Panda Express Targets Smokey Park Highway for Asheville Expansion
TL/DR –
A new Panda Express fast-food restaurant is proposed at 146 Smokey Park Highway in Asheville, near the Chick-fil-A and Ingles. The plans lodged with the city indicate the site will include a 2,697 square foot building with 40-50 parking spaces, 52 seats inside, plus new sidewalks and a drive-thru window service. The project, which will be the chain’s first location in West Asheville, only requires a Level I review from city staff and doesn’t need to go before the Planning and Zoning Commission or City Council.
Panda Express to Open New Location in West Asheville
A proposal has been filed for a new Panda Express at 146 Smokey Park Highway, near Chick-fil-A and Ingles. The California-based fast-food chain, specializing in American Chinese cuisine, boasts over 2,300 locations across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and internationally.
The proposed plans, registered on Jan. 15 with Asheville Planning and Urban Design, outline the construction of a 2,697 square foot building, equipped with 40-50 parking spaces and 52 seats inside. The plans also detail a new sidewalk installation and drive-thru window service. The lot currently houses a small building that was erected in 1981, set to be demolished to make room for the new restaurant.
Panda Express already operates two locations in East Asheville. If the proposal succeeds, it will mark the chain’s first establishment in West Asheville. Previously, a Panda Express was planned for 370 Airport Road, but the review process was halted and the location was converted into offices for International Stone Distributor Inc.
To be approved, the restaurant simply requires a Level I review from city staff and does not need to be presented before the Planning and Zoning Commission or City Council.
Earlier in February 2023, a meeting with the city revealed that a Culver’s fast food restaurant had also considered the location.
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