Panda Express — Restaurant in Merced

I'm a "frequent flyer" at Panda Express and go to both Merced locations a couple of times a week, and I've done so in the morning, lunch time and early evening. I always walk in and order in real time, never drive thru or via app. That helps avoid "portion shrinkage" and errors. I also always fill out the online feedback form that (there is a link to printed on your receipt) every single time.

General observations: Panda is easily the best and price-effective fast food with healthy choices option. IF you have the app and make sure to enter your Panda points and do the online Feedback survey from the code on your receipt. It gives you a coupon for a free small entree. Essentially I'll have enough food for two meals for under $11!

Generally the staff is friendly and greet you when you come in at all locations.

About this store on Yosemite -- the quality of the food is excellent, and it is very clean, no matter what time I've been there, and the atmosphere is bright and pleasant. I've found that this store rarely has black pepper chicken up and then has to be ordered by request. And out of all of the locations I've been to, this one by far is the noticeably skimpiest on portions.

Once I got a small entree of Angus black pepper steak and opened the box and it was half full! I took it back to the counter and asked why they did this and the FOH staff said that they were out of it. So basically instead of asking me to wait for a fresh batch (and it was in the afternoon!) they just gave me the dregs of what was left and called it a day. Sad Panda 🐼.

I also have been told at the Yosemite avenue store at 9:30 that they weren't making any more fresh items (and most everything was almost gone even though they are open until 11:00) and plenty of cars still pulling up and coming to the drive-thru.

Generally, front of house staff needs more training on handling Panda's own feedback survey coupon program. I've had a manager at Yosemite (who appeared to be new at this store) try to tell me: 1) that they didn't accept the corporate coupon, even though I use one for every visit to that location; and 2) that your free item can't be a premium item (also not true; it actually says right on the coupon itself that it can be used for a premium item).

So that's why it's always good for customers to take a few minutes to fill out the survey to let them politely know how each location is doing.

Btw, I've also been to the Atwater store, and the one in Modesto on Hatch. The Modesto one gets bonus points for decent portion size, and having most menu items hot and fresh, even at 8:30 at night, including that sometimes elusive black pepper...

The food is good and always tastes fresh but they skimp on everything. Most of the time, the boxes are half full. They make no effort to fill them totally full and give you your $’s worth. It’s ridiculous. Watch how they serve. They scoop up a heaping helping of food into the spoon and then only add half the spoonful to the plate, or even take back a little after putting it what I’m guessing is too much. Who’s training the employees? They’re always polite but the quantity they serve is seriously lacking. I know you people know what I’m taking about. I’ve been eating at various PE restaurants for decades and they all do the same thing. While PE is not too expensive, it’s really not worth it if you don’t get a fair amount. I’m not asking for anything free; Just what I pay for! for, that’s hit and miss. It’s not really true Chinese food but it tastes good anyways. So while I do recommend their food, make sure to check the boxes before you leave and ask for more if the amount is not up to your standards. Don’t wait until you get home to check like me and have to leave a negative review of their service.

*I ordered the bigger plate w1/2 & 1/2, orange chicken and Beijing beef. The Beijing beef is what was extremely skimpy. I didn’t even push it down like they do at other Chinese restaurants where they make sure to give you a good amount of food. I’m sure if I did, 3/4 of it would be empty....

On April 1st at 11:24 PM we arrived at the Panda Express on 165 E Yosemite Ave in Merced, CA. Seeing they were going to close at 12AM we arrived at the drive thru and found nobody has answered us, even after we waited. Businesses are not be closed until the the hour that operations close, not early or because you found it empty. I don't leave early for my job that everyone is dependent on, and neither should anyone at theirs.

We have gone to many Panda Express before closing and everyone was there so I am concerned at who is managing this store, and what kind of staff they have to not be waiting for customers.

For some context, this is the "new" Panda Express location in Merced. College students, workers like myself who work nearby and neighborhoods are going to find the closest place that is open for a quick bite to eat after a long day because you have to sleep early.

It's embarrassing for an establishment like this to do this and I hope any regional manager reading this will look into...