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KALAMAZOO, MI — Panda Express, known for its original orange chicken recipe, will soon be opening on Kalamazoo’s west side.
The restaurant, which aims to be Michigan’s 50th Panda Express location, will open in a new 2,700-square-foot building now under construction at 4300 W. Main St.
The fast-casual, American-Chinese eatery is being built on the site of a former Huntington Bank, which was demolished to make way for the restaurant.
There is one existing Kalamazoo County Panda Express already at 5811 S. Westnedge Ave. in Portage.
The restaurant, being built on the north side of West Main, east of Advia Credit Union and west of Little Caesars, will feature a drive-thru and dine-in concept.
It is tentatively slated for a late October opening, pending any construction delays, said Brittany Rouse, with Panda Express’ new store opening team.
“Once open, this location will employ nearly 40 people and boast the latest Panda Home design,” Rouse stated in an email to the Kalamazoo Gazette/MLive. “Inside, customers will find a distinctly American Chinese design that bridges the East and the West with red lanterns, a moon gate portal and vibrant Chinatown signs.”
According to site plans submitted to the city in July 2024, the business will feature 35 parking spaces.
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“This is an exciting project in the Westwood neighborhood and will be a great addition to the dining options Kalamazoo has to offer,” Kalamazoo City Planner Emily Szymanski told the Kalamazoo Gazette/MLive previously.
In addition to orange chicken, the fast-casual restaurant boasts American-Chinese originals such as honey sesame chicken breast, black pepper angus steak and honey walnut shrimp.
Panda Express is also known for its Wok Smart dishes, balanced protein plates and items such as chow mein and spring rolls.
The Panda Restaurant Group traces its origins to 1973 when Andrew Cherng and his father, Master Chef Ming-Tsai Cherng opened the Panda Inn in Pasadena, California.
The first Panda Express was opened in 1983 in Glendale, California, by Andrew and his wife, Peggy Cherng. By 1993, there were over 100 locations nationwide. The restaurant concept, which went international in 2011, now has over 1,000 locations.
In addition to the location coming to Kalamazoo, there is also a new location being built in Oakland County, Rouse said.
For more information on Panda Express, visit pandaexpress.com.
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