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Panda Express unveils new restaurant prototypesPanda Express unveils new restaurant prototypes

The new units offer updated architecture, décor, signage and environmentally friendly features

Ron Ruggless, Senior Editor

October 6, 2021

3 Min Read
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Ron Ruggless

Panda Restaurant Group Inc. on Wednesday pulled the wraps off the first of two new prototypes the company is testing for standalone units.

The 2,000-square-foot Bright and Fresh prototype opened in Balch Springs, Texas, a Dallas suburb, offering new architecture, décor and signage from previous units. A second test design, called Blocks of Flavor, will open later this fall in Memphis, Tenn., offering 2,400 square feet and 55 seats, a few more than the Balch Springs’ seating of 40 to 45.

“This concept is more contemporary, simple and fresh,” said Tabassum Zalotrawala, vice president of architecture, engineering, facilities and strategic sourcing, at the opening of the Bright and Fresh unit. “It has more glass and metal on the ex...

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About the Author

Ron Ruggless

Senior Editor, Nation’s Restaurant News / Restaurant Hospitality

Ron Ruggless serves as a senior editor for Informa Connect’s Nation’s Restaurant News (NRN.com) and Restaurant Hospitality (Restaurant-Hospitality.com) online and print platforms. He joined NRN in 1992 after working 10 years in various roles at the Dallas Times Herald newspaper, including restaurant critic, assistant business editor, food editor and lifestyle editor. He also edited several printings of the Zagat Dining Guide for Dallas-Fort Worth, and his articles and photographs have appeared in Food & Wine, Food Network and Self magazines. 

Ron Ruggless’ areas of expertise include foodservice mergers, acquisitions, operations, supply chain, research and development and marketing. 

Ron Ruggless is a frequent moderator and panelist at industry events ranging from the Multi-Unit Foodservice Operators (MUFSO) conference to RestaurantSpaces, the Council of Hospitality and Restaurant Trainers, the National Restaurant Association’s Marketing Executives Group, local restaurant associations and the Horeca Professional Expo in Madrid, Spain.

Ron Ruggless’ experience:

Regional and Senior Editor, Informa Connect’s Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality (1992 to present)

Features Editor – Dallas Times Herald (1989-1991)

Restaurant Critic and Food Editor – Dallas Times Herald (1987-1988)

Editing Roles – Dallas Times Herald (1982-1987)

Editing Roles – Charlotte (N.C.) Observer (1980-1982)

Editing Roles – Omaha (Neb.) World-Herald (1978-1980)

Email: [email protected]

Social media:

Twitter@RonRuggless

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ronruggless

Instagram: @RonRuggless

TikTok: @RonRuggless

 

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