Panda — Restaurant in Laurel

I've never written a review online but I had to let Laurel know about my terrible experience.

I pulled up to the drive-thru at 7:20 PM on March 9th, 2017. A person didn't acknowledge me or ask to take my order until 7:27. My order was simple: veggie spring rolls, side of mixed vegtables, and a plate with chicken and fried rice. There were 4 cars in front of me and it took until 7:50 to get to the payment window. Thirty-freakin'-minutes! After I paid, I was asked to pull around to the side and they would bring the order to me.

At this point I was getting fairly aggravated. I went in the store at 8:00 PM and they still didn't have my order ready. One girl was working the drive-thru and was also fixing all the to-go orders. There were at least three young men running around doing various things (texting, taking a smoke break, etc.), only one of them was in the kitchen attempting to help. There was another young lady running around wiping off counters. There was literally no one in the restaurant and the drive-thru at this point was 6 or 7 deep.

The first young girl working three positions had my order ready (less my chicken), then the one guy attempting to help put my chicken in another customer's order. I was certain the young lady was going to cry at this point. The other girl cleaning countertops. offered me a free drink for the long wait. Finally, alas, my order was ready! The one young man putting forth effort directed me to the register - which was odd since I had already paid. He begins ringing me up, at which point I told him I had already paid and had been in the drive- thru since 7:20. He was bewildered and didn't know how to clear the register. The cleaning girl came to help and informed him that he was an idiot. A valid statement.

Finally, with food in hand at 8:07 PM, I departed the asthetically pleasing establishment, never to return again! Naturally, the spring rolls were warm at best and the food was mediocre. This location has been open at least 6 months, so I don't really understand what the deal is. I've been twice previously since they opened and the wait has been long, but never this long. The problem with this location (other than the service and wait time) is the drive-thru set up. Once you're in, it's a trap. There's no escape. I would have totally drove away -...

In the harmonious town of Laurel, there exists a culinary abode of great repute, Where the Panda Restaurant stands, its virtues I shall gladly salute. With every dish, balance and propriety are met, A symphony of flavors that one shall not forget.

The Shrimp Fried Rice, a testament to skilled hands, Prepared with care, meeting the day's demands. Lo Mein, like silken threads, through chopsticks does weave, A tapestry of taste that the palate does cleave.

Chow Mei Fun, with its delicate strands, Entwined with spices from distant lands. Chop Suey, a blend of the earth's own yield, Harvest's bounty upon which diners keenly build.

Sweet and Sour, a dance of yin and yang, A melody of taste that the chefs doth sang. The Egg Foo Young, a pillow of savory delight, A comforting presence in the dining night.

Moo Shu Dishes, wrapped in thin pancakes' embrace, Each bite, a journey to a far-off place. And the drinks, like dew from heaven's own chalice, Quench the thirst with a gentle balance.

Here, the junzi would find contentment in a meal, For each offering is made with a virtuous zeal. The staff, like disciples of old, serve with a smile, Ensuring each visit is worth the while.

In this establishment, the Dao of gastronomy is clear, A path of culinary enlightenment that all should revere. So let us raise our cups to Panda, a beacon of dining pleasure, A treasure in Laurel, its worth...

On Sunday the 26th of March I went to Panda Express to order some take out. There were three customers ahead of me in line. One customer was waiting to pay for her food, another customer was explaining to the guy behind the counter that he screwed up her order, and another customer was standing off to the side visably annoyed at the lack of awareness of the worker behind the counter. It seems the worker spent a good deal of time screwing up this order. A simple order at that. The woman waiting to pay for her food,walked out because another worker who was talking to someone seated was not comprehending that he should be helping out here since there seemed to be only two Panda Employees in the building. This went on for several minutes. I was not happy at all and walked out and went to the next business to get some food. This was not the first time this has happened to me at this Panda Express. The caliber of employees here are terrible. This I think falls on management. Either they don't care or they themselves are lacking...