Panda Express, America’s favorite Chinese kitchen, announced the grand opening of its newest Panda + Tea location on Tuesday, February 6. Found in the heart of Pasadena at 216 S. Lake Ave., the establishment will be Panda Express’ fourth Panda + Tea location, an innovative restaurant concept offering guests remixed Panda Express classics, alongside Panda’s Asian-inspired tea bar beverages.
As Panda Express continues to evolve its restaurant portfolio, Panda + Tea Lake Avenue will debut more vegetable-based sides and snacks, including Wok Seared Garlic Kale, Cabbage and Broccoli, Glazed Carrots and Brussels Sprouts, and an Asian Vegetable Crudité. Expanding its better-for-you food and beverage menus, the establishment will now offer guests the option of Quinoa Brown Fried Rice, alongside Panda + Tea’s indulgent favorites like Chow Mein and Fried Rice. In addition, guests will enjoy a signature tea bar lineup featuring an array of rejuvenating pearl milk teas, fruit teas, lemonades, smoothies and sparkling yogurt drinks. Together with these delicious offerings, the location will serve up the customizable wraps and salads that Panda + Tea is famous for.
The site of this Panda + Tea location is an area that Panda holds dear, as Lake Avenue was home to one of Panda Express’ original 200 restaurants in existence. With a rich history in the area since 1993, Panda Express has been a part of the Pasadena community for more than 20 years.
“Our intention for Panda + Tea Lake Avenue is to continually introduce our guests to a fresh and innovative new selections of menu items, inspired by the beloved flavors that are synonymous with Panda Express,” says Andrea Cherng, chief marketing officer at Panda Express. “We are fortunate to have become so deeply ingrained in the Pasadena community and look forward to introducing a restaurant concept that is as special to us as the guests we serve here.”
In celebration of the grand opening, guests who visit the location on Feb. 6 between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. will receive a free new vegetable-based side with any purchase, and have the opportunity to sample mini flights from Panda + Tea’s signature Tea Bar menu. Additionally, all attendees during this time will be provided with a Fortune Card at checkout to use toward a future meal. Honoring Panda’s deep connection to the area, the restaurant will also donate a portion of its grand opening day proceeds to Families Forward Learning Center, an organization that provides free education and social services to low-income families in the area.
Panda + Tea Lake Avenue will feature unique design elements that honor the past while celebrating the future, including a timeline mural showcasing the restaurant’s heritage, and modern accents, such as a green grass wall created specifically for photo opportunities. The 2,850-square foot space will also showcase an open kitchen concept, fresh cut veggie display and decorative floor tiling reminiscent of a Chinese tea parlor. The establishment will be open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Sundays.
