Panda Chinese Restaurant — Local services in Knoxville

UPDATE ON DEC. 13th, 2023 (original review 7 months ago): Sometime weeks or a few months ago, they finally took down the false advertisement sign saying "Buffet" on the side of the building. It also appears they have dismantled their website that used to also advertise "Buffet". So, since my original review, they have done the right thing and removed the false advertisement. We have not been back there since before covid hit in early 2020, so I cannot comment on the quality of the food or service these days. The buffet was the only reason we went there frequently before that. It's a shame they shut it down and never reopened it, but it may have been due to food costs, which I can understand. I have no idea why, but it's a shame the buffet has been gone for years. My only beef was with their false advertising. See below.

ORIGINAL REVIEW: SIGN SAYS "BUFFET", BUT THERE IS NO BUFFET. Don't be fooled! The large banner on the side of the building says, "buffet", as does the main page of their website. (I think there may also be a sign on the front window or door that says "buffet", but not positive about that one.) Fact: There has been no buffet actually provided since early 2020, but it's been consistently offered in advertisements ever since. When I asked them about this, they freely admitted that they have no plans of reopening the buffet in the future, even confessing that they may never open it again. When I pointed out to them that NOT having a buffet at any point for 3 years and having ZERO plans of reopening it in the future, but advertising "BUFFET" anyway, likely constitutes a "bait-and-switch" form of false advertising, they actually retorted by asking, "Where do sign say buffet is open?" (I kid you not.) Additionally, in a lame attempt to divert from the issue, they argued that they have a right to open or not open the buffet, that it's their choice whether or not to have a buffet (as if anyone is questioning that, or as if that is even the issue). Then they tried to say that the reason the signs saying "buffet" are still hanging up is that they may or may not open it in the future and they want to be ready in case they reopen it at some point down the road (lol).

This is sad, because when the buffet was open consistently for years prior to 2020, this was a popular option for fairly reasonable buffet-style Chinese food (although the buffet was pretty limited). They shut down the buffet right after COVID started (understandable in light of local regulations at the time), but they never reopened long after such regulations were removed and such concerns vanished. Yet, they're not even citing COVID concerns now. I don't know that they ever really did.

At any rate, whatever their reason for not reopening the buffet (likely a revenue/profit concern, which is also understandable), the bait-and-switch is another matter and is unacceptable.

Essentially, this is what is going on here: Them: "Hey, we got...

The only reason I gave the two stars was because the food was edible and ready when she said it would be. Other than that, I do not plan to eat there again, ever. When I called to place my order, the female answering the phone was rude and short and not helpful when I asked questions. I told her I had two separate orders multiple times, she agreed that she understood, verbally. Then I showed up, she rolled her eyes and looked my way but didn't say a word. I told her I had 2 pick up orders, she said 'who are you?', I told her, she grabbed it and rang it up.... All together. I told her what was on each order twice because for some reason she decided to walk away and talk to someone else while I was speaking to her. Mind you, the whole time, she has her hand on her forehead as if I am aggravating her or she has a hangover or something. I verified what I ordered, she confirmed. Got home, my son's chicken fried rice was in with my sweet and sour chicken and there was no other rice for our part of the order (which was something we discussed over the phone and in person when I verified my order- that there would be two rice on my order). I was already so aggravated with them that I just gave him the rice and didn't call to get what was supposed to be there. The food, other than that, was right. We also got some weird fried something in our bag... But that's not bad, I guess, just didn't order it, and don't know what it was.

I know this might not sound like a big deal to others, but we don't eat restaurant food often... I managed a restaurant for 15 years. I know customer service, I have had hard days, I worked hard for the money I spent on that food and I think it is important to make sure the person who represents your company is pleasant and makes a good impression to keep customers coming back... Today, this was not the case. You may or may not need my business, but I want to make you aware that you will not get it ever again and my word of mouth will attempt to deter my family and friends from being treated like an interruption as I did today. Have a...

I should have written a review before now, but was trying to give the lady at the front counter most of the time the benefit of the doubt. I have been eating Chinese food at Panda on and off over 30 years. Primarily carry out for the family. There are no complaints about the food and the portions. However, the lady taking the orders and your money has the worst personality. I have overheard other customers complain about her as well. She appears angry and can be down right rude. Believe me, there is no confusion about her being busy instead of rude. I have observed when she is pleasant toward some customers(maybe regulars). There is no excuse for her to treat other customers rudely. I am sure my review will be no big deal to the restaurant, but, after ordering food two weeks ago and seeing no difference in her demeanor, enough is enough and I felt it was time for my review. She comes across as totally burnt out and unhappy. With that being said, maybe she should be behind the scenes where the food is prepared. The cooks in the back may speak little English or none, but they will smile and respond when you speak to them. We have always left a tip in the jar at the counter, but are beginning to question if we should continue because of her rudeness. Due to her rudeness, her cooks may not be getting the tips they deserve. We have several friends and family who will not order food anymore due to her rudeness. Because my family enjoys the food, we will continue to get carryout. It would appear that she could care less or she would work on her attitude. It may be a waste of time for me to write this review, but I fill better now that I got it off my mind after so many years. Because you can greet her with a smile, and she does not return the gester. A big KUDOS to the customers that she is friendly toward and I hope you never experience her rudeness like so...