SIOUX CITY | Janet Kelly, of Sioux City, had a good experience the first time she ate Chinese food at the new Panda Express in the city.
So after enjoying that Orange Chicken entree, Kelly came back in February to buy gift cards at the restaurant at 5745 Sunnybrook Drive.
"I was impressed. It was really good," Kelly said.
Panda Express officials determined it was time to open in Sioux City, which has a large metro population and provided a great opportunity to grow the Panda family. A Panda Express representative said patronage of the store has exceeded expectations, given strong community response.
The location features Panda Express' full menu of freshly wokked American Chinese food, including the iconic Original Orange Chicken and award-winning Honey Walnut Shrimp.
Entrees include Firecracker Chicken Breast, String Bean Chicken Breast, Kung Pao Chicken, Broccoli Beef and Shanghai Angus Steak. The store also has numerous sides, appetizers and desserts.
The store has 30 employees, and most of them live in Sioux City. Manager David Lee leads the crew in the city store.
Panda Express is headquartered in Virginia, and has more than 1,000 restaurants nationwide.
The first Panda Express opened in Glendale, Calif., in 1983. The chain first added stores internationally in 2011.
Panda Express is part of many new 2015 pieces in the Sunnybrook Plaza area north of Greatland Target. Also in that section is Ulta Beauty, Bed Bath & Beyond and Marshalls
Formed in 2002, Sunnybrook Plaza is a large and growing commercial and retail development at the intersection of Sunnybrook Drive and Sergeant Road, with access from the U.S. Highway 20 bypass. Besides Greatland Target, it's anchored by Lowe's Home Improvement Warehouse.
