Panda Express Spotlights Its Cultural Heritage With Revamped Store Design

In order to honor its roots, Panda Express—the largest Asian restaurant chain in the US—has recently debuted a new store design inspired by Chinese culture and heritage. Dubbed the ‘Panda Home’, the newest outlet recently opened its doors in Dripping Springs, Texas.

The restaurant’s classic black-and-white color palette, paired with striking red accents, will remain familiar to fans. Wood elements and a sweeping rooftop complete the store’s façade, while a mix of traditional and modern Chinese motifs fill its interior.

These new additions include a moon-gate entrance, neon signs, and a Chinese mural. The drive-thru isn’t left out either, with a pictogram added to portray the story of Chinese Americans. According to QSR Magazine, the latest design will expand to more outlets from this year on.

Crafted by brand experience agency ChangeUp, every element added to the outlet’s design was said to be intentional, such as the terrazzo tables that resemble Lunar New Year confetti to the traditional fretwork tiles and red lanterns lining the store.

In addition, the brand tapped on local Asian American artist Steffi Lynn for its first-ever Panda sculpture to highlight the “rich culture and beautiful landscape” of the surrounding region. In terms of convenience, the new building has a larger back-of-house area for faster service.

“This new store model incorporates design elements inspired by traditional Chinese architecture and traditions that tell the story of Panda Express where guests can meet the Panda family of associates and experience the Panda culture,” the company said on LinkedIn.

[via QSR Magazine and Chain Store Age, images via Change Up]