Panda Express — Restaurant in Tempe

I visit this location several times a week, and always around the same time as I'm on the way to work; and, I would think that after several months of this routine, the staff would have realized that I'm pressed for time when I arrive. Unfortunately, it seems as though this location is often understaffed at this time, and such was the case when I arrived last Wednesday at around 5:20 PM. There was only one young lady working the drive-through, a young lady working the line, and a young gentleman at the register. There appeared to be only 2 cooks on duty at the time, as well. I would think that there would be a dinner rush at around this time, and that this location would be sufficiently prepared for it. Apparently, the gentleman at the register was seemingly frozen to the spot as he made no attempt to assist the young lady on the line. A gentleman with his children were at the end of the line, near the register, as his order was still incomplete- and it would be revealed in the following minutes that he wanted to add egg rolls, and/or cream cheese rangoons and the like to his order, while the gentleman manning the register stood there, waiting... There were three couples behind him- two waiting to order, and the first set was in the process of ordering as I joined the queue. Ultimately, it took ten minutes for me to reach the line and be addressed to order- at which time I'd noticed that the chow mein I intended to order was completely depleted. I was asked if I would like to wait another four minutes or so for it to be replenished, upon which I declined and left the establishment empty handed. I'd like to note that during my ten minute wait I noticed that fried rice was replenished, unnecessarily, as the container was over half full- meanwhile, the amount of chow mein was diminishing rapidly as it accompanied nearly every order. I would think that more would be in the works at about five minutes into my wait, if not earlier, but unfortunately it didn't seem to be a priority. Neither did timeliness, as the young lady offered samples- which were always declined- to each individual in line, including me. Luckily, there isn't a long queue during the majority of my visits, but I find that the portions offered are meager compared to other locations, like the one on Country Club and Baseline, or on Rural and Broadway, etc... They fill the containers to the point where they are not easily closed, whereas this location often leaves a great deal of room in theirs. I once felt the need to speak up and address the issue when ordering a medium walnut shrimp- a $9 entree by itself. For $9, there should be no space in the container... It is convenient for me to visit this location on my way to work, but I may be forced to reconsider if practices...

Joaquin was the man for me and my family. I do drive in maybe twice a month, but today I happened to wander inside with my girlfriend and my mom around 9PM. Joaquin put together our order and also checked us out, made sure that we got exactly what we ordered and let us know about signing up for the reward program so we could take advantage of the 20% off of our meal -- which my girlfriend promptly did. We also filled out the customer survey on our receipt and got a different deal for the next time we come in (we definitely will, hopefully Joaquin "The Man" will be there again). He even noticed that while packaging the bowl for my mom that they didn't have enough Kung Pao Chicken to fill an entire bowl's worth for my mom and instead of just closing it and letting us be disappointed later when we got home, he asked my mom what else he could put in to make sure she got a full portion. I respect that kind of integrity a lot. When it came time to leave I wanted to say something like "Have a good day, man" and "Be safe out there" but what came out of my mouth was "be good, man" like a fool, and you know what Joaquin "The Man" did? He said it right back to me like it was completely normal. And you know what? I did feel good after that, too.

TLDR:...

Do not come here very unclean and the owners are nasty people! I came through drive thru sat and ate my food when I got out to refill my tea the owner yells free refills then walks to the staff and points saying she's getting free refills over there. Mind you he and another man are sitting on their azzes! He has the audacity to have a problem with me refilling my 2 drinks. Are you all hurting that much over a refill of UNSWEETENED TEA? AND WHATS CRAZY IS YOUR RESTURANT IS CRAWLING WITH BUGS AND DIRT. What a nasty person anyway to repeat that at least 6 times over and over instead of addressing your staff or even me! I've NEVER EVER had any panda express say it's an issue to get a refill. Either this owner is a completes azhole or racist. 1 thing is for certain they lost my business and there are 2 other pandas on my way home from work! And as a college Educator I AM NOT HURTING for money on a drink here or elsewhere just check my profile! I go to many wonderful places but this isn't 1 and I will not support this place again! To the managers, owners etc. Yall are pathetic and your old azz food sucked! Your drinks are nasty and we won't...