The Definitive Timeline: When Did Panda Express Finally Open In Westwood Village?
The long-awaited opening of the Panda Express in Westwood Village is officially complete, putting an end to months of speculation and timeline shifts among West Seattle residents. As of December 24, 2025, the newest location for the American-Chinese food giant is fully operational, serving up its famous Orange Chicken and other Wok Smart favorites to the delighted community. The final, definitive grand opening date was a Thursday in early September 2025, following a series of construction delays that had frustrated local residents eager for the new dining option.
The journey to the final opening was a saga of its own, with the projected date moving multiple times throughout the summer of 2025. This article details the full timeline, the exact location, and the buzz surrounding one of the most anticipated quick-service restaurant additions to the Westwood Village shopping center.
The Saga of Shifting Dates: Why the Westwood Village Opening Was Delayed
The arrival of Panda Express at the Westwood Village Shopping Center, located in Seattle, Washington, was one of the most talked-about retail developments in the area. Initial reports and company spokespersons had pegged the opening for the first week of August 2025.
However, that initial target came and went without a single plate of Beijing Beef being served. The company's timeline began to shift repeatedly, a common occurrence with major commercial construction projects.
The Roadblocks: Construction and Permitting Surprises
According to updates shared with the local news outlet, the West Seattle Blog, the project manager indicated that the team faced "a lot of expensive delays and surprises" during the build-out process.
- Unforeseen Construction Issues: The renovation of the space within the existing Westwood Village structure presented unexpected challenges.
- Permitting Hurdles: Securing final permits and inspections often causes bottlenecks, pushing back the operational start date.
- Supply Chain Snags: Like many new retail ventures, delays in receiving specialized kitchen equipment or building materials contributed to the extended timeline.
These issues pushed the projected opening first out of August, then led to a revised estimate of "the week of September 8." This constant flux only amplified the curiosity and anticipation among the local population, who had been tracking the progress for months.
The Final, Definitive Grand Opening Date and Location
After the series of delays, the community finally received confirmation. The Panda Express at Westwood Village held its soft opening on Wednesday, September 3, 2025.
The official Grand Opening was held the following day: Thursday, September 4, 2025. The restaurant opened its doors at 10:00 AM, marking a successful end to the construction saga and the beginning of a new chapter for the shopping center.
The event was a celebration, complete with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, prizes, and a lively performance featuring traditional Chinese drums, drawing a significant crowd of eager customers.
Exact Location and Nearby Entities
The new Panda Express is strategically located within the Westwood Village Shopping Center, a major retail hub in Seattle, WA.
It is situated on the east side of the mall, specifically just north of the QFC Grocery store. This location places it in a high-traffic area, easily accessible to shoppers and residents of West Seattle.
The Westwood Village Shopping Center is known for its diverse mix of national tenants, establishing it as the only surface-parked shopping center in the area.
Other major entities within the center include:
- Target
- Ross Dress for Less
- Ulta Beauty
- Total Wine & More
- Big 5 Sporting Goods
- BECU (Bank)
What the New Panda Express Brings to Westwood Village
The new Westwood Village location is more than just another fast-food outlet; it's a significant addition to the local dining landscape, offering a convenient and popular American-Chinese cuisine option. The restaurant is part of the larger Panda Restaurant Group, which also operates Panda Inn and Hibachi-San.
The menu at the new location features all the classic, crowd-pleasing entrées that have made Panda Express a global phenomenon.
Must-Try Menu Items and Wok Smart Options
For those visiting the new Westwood Village Panda Express, the menu offers a wide variety of choices, catering to different tastes and dietary needs. The restaurant continues to promote its "Wok Smart" selections, which are designed to be lower in calories and higher in protein and vegetables.
Popular menu items that draw customers include:
- The Original Orange Chicken: Consistently ranked as the top entrée, this crispy, sweet, and tangy dish is the brand's signature offering.
- Beijing Beef: A crispy strip of beef, bell peppers, and onions tossed in a sweet-and-spicy sauce.
- Grilled Teriyaki Chicken: A highly popular, healthier option that is grilled and served with teriyaki sauce.
- Honey Sesame Chicken Breast: A flavorful dish featuring chicken breast, string beans, and yellow bell peppers in a honey sesame sauce.
- Kung Pao Chicken: A spicy mix of chicken, peanuts, vegetables, and chili peppers.
The availability of these quick, convenient, and flavorful options is a major benefit for the busy shoppers and residents of West Seattle. The location is expected to be a major draw, solidifying Westwood Village's position as a comprehensive shopping and dining destination.
Addressing the Westwood Village Confusion (Seattle vs. LA)
It is important to note that the excitement and delays discussed relate specifically to the Panda Express in Westwood Village, Seattle, WA.
For those searching about the well-known Westwood Village in Los Angeles, CA (near the UCLA campus), Panda Express already has established locations in the vicinity, including one directly on Westwood Boulevard and another on the UCLA campus itself. The news of a new opening in 2025 is exclusive to the Seattle location, which faced the highly publicized construction delays.
The new Seattle Panda Express, after a turbulent construction timeline, has finally settled in as a permanent fixture, providing a reliable and popular dining option for the West Seattle community. The September 2025 grand opening date is the final word on the long-awaited project.
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