BIZNOTE FOLLOWUP: Work under way at Westwood space listed as future Panda Express

| West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants | Westwood

For those who have asked “whatever happened to the plan for Panda Express at Westwood Village?”, our photo has two signs that work is finally under way at the former Pet Pros space, just north of QFC. (Plus, a reader walking by over the weekend reported seeing a handwritten sign on the inside of the door bearing the Panda Express name.)

We first reported last October that the space had been labeled as Panda Express on Westwood Village’s directory map, the only way the center’s semi-new owners have “announced” new tenants in recent years. The map spot labeled Panda Express has remained through multiple updates of the map since then, as well as a listing on the center’s leasing flyer (note page 4), but no signage or permit applications have appeared, nor have there been signs of work – until now. The chain has 72 locations in this state already, including Burien just to the south; to date they haven’t responded to inquiries, but we’re trying again.

Beto September 3, 2024 (2:58 pm)

Sounds good for when I’m in the mood for fast food.

Sarah September 3, 2024 (3:35 pm)

The leasing flyer says the Sally’s Beauty Supply space is available starting 9/2024. I was just there on Sept. 1, and there were no signs of the space closing. Any news from the center’s owners on that?

WSB September 3, 2024 (4:16 pm)

Both that and the GameStop space have been listed as available in the future for many months; I haven’t been able to confirm any impending closures. And in the case of GameStop, it was previously listed as available this past spring, and now it’s marked “2025.”

Rhonda September 3, 2024 (4:46 pm)

Finally, a healthy fast food option for Westwood Village.

bill September 3, 2024 (8:35 pm)

Yep, fried stuff slathered with sugar sauce! I won’t deny Panda tastes great and I have a serious weakness for it, but holy smokes calling it healthy is a stretch. Was sorely tempted today at Bell Square but had a big chocolate chip cookie instead (hahahah).
- Rhonda September 3, 2024 (9:21 pm)
  
  Their mixed vegetables, chow mein (loaded with cabbage) are VERY healthy. So is their string bean chicken breast, firecracker shrimp, pepper steak and vegetables, Kung Pao chicken, etc. Just stay away from the Beijing beef and deep fried stuff.
  - IGobblePanda September 4, 2024 (9:44 am)
    
    All of their offerings, including the ones you listed, are loaded with sodium. I love some Panda Express, but calling any of their sides or entrees ‘VERY healthy’ is misleading and potentially harmful. Merely containing vegetables like cabbage does not make a meal healthy, perhaps healthier than meals without, but not healthy by any means.

CARGUY September 3, 2024 (5:23 pm)

Nice. A few times a year I have a craving for “American” Chinese food. Closest I’ve got is Orient Express in SoDo, and one dish at New Luck Toy

Nicki in Delridge September 3, 2024 (8:34 pm)

If they end up going into the former Pet Pros space, I wonder how Toshi’s feels about that.

K September 4, 2024 (6:29 am)

Can’t imagine they care. It’s completely different food. There was a Thai restaurant next door to them for years.

Rdubs September 3, 2024 (9:05 pm)

At least that porta potty is already in place for the grand opening

Neighbor September 4, 2024 (7:14 am)

Panera would be a great addition to WWV

Paul September 4, 2024 (11:07 am)

Have a friend that managed one for a few years. After that I will not eat at a Panera. Everything is premade, and warmed/reheated/baked from frozen. Plus they are definitely not healthy.