If you’re a fan of Chinese food, chances are you’ve heard of Panda Express. This fast-food chain has become a staple in the United States, serving up dishes like Orange Chicken and Beijing Beef to millions of customers each year. With its popularity comes the need to know when Panda Express is open and closed, especially if you’re planning a visit.
Knowing the opening and closing times can save you time and frustration, ensuring that you don’t show up only to find out that the restaurant is closed. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Panda Express and why it’s important to know when it opens and closes. We’ll also provide tips for finding this information so that you can plan your visit with confidence.
Founding of the restaurant chain
Panda Express was founded in 1983 by Andrew Cherng and his father, Master Chef Ming-Tsai Cherng. The first location was opened in Glendale, California and served American Chinese cuisine. The restaurant’s name was inspired by the founders’ love for the endangered giant panda.
- The menu initially consisted of just a few dishes, including Orange Chicken and Kung Pao Chicken.
- Andrew Cherng used his background in engineering to develop a unique cooking process that allowed for faster service without sacrificing quality.
- The restaurant’s success was due in part to its focus on providing fresh ingredients and made-to-order dishes.
Expansion across the United States
In 1987, Panda Express opened its first location outside of California in Denver, Colorado. Over the next several years, the chain continued to expand across the country, opening new locations in shopping malls, airports, and other high-traffic areas.
- By 1997, Panda Express had over 100 locations throughout the United States.
- The company continued to innovate with new menu items such as Honey Walnut Shrimp and Beijing Beef.
- In 2005, Panda Express introduced its Wok Smart menu featuring lower-calorie options for health-conscious customers.
Current number of locations
As of 2021, there are over 2,200 Panda Express locations worldwide. The majority of these are located within the United States, but there are also locations in Canada, Mexico, and other countries around the world.
- Panda Express is now one of the largest fast-casual restaurant chains in the world.
- The company continues to expand, with plans to open new locations in both domestic and international markets.
- Panda Express has also become known for its philanthropic efforts, including donations to disaster relief organizations and partnerships with local charities.
Please note: – Panda Express typically opens for lunch around 11:00am, but some locations may open earlier or later depending on the area.
Standard Opening Hours for Most Locations
Panda Express is known for its consistent and reliable opening hours across most of its locations. Typically, the restaurant opens at 10:30 AM and closes at 9:30 PM from Monday to Saturday. On Sundays, the opening time remains the same, but closing time is slightly earlier at 9:00 PM.
Variations in Opening Hours for Certain Locations (e. g. Mall Food Courts)
While most Panda Express locations follow the standard opening hours mentioned above, there are some exceptions. For example, locations that are situated in mall food courts may have different opening times due to the mall’s operating hours. In such cases, Panda Express may open later or close earlier than usual.
Special Holiday Hours
Panda Express also has special holiday hours during certain occasions throughout the year. For instance, on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day, most locations remain closed to allow employees to spend time with their families. However, on other holidays such as Easter Sunday or Labor Day, Panda Express operates on a modified schedule with reduced hours.
| Holiday | Opening Hours | Closing Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Thanksgiving Day | Closed | Closed |
| Christmas Day | Closed | Closed |
| Easter Sunday | 10:30 AM – 8:00 PM | |
| Labor Day | 10:30 AM – 9:00 PM |
If you’re planning to visit Panda Express during a holiday, it’s always best to check the official website or call ahead to confirm the opening and closing times.
Please note: – The chain’s hours of operation can vary by location, so it’s always a good idea to check with your local restaurant before heading over.
Panda Express Closing Hours
Knowing the closing hours of your local Panda Express is important to avoid disappointment and frustration. Most locations have standard closing hours, which are typically around 9 or 10 pm. However, there are some variations in closing hours depending on the location.
- Airport terminals: Panda Express locations in airport terminals often have extended hours to accommodate travelers. These locations may close later than usual, sometimes as late as midnight or even 24/7.
- Mall food courts: If your local Panda Express is located in a mall food court, it may have different closing hours than other mall stores. Some mall food courts close earlier than the rest of the mall, so be sure to check ahead of time.
If you’re looking for a late-night meal option, some Panda Express locations offer extended hours or even stay open 24/7. These locations are typically found in busy areas such as college campuses or tourist destinations.
To find out the specific closing hours for your local Panda Express, check their official website or call the store directly. It’s always better to be safe than sorry when planning your visit!
Please note: – In general, Panda Express tends to close around 9:00pm or 10:00pm, although this can also depend on the day of the week and other factors.
Official Website and Store Locator Tool
One of the most reliable ways to find Panda Express opening and closing times is by visiting the official website. The website offers a store locator tool that allows you to search for nearby locations by entering your zip code or city and state. Once you have entered your location, you will be provided with a list of nearby Panda Express restaurants along with their addresses, phone numbers, and opening and closing times.
The store locator tool also provides additional information such as whether the restaurant offers drive-thru service or delivery options. You can also filter your search results based on specific criteria such as whether the restaurant accepts mobile orders or has a dining room. In addition to the store locator tool, the official website also provides information on special holiday hours and any temporary closures due to renovations or other reasons.
It’s always a good idea to check the website before heading out to ensure that your preferred location is open.
Third-Party Websites and Apps
If you prefer using third-party websites or apps to find Panda Express opening and closing times, there are several options available. Yelp, for example, provides information on business hours along with user reviews and ratings. Google Maps also displays opening and closing times for businesses including Panda Express. Another popular option is the app called “Panda Express Chinese Kitchen.
” This app not only allows you to place orders for pickup or delivery but also provides information on store hours for nearby locations. The app also includes nutritional information, menu items, and promotions. It’s important to note that while third-party websites and apps can be helpful in finding opening and closing times, they may not always be up-to-date or accurate.
It’s always best to double-check with the official website or call ahead to confirm hours before making a trip to your local Panda Express restaurant.
Please note: – Some Panda Express locations offer breakfast options in addition to their regular menu items, which may affect their opening times.
Best Times to Visit to Avoid Long Lines
One of the biggest concerns when visiting Panda Express is the potential for long lines. To avoid this, it’s best to plan your visit during off-peak hours. Typically, the busiest times are during lunch and dinner rushes, which are between 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM and between 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM respectively. If possible, try to visit outside of these times.
| Peak Hours | Off-Peak Hours |
|---|---|
| 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM | Before or after lunch rush |
| 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Before or after dinner rush |
How to Place an Order Quickly
Panda Express has a fast-paced environment, so it’s important to know how to place your order quickly. One way is to use their online ordering system, which allows you to skip the line entirely by placing your order ahead of time. If you prefer to order in person, make sure you have a good idea of what you want before approaching the counter. The menu can be overwhelming for first-time visitors, so take some time beforehand to review it and decide on your meal.
Other Factors to Consider When Planning Your Visit
Dietary Restrictions:
If you have any dietary restrictions or preferences (such as vegetarian or gluten-free), make sure you check out Panda Express’ nutrition information beforehand. They offer several options that cater to different dietary needs.
Location:
Consider the location of the Panda Express you plan to visit. Some locations, such as those in mall food courts or airports, may have limited seating or longer wait times due to high traffic. If possible, choose a standalone location with ample seating.
Pricing:
Panda Express is known for its affordable prices, but it’s still important to consider your budget when planning your visit. Take a look at their menu and prices beforehand to avoid any surprises at the register.