Popular Chinese restaurant opens new spot in Mint Hill, plans more in metro
Panda Express is bringing more of its famous orange chicken to the Charlotte metro.
The fast casual American Chinese eatery marked the opening of its new location in Mint Hill on Friday, March 6, with a special community celebration.
The event kicked off at 9:30 a.m. with a special ribbon-cutting ceremony, live music and giveaways for the first 88 customers in line, according to a news release sent to CharlotteFive. The family-owned restaurant also donated $1,000 to local nonprofit Helping Hands.
“There’s a lot of growth in (Mint Hill),” Jorge Sandoval, the restaurant’s area coach of operations told CharlotteFive in an interview. “We see the opportunity for us to not only ... serve food but also be able to support the community as well.”
Panda Express has more than a few Charlotte locations with spots in Madison Park, Steele Creek and East Charlotte, plus a few others sprinkled across the metro — Concord, Kannapolis, Fort Mill and Rock Hill (the latter two opened in 2024).
The chain is already plotting its next restaurant in Harrisburg, with plans to add four more spots by next year.
“The goal is to open four to six locations every year the Charlotte (metro),” Sandoval said.
Panda Express is best known for its “Chinese inspired, American made” classics like orange chicken, beef and broccoli, and honey walnut shrimp. Veggie spring rolls are on the menu alongside chow mein, cream cheese-filled rangoons and black pepper sirloin steak.
The chain recently returned its popular Dynamite Sweet & Sour Chicken, launched in partnership with spicy Korean brand Buldak, to menus this month. Panda has also hopped on the max protein trend with the launch of its balanced protein plates featuring hefty portions of teriyaki chicken, broccoli and rice.
“We hope to be a lasting part of the community and welcome all guests into our doors to try our American Chinese favorites and discover their own,” Sandoval said.
Panda Express
Location: 13108 Albemarle Rd, Mint Hill, NC 28227 (now open)
Cuisine: Chinese
Instagram: @officialpandaexpress
This story was originally published March 9, 2026 at 12:11 PM.