Panda Express — Restaurant in Hoover

We moved from California to Alabama 5 years ago. Panda Express was a once a month restaurant we frequented. There was one in walking distance from our home. Had Panda Express one time in Alabaster 5 years ago. Filthy restaurant. Help was not up to par. Today, we wanted Chinese food. So, after 5 years, we went to Panda Express, but in Hoover. Two orders 1; 2 and 1. 2; 3 and 1. The 3 and 1, one of the entrées had to be put into a small box. Understandable. I ordered broccoli beef. As the girl was putting my order into the box and as the last broccoli piece went in, I asked her "where's the beef?". I mean, come on! One piece of beef !? And....it was put in when I questioned it. REALLY!

No napkins. The associate was asked to refill the napkins. OMG......that was a chore. It was displayed.

My bag that held my boxes of food was handed to me with the boxes turned sideways. So....the bag had sauce in it from the food.

Food was not hot. Warm, but not hot.

I am not a complainer. Ask those who know me. I always look for the good in people. Especially those in the food chains.

We were warned, not to expect food chains here are like California. We'll it took us 5 years. I wonder how long before we make the next visit.

Discouraged. Disappointed. ...

am writing to express my disappointment with the service I received at your Hoover, Alabama location on [insert date].

When I attempted to place my order, I was told that all food was “cooked to order” and would take 15–30 minutes. However, there were trays of food already on display. When I selected one of those items, the server then told me I could not have it because there wasn’t enough for a “full serving.”

This was both confusing and frustrating. On one hand, I was told to wait a long time for food that was supposedly being prepared fresh, while on the other hand, I was denied food that was visibly available in the serving trays. The inconsistent information and poor handling of the situation left me feeling that my business was not valued.

I believe customers deserve clear communication, consistency, and respectful service when dining at Panda Express. Unfortunately, my experience at the Hoover location did not reflect that standard.

I hope management will take steps to ensure better customer service going forward. Thank you for your attention to...

How is this place still open? Many years ago (before covid) they had some kind of damage done to their drive-thru lane, but instead of fixing it they just permanently blocked it off. This was annoying to me because I had gone through their drive-thru many times in the past and gotten some decent food. But now they had drive-thru blocked off, implying that you had to go inside to order your food. So one day I decided I would go there are just go in and order some food. This was a few months after the covid situation started, and a couple of employees who were outside informed me that I couldn't go inside and order because they were only taking online orders. This was mind-boggling to me. I'm not a fan of using phone apps to order my food. It's like they were moving heaven and earth to keep me from getting food there. It's now 2025 and the drive-thru is still closed and somehow they seem to still be in business. I'm not sure if they are still only taking online orders, but judging from the reviews, I'm not...