News Summary
Panda Express has opened its latest restaurant at 5416 Platt Springs Road, contributing to the Platt Springs Crossing development that includes various dining options and a grocery store. This expansion reflects the growing population and increasing traffic in the area. With over 2,300 locations nationwide, Panda Express aims to provide convenient dining options for local residents, joining other recent openings and expected future developments at Platt Springs Crossing.
Lexington County – Panda Express has officially opened its newest location at 5416 Platt Springs Road, near Red Bank, on Friday, May 2. This new restaurant is part of the expanding Platt Springs Crossing development, which will also feature a Lowes Foods grocery store along with various other businesses, marking a significant addition to the local community.
The establishment of Panda Express adds to an array of recent openings at Platt Springs Crossing, which include popular dining spots such as Whataburger and Chipotle, both of which have debuted within the last month. These developments are timely as the area experiences considerable traffic, with approximately 19,000 vehicles passing along Platt Springs Road each day and around 27,000 vehicles traveling along nearby S. Lake Drive, as reported by the state Department of Transportation.
Panda Express, founded in 1983, is recognized as the largest family-owned-and-operated Asian dining concept in the United States. The company has grown significantly since its inception, now operating over 2,300 locations nationwide and employing around 47,000 individuals. The restaurant menu features a variety of beloved Chinese and Asian dishes, with its signature orange chicken being a standout item for patrons.
The Platt Springs Crossing development is set to transform the area further by offering additional dining choices, introducing medical buildings, and incorporating housing units over the next few years. The project is part of a broader trend, with the Lexington County area witnessing a notable increase in population, enhancing its attractiveness for new residential and commercial establishments.
According to plans, the comprehensive development of Platt Springs Crossing, which spans more than 50 acres, is anticipated to begin in early 2025. A complete suite of businesses is expected to be operational by the third quarter of 2025. These expansions are envisioned to not only elevate the shopping and dining experience for residents but also stimulate local economic growth.
In addition to the new Panda Express location, residents in the Columbia area may find it noteworthy that the city is home to two existing Panda Express restaurants, situated on Forest Drive and Killian Road. This expansion into Red Bank aims to enhance convenience for local consumers and attract new customers seeking quality Asian cuisine.
The recent establishment of several fast-food chains and the upcoming retail developments signal a noticeable shift in the urban landscape of Lexington County. With the prospects of more businesses integrated into the area, the Platt Springs Crossing initiative is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the community’s commercial evolution.
Overall, the opening of Panda Express and the accompanying development of Platt Springs Crossing represent significant strides forward for Lexington County, promising a brighter commercial future and contributing to the area’s growing population and popularity.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- The State: Local News
- Wikipedia: Panda Express
- Lexington Restaurants: Kentucky
- Google Search: Platt Springs Crossing
- SW Lex Ledger: Platt Springs Crossing Update
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lexington County
- Richland Source: Wingstop Location News
- Google News: Lowe’s Foods
- Shopping Center Business: Mixed-Use Project
- Google Scholar: Urban Development Lexington
Author: STAFF HERE IRMO
The IRMO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIrmo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Irmo, Lexington and Richland Counties, 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 Irmo Okra Strut Festival, Harbison Community Events, and local sports tournaments at the Palmetto Health Credit Union Foundation Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission and the Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center, plus leading businesses in retail and healthcare that power the local economy such as Village at Sandhill and Lexington Medical Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
