Bad news for Stephen Colbert
Panda Express debuts flashy new prototype at (almost) Dallas opening
Fast-food Chinese restaurant chain Panda Express introduced a new concept called Bright and Fresh. It debuted in Dallas (well, almost Dallas), at a new prototype store at 12203 Lake June Rd. in Balch Springs.
The big difference lies in decor. The Bright and Fresh concept has cleaner, more minimalist architecture and brighter colors than the old-style Panda Express. The cafeteria-style Balch Springs location has new menu boards and new uniforms for staffers.
According to a release, Bright and Fresh is one of two new Panda Express designs; the other concept, Blocks of Flavor, has a warmer, cozier atmosphere and debuts in Memphis later this year. Panda Express head honchos are experimenting with signage too. Panda Express VP Tabassum Zalotrawala told NRN that the company is testing signs that make the word "express" smaller and the word "panda" bigger.
"There's a much more close-up shot of the bear," Zalotrawala said.
Panda Express is based in Southern California and has 150 stores in the Dallas area. It's best known for its Panda bowls that combine rice, stir-fried vegetables and meat.