Panda Express

Welcome to Panda Express, situated within the Hetzel Union Building (HUB) at 201 Old Main 7 Hub on the University Park campus of Penn State University. As a part of the well-known Chinese Restaurant chain, this Panda Express location offers a convenient option for students, faculty, and visitors seeking familiar American Chinese cuisine. The reviews available online provide a mixed perspective, highlighting both the perceived value for money by one customer and a very serious concern regarding the handling of dietary restrictions by another.

The environment of this Panda Express, being located within a university's student union building, is likely characterized by a bustling and high-traffic atmosphere, particularly during peak hours. It serves as a quick and accessible dining option for the university community. While specific details about the décor or seating arrangements are not mentioned in the provided reviews, it can be inferred that the primary focus is on efficient service to cater to the busy student population and campus visitors.

The services offered at this Panda Express include counter service for ordering and pick-up, with the option to dine within the common seating areas of the HUB. It is also likely that take-out service is available. Given its location on a university campus, it may also cater to mobile ordering through the Panda Express app or other food delivery services, though this is not explicitly mentioned in the provided reviews. The primary service interaction highlighted in the reviews pertains to the accuracy of fulfilling orders, particularly those with dietary restrictions.

One of the features of Panda Express is its menu of popular American Chinese dishes, including their signature Original Orange Chicken, various stir-fries, rice, and noodle options. They have also introduced plant-based alternatives for some of their popular dishes, such as the plant-based orange chicken mentioned in one of the reviews. This offering is intended to cater to vegetarian and vegan customers. However, a critical issue was raised by a customer who ordered the plant-based orange chicken but unknowingly consumed actual chicken meat. This incident underscores the paramount importance of accuracy and careful handling when preparing and serving dishes meant to adhere to specific dietary requirements. The potential for emotional distress, physical discomfort, and sickness resulting from such errors cannot be overstated.

In contrast to this serious concern, another customer offered a more general positive comment, stating that the food was "pretty good Chinese food for the quantity and price." This suggests that, for some customers, the value proposition of this Panda Express location is satisfactory. The balance between the amount of food received and the cost is perceived as reasonable by at least one reviewer.

The stark difference between these two reviews highlights the potential for variability in customer experiences at this location. While one customer found the food to be of good value, another encountered a significant error with their order that had serious implications for their dietary choices and well-being. This suggests that while the standard menu items might be generally acceptable in terms of quantity and price for some, there may be issues with the careful preparation and handling of orders with specific dietary requirements, such as plant-based options.

The provided information does not include any specific promotional details or special offers for this Panda Express location within the Penn State HUB. Panda Express often has chain-wide promotions, seasonal items, and potential discounts that may be advertised in-store or online. Local users, particularly students, faculty, and staff at Penn State, may want to check for any campus-specific promotions or meal deals that might be available through the university or directly at the restaurant.

In conclusion, Panda Express located in the Hetzel Union Building at Penn State's University Park campus offers a convenient option for Chinese fast food. One customer found the quantity and price to be reasonable, suggesting a satisfactory value for money. However, a very serious incident was reported where a customer who ordered a plant-based dish was mistakenly served actual chicken. This error has significant implications for individuals with dietary restrictions and raises concerns about the attentiveness and accuracy in order preparation. Local users, especially those with dietary restrictions, should be aware of this reported issue and may want to exercise caution or seek assurances regarding the careful handling of their orders. For general inquiries or to check for any promotions, the restaurant can be contacted at (814) 861-6009 or +1 814-861-6009.