Panda Express

Panda Express, a well-known chain in the Chinese restaurant category, has a location situated within the Lakewood Center Mall at 500 Lakewood Ctr Mall #131, Lakewood, CA 90712, USA. As a Chinese restaurant, it aims to provide local users with a variety of American Chinese dishes for convenient dining. While specific details about the restaurant's physical environment are not provided in the given information, mall-based Panda Express locations typically feature a fast-casual setup with a counter for ordering and a designated dining area within the food court or a separate restaurant space within the mall.

Regarding services, this Panda Express location likely offers standard fast-casual dining options. Customers can place their orders at the counter for immediate preparation. The food is generally displayed, allowing customers to choose their entrees, sides, and appetizers. Takeout service is undoubtedly available, catering to shoppers and local residents who prefer to enjoy their meals elsewhere. It is plausible that this location also participates in online food delivery services through third-party platforms, though this is not explicitly mentioned. The provided phone numbers, (562) 790-8886 and +1 562-790-8886, suggest that customers might attempt to place phone orders or inquire about services, although one review explicitly mentions difficulty in reaching the restaurant by phone.

Given the limited positive information and the strongly negative feedback from the provided customer reviews, it is challenging to highlight positive features of this specific Panda Express location based solely on this data. The reviews primarily focus on negative aspects of the customer experience.

One customer recounts a severely negative experience, stating it was the "worst Panda Express I have ever been to in 10 years." This review raises several significant concerns:

• Difficulty in Contacting: The customer reported calling six times and receiving no answer, indicating a potential issue with phone service or staffing. This also led to difficulty in locating the restaurant due to discrepancies on Google Maps.
• Restroom Inaccessibility: The reviewer mentioned that the restrooms were for employees only, which they found unreasonable ("how stupid is that"). This could be a significant inconvenience for customers.
• Poor Staff Attitude: The customer described the staff as having "attitudes," being "total jerks," and not exhibiting smiles, suggesting a lack of customer service orientation.
• Soliciting Donations: The reviewer found it "pathetic" that the restaurant was "begging for donations after your meal." This practice can be perceived negatively by customers.

Another review echoes concerns about the restaurant's operational efficiency and employee treatment. This customer stated that "the food is never ready" upon their visits and alleged a lack of respect towards employees ("they don't respect employers"). The review further claims that customer priority is disregarded ("we always pass people first, after we meet is a complete lack of respect") and that delivery drivers' time is not valued. The reviewer also suggests that the manager is indifferent to these issues, particularly concerning the remuneration earned through delivery services, implying a broader problem with management and operational practices.

Based on these two customer reviews, the experience at this Panda Express location within Lakewood Center Mall appears to be significantly negative for at least some customers. Issues range from basic accessibility (phone communication, restrooms) to the quality of service (staff attitude) and operational efficiency (food readiness, respect for service providers). These reviews do not provide any information about specific popular dishes or unique features of this particular branch.

There is no promotional information provided in the given text. It is unknown if this location is currently offering any discounts or special deals. To inquire about any promotions, customers would typically need to visit the restaurant in person or attempt to contact them by phone, although the negative review suggests phone contact may be unreliable.

In conclusion, the available information paints a concerning picture of the Panda Express located in Lakewood Center Mall. Multiple issues have been raised regarding customer service, operational efficiency, and even basic amenities like restroom access. Potential local users should be aware of these recent negative experiences reported by other customers. Without any positive feedback or specific details about the food quality or environment, it is difficult to provide a balanced introduction. Individuals considering this location may want to weigh these reported issues against the general reputation of the Panda Express brand. For any specific inquiries about the menu, hours, or potential promotions, attempting to contact the restaurant directly at (562) 790-8886 or +1 562-790-8886 might be necessary, keeping in mind the reported difficulty in reaching them by phone.