News Summary
Florence, South Carolina is set to welcome its first Panda Express at 2661 David H. McLeod Blvd, bringing its famous Chinese-American cuisine closer to locals. As construction progresses, residents are excited about the new dining option that offers a variety of delicious meals, appetizers, and desserts. The city supports this new establishment, which will contribute to the growing fast-food landscape along with other recent openings in the area.
Exciting Times Ahead for Florence, SC!
Florence, South Carolina, is buzzing with anticipation as it welcomes a brand-new culinary option: Panda Express! Yes, you heard that right! Located at 2661 David H. McLeod Blvd., this will be the city’s very first Panda Express, situated conveniently next to Chipotle on an outparcel of Magnolia Mall.
What’s Cooking?
While an official opening date has yet to be announced, the excitement is palpable. Residents of Florence won’t have to venture over an hour away to Columbia, SC, just to get their Orange Chicken fix any longer. For those unfamiliar, Panda Express is known for delicious regional Chinese cuisine that caters to American palates, offering a wide variety of options— from beef and seafood to chicken and tofu. And yes, there are also tasty appetizers and desserts on the menu! Whatever your craving, it seems likely you’ll find it there, prepared fresh upon order.
A Growing Fast-Food Scene
Florence has seen a recent surge in dining options. Newly opened establishments include Wingstop, Slim Chickens, Dunkin’, and Monarcas’s Mexican Restaurant Bar & Grill. The new Panda Express will join this ever-growing list of fast-food choices, which is music to the ears of locals who have expressed interest in additional restaurants like Whataburger, Culver’s, and Raising Cane’s. Isn’t it great to see the food scene expanding?
Foodies Rejoice!
With about a dozen Panda Express locations already serving up their famous dishes across South Carolina, the addition in Florence is sure to delight many. Completing the transfer of the property was no small feat, with the land being sold from PR Magnolia LLC to CFT NV Developments LLC for a cool $1.16 million last December. Thankfully, all the building permits from the city have been officially issued, so the construction can kick-off as soon as the company decides. Your taste buds aren’t going to wait forever!
City Support
The city of Florence is right behind this endeavor, offering assistance with plans review, building inspection, and business licensing. The community seems eager to welcome Panda Express into the city, and it’s heartwarming to see collaboration in action!
What’s Next?
As residents and visitors await the grand opening, the question is: what are you most excited to try? Will it be the beloved Orange Chicken, the savory Beijing Beef, or maybe something light like steamed vegetables and tofu? Whatever it is, get your chopsticks ready, because the game is about to change for food lovers in Florence, SC!
The Final Word
Florence is indeed on the fast track to becoming a food lover’s paradise, and as more restaurants pop up, locals will have more dining experiences to enjoy right in their hometown. So stay tuned, Florence! Big things are coming your way, and your palate is in for a treat! Let’s all keep our fingers crossed for a swift construction timeline so we can enjoy Panda Express sooner rather than later.
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Panda Express Coming to Florence
- WAAY TV: Lauderdale County Restaurant Inspection Scores
- Cincinnati.com: Fast Food Restaurants Open on Christmas
- Post and Courier: Survey on Fast Food Restaurants in Florence
- Google Search: Panda Express South Carolina
Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER
FLORENCE STAFF WRITER The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
