meals, appetizers and desserts, its menu shows.
Ala carte offerings:
- Original Orange Chicken, Broccoli Beef and Kung Po Chicken ($5.20 to $11.20)
- Black Pepper Sirloin Steak and Honey Walnut Shrimp ($6.70 to $15.70)
- Chow Mein and Fried Rice ($4.40 to $5.40)
The bowls, with a starting price of $8.30, include an entree and one side dish; a regular plate featuring 2 entrees and one side begins at $9.80, while a “bigger plate” with three entrees and one side starts at $11.30.
Beginning at $10.40, Panda Bundles include a bowl, a plate or bigger plate with a medium fountain drink; and a five-person family with three large entrees and two large sides starts at $35, the menu shows.
Appetizers offered include chicken egg rolls, vegetable spring rolls, cream cheese Rangoons, and Apple Pie Roll.
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Founded in 1983 by Andrew and Peggy Cherng, who are co-CEOs, Panda Express remains family-owned and operated.
The restaurant brand has more than 2,500 locations and has introduced American Chinese cuisine to 11 international countries, the news release states. The family-owned and operated restaurant chain lists 14 Northeast Florida restaurants from St. Augustine to Yulee including Beachwalk on its website.
“Our entire Panda team is grateful to serve the St. Johns community by providing new jobs and supporting local organizations through fundraising opportunities,” Jose Alvarenga, Panda Express area coach of operations, said in a news release announcing the Beachwalk opening. “We hope to be a lasting part of the community and welcome all guests into our doors to try our American Chinese favorites and discover their own.”
The Beachwalk restaurant is open from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Monday through Sunday, with the drive-thru open until 11 p.m. daily.
Gary T. Mills of the Times-Union contributed to this report.
Teresa Stepzinski is the dining reporter for the Times-Union. Follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, @TeresaStepz or reach her via email at [email protected].
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