The popular Chinese fast-casual chain Panda Express will soon open a location in Behrman Place. Heights Venture Architecture + Design, a full-service architecture firm will be designing Panda Restaurant Group’s new restaurant within the parking lot of a nearby Walmart Supercenter. The site sits at just under one acre on the northern end of the parking lot, just south of Murphy’s Gas station.
The location has a C-3 zone classification, indicating a drive-thru will be included. Before the construction of Panda Express can begin, Heights Venture Architecture + Design is required to apply for approval of the drive-thru with the City Planning Commission. The restaurant will be about 2,600 square feet.
Panda Express officials are looking to request a zoning variance to have signage on all 4 sides of the building and a side main entrance. The new store model incorporates design elements inspired by traditional Chinese architecture and traditions that tell customers the story of Panda Express.
In July, the architecture firm sent letters to neighboring businesses and locals to attend a meeting to learn more about their proposal for the new restaurant and answer any questions or concerns with the project. The meeting is scheduled to take place on August 3 at Algiers Regional Library. Once the firm meets with the community it will be able to submit an application to the City Planning Commission.
Panda Express has built its global reputation from its various classic Chinese foods such as orange chicken, Chow Mein, and broccoli beef, among many other favorites. In 1983, Andrew and Peggy Cherng founded the company in Glendale, California. As of 2023, the brand has 2,231 stores worldwide. Hours of operation for the new location are 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. Sunday through Friday, and 10 a.m. – 11 p.m. Saturday.
