Panda Express coming to Beaumont, 466A

[champion6]

Panda Express has filed plans for a location at the corner of CR466A & CR462 in the Beaumont development.

[Altavia]

Wonderful, yet another junk food chain that won't be able to find employees...

Great planning Wildwood...

[Pairadocs]

Wonderful, yet another junk food chain that won't be able to find employees...

Great planning Wildwood...

I have been working very hard lately to regain my optimistic attitude and counter the negative effects the pandemic, the present social political atmosphere, and the isolation and separation techniques have had on me, my attitude, and how they have torn our society apart by taking such a toll on the collective psyche of our nation and community. So with that goal in mind, I tried to find a positive spin to ascribe to the new fast food establishment:

Some people enjoy "fast food", and Asian fusion seems to be a favorite, in all the years we've lived here, the annual surveys have always reflected a great demand/desire for a variety of "chain" food establishments, another new business gives those who are actively seeking work another option, that's always a good thing, as to if a business can, or can not, find sufficient numbers of employees, that is entirely their concern, certainly not OURS as "potential" customers, and every new business is another brick in our crumbling economy, and reflects another brave capitalist (or in the case of "chains" a group of capitalists) and at least it is one more tiny sign that that our economy is slowly trying to "claw it way back". How's that for putting lipstick on (what I assume ?) you think is a "pig" ? If they are unable to find employees, that can always cut the profit margin and offer more to potential employees than their competitors do, and once again, competition is good, good for employees and good for customers, therefore good for our collective CULTURE. I will continue my quest to come back from the effect all the negativism has had on my sunny nature/psyche ! During this Holy week, I invite, even challenge, anyone else reading this, and who feels they have allowed years of a virus, restriction, and bad news to effect them, to join me in my UPWARD personal journey ! Come on, challenge yourself to think of at least ONE counter, one positive aspect, of every negative comment they read on this site, including the building of a new Panda Express location, and any you might read on other social media platforms. Let's start a new trend... the glass half full state of mind ! :coolsmiley:

[kcrazorbackfan]

Wonderful, yet another junk food chain that won't be able to find employees...

Great planning Wildwood...

Wow, negative Karen 1st thing out of the box……

[I'm Popeye!]

. . . . . :yuck:barf

[Pairadocs]

. . . . . :yuck:barf

Well, you might think "yuck, barf" and someone else may be thinking "GREAT, we're going to get a Panda Express in our area ! Those who are so excited at the new business, probably think one might like very much, think "yuck, barf". But why not welcome something for everyone, that's the way I choose to think of it... Just be happy for those who will enjoy it, and some folks who really want a job might get one. I rarely frequent any of them, but happy they are available in our community. My weakness... I wish we had our own Waffle House in the Villages, and some are probably reading this and thinking, YUCK, BARF.... dirty ol W.H., so someone is always going to be thrilled while others are unhappy...LOL !

[justjim]

Occasionally I like Panda Express and for breakfast I like Waffle House too. You can’t beat McDonalds senior coffee before or after a round of golf either. Where can you get excellent coffee for less than a dollar a cup? Something for everyone, let it happen!

[Altavia]

The restaurant isn't the problem.

Beaumont development had the opportunity to plan something new like the collections of shops and restaurants you see in communities like Wesley Chappel.

These become destinations not so different from the squares here.

And with all the new housing, they could have ended up with a state of the art walkable community for working families.

Instead Wildwood enabled development of nothing more than building version 1.1 of the 466 strip.

[Battlebasset]

Panda Express has filed plans for a location at the corner of CR466A & CR462 in the Beaumont development.

It has been years since I've eaten at one, though I know there is one up on 441. I remember it being pretty good for what would be considered "fast food". Although, most Chinese restaurants are pretty fast, so I guess this would just be "faster food".

Bottom line, I'll give it a try again once they open, now that it will be closer. If it doesn't appeal to you, then don't. Easy Peasy.

[Papa_lecki]

The restaurant isn't the problem.

Beaumont development had the opportunity to plan something new like the collections of shops and restaurants you see in communities like Wesley Chappel.

These become destinations not so different from the squares here.

And with all the new housing, they could have ended up with a state of the art walkable community for working families.

Instead Wildwood choose a developer capable of nothing more than building version 1.1 of the 466 strip.

Great point. It also would have theoretically eliminated some traffic. Drive there, park once, stay longer. Those residents walk/ride bikes.

[Altavia]

Great point. It also would have theoretically eliminated some traffic. Drive there, park once, stay longer. Those residents walk/ride bikes.

Exactly, too bad there wasn't a local developer available with experience planning and building golf cart connected communities...

[pauld315]

Woohoo, maybe we can get a Chipotle's next !

[Chi-Town]

We need a Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen!

[JP]

I really like Panda Express and I am really glad they are locating here. Beaumont is an amazing development. Much needed and appreciated.

[LuvtheVillages]

The restaurant isn't the problem.

Beaumont development had the opportunity to plan something new like the collections of shops and restaurants you see in communities like Wesley Chappel.

Instead Wildwood choose a developer capable of nothing more than building version 1.1 of the 466 strip.

Actually, I believe the Beaumont family chose the developer. They probably chose the developer who promised them the largest financial return for their property. Wildwood had no say in the choice.

[Altavia]

Actually, I believe the Beaumont family chose the developer. They probably chose the developer who promised them the largest financial return for their property. Wildwood had no say in the choice.

Fair enough, more like Wildwood enabled development of ...

[MWH&PH]

The most positive thing I read in you post is YOU keep it up. Some people would not be happy in heaven choose your company wisely.

[Pairadocs]

Occasionally I like Panda Express and for breakfast I like Waffle House too. You can’t beat McDonalds senior coffee before or after a round of golf either. Where can you get excellent coffee for less than a dollar a cup? Something for everyone, let it happen!

Agree on McD's coffee, who would ever have guessed that would be the best in town ! Now it's going to be a LOT more expensive, but.... if Another Broken Egg (when the finally open) serves the same coffee they serve in Charleston, I might have to forget price ! LOL !

[Pairadocs]

Woohoo, maybe we can get a Chipotle's next !

You never know, could happen, just driving by the northern location it looks like he one off 441 does very well at that end of the villages. What is REALLY NEEDED is an additional Chick-fl-a. The lines JUST to get into the only villages location are really ridiculous; and it doesn't matter what time you go. Think it will thin down after prime lunch hour ? NO WAY, still at least 18 cars or more. Must say whoever manages it does a great job with what they are facing...at rush hour they will have several employees taking orders to the cars in the line, instead of making the entire line wait to get to the window one by one. Impressive, but, Villages could sure use another location and I doubt it would result in the location by Spanish Springs doing any less ? What think others ?`

[Djean1981]

Wow, negative Karen 1st thing out or the box……
Yeah, some of the meals are low carb (w/o the rice).. :)

[Normal]

Panda Express has filed plans for a location at the corner of CR466A & CR462 in the Beaumont development.

They better widen 462 pronto. Traffic there will be bottlenecked in no time.

[DonnaDeacon]

I have been working very hard lately to regain my optimistic attitude and counter the negative effects the pandemic, the present social political atmosphere, and the isolation and separation techniques have had on me, my attitude, and how they have torn our society apart by taking such a toll on the collective psyche of our nation and community. So with that goal in mind, I tried to find a positive spin to ascribe to the new fast food establishment:

Some people enjoy "fast food", and Asian fusion seems to be a favorite, in all the years we've lived here, the annual surveys have always reflected a great demand/desire for a variety of "chain" food establishments, another new business gives those who are actively seeking work another option, that's always a good thing, as to if a business can, or can not, find sufficient numbers of employees, that is entirely their concern, certainly not OURS as "potential" customers, and every new business is another brick in our crumbling economy, and reflects another brave capitalist (or in the case of "chains" a group of capitalists) and at least it is one more tiny sign that that our economy is slowly trying to "claw it way back". How's that for putting lipstick on (what I assume ?) you think is a "pig" ? If they are unable to find employees, that can always cut the profit margin and offer more to potential employees than their competitors do, and once again, competition is good, good for employees and good for customers, therefore good for our collective CULTURE. I will continue my quest to come back from the effect all the negativism has had on my sunny nature/psyche ! During this Holy week, I invite, even challenge, anyone else reading this, and who feels they have allowed years of a virus, restriction, and bad news to effect them, to join me in my UPWARD personal journey ! Come on, challenge yourself to think of at least ONE counter, one positive aspect, of every negative comment they read on this site, including the building of a new Panda Express location, and any you might read on other social media platforms. Let's start a new trend... the glass half full state of mind ! :coolsmiley:
As far as fast food is concerned, I think Panda Express is pretty good/healthy. We ask for the veggies instead of rice and get a 2 entree meal. We are pretty full with that and haven't consumed a bunch of carbs.

[RICH1]

Great , another Tip Jar

[GaryKoca]

I got food poisoning from a Panda Express about 15 years ago, and I have not been back there since. That is the only comment I can make about the place.

[Freehiker]

I’m all for more development and new businesses.

Panda Express is yucky, but plenty like it.

[waterflower]

No more junk food. Open a greenhouse for healthy food.

[mikeycereal]

As far as fast food is concerned, I think Panda Express is pretty good/healthy.


:1rotfl: :1rotfl: :1rotfl: :1rotfl: :1rotfl: :1rotfl: :1rotfl: :1rotfl: :1rotfl: :1rotfl:

[Regorp]

Well, you might think "yuck, barf" and someone else may be thinking "GREAT, we're going to get a Panda Express in our area ! Those who are so excited at the new business, probably think one might like very much, think "yuck, barf". But why not welcome something for everyone, that's the way I choose to think of it... Just be happy for those who will enjoy it, and some folks who really want a job might get one. I rarely frequent any of them, but happy they are available in our community. My weakness... I wish we had our own Waffle House in the Villages, and some are probably reading this and thinking, YUCK, BARF.... dirty ol W.H., so someone is always going to be thrilled while others are unhappy...LOL !

Fact: Chick FIL A original chicken sandwich was sold in Waffle House restaurants before it became a restaurant on its own. Was more popular than the waffles. Had to be removed from the menu.

[rickaslin]

Wonderful, yet another junk food chain that won't be able to find employees...

Great planning Wildwood...

It took 4 hours for first person to be negative, You win you were the first!!

[Johnsocat]

Well, you might think "yuck, barf" and someone else may be thinking "GREAT, we're going to get a Panda Express in our area ! Those who are so excited at the new business, probably think one might like very much, think "yuck, barf". But why not welcome something for everyone, that's the way I choose to think of it... Just be happy for those who will enjoy it, and some folks who really want a job might get one. I rarely frequent any of them, but happy they are available in our community. My weakness... I wish we had our own Waffle House in the Villages, and some are probably reading this and thinking, YUCK, BARF.... dirty ol W.H., so someone is always going to be thrilled while others are unhappy...LOL !

I agree! Would LOVE a golf cart accessible Waffle House here.
I contacted corporate 2 years ago and asked them to look into it. Haven't heard anything back...
Maybe if a number of us call them?

[ThirdOfFive]

Not one of my favorites, but that is just me. I wish them good luck.

[Dusty_Star]

I've never been to Panda Express, but I will try this one once it has opened.

[ithos]

The only healthy options they have are the vegetables and brown rice.

But they do offer a great variety of entrees and it is a much better atmosphere than the nearby Chinese restaurants and you don't have to wait.

The only items that are "yucky" are the egg and spring rolls.

[patfla06]

You never know, could happen, just driving by the northern location it looks like he one off 441 does very well at that end of the villages. What is REALLY NEEDED is an additional Chick-fl-a. The lines JUST to get into the only villages location are really ridiculous; and it doesn't matter what time you go. Think it will thin down after prime lunch hour ? NO WAY, still at least 18 cars or more. Must say whoever manages it does a great job with what they are facing...at rush hour they will have several employees taking orders to the cars in the line, instead of making the entire line wait to get to the window one by one. Impressive, but, Villages could sure use another location and I doubt it would result in the location by Spanish Springs doing any less ? What think others ?`

The Chick-fil-A I used to go to in Tampa was the same way, busy at all times.

I went to the one in Wesley Chapel and it had the double drive thru like the one they are renovating here.
It only took me 5 minutes to get lunch.

They are the only fast food I will eat at. Definitely need another one and further South.

[asianthree]

No more junk food. Open a greenhouse for healthy food.

You do realize the developers have multiple greenhouses on property, and now one can take a tour and buy their just plucked veggies. Or one can buy from the mobile units during high season, not sure if the B&M is still open in Brownwood

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

You do realize the developers have multiple greenhouses on property, and now one can take a tour and buy their just plucked veggies. Or one can buy from the mobile units during high season, not sure if the B&M is still open in Brownwood

Not only is the produce store in Brownwood still open -

The Villages Grown (produce brand of The Villages) has put their products into Sprouts produce store, and I think I remember seeing some of it at Publix (I might be misremembering but I could've sworn there was a whole section for Villages Grown stuff).

We are also now allowed, by law, to grow our own veggies if we want to go that route. I grow my own oregano, basil, lemon-thyme, and lavender in pots in my flowerbeds. I know folks who grow their own rosemary, cabbage, and peppers in a neighborhood near Sumter.

Meanwhile, I'd never been to a Panda Express til we moved to The Villages. We didn't have one anywhere near us back north. Turns out I like their Sweetfire Chicken. The 2-entree plate is under $10, and it's enough food for leftovers for the next day. Good deal for tasty meal. Just ask them to toss in a couple extra cubes of pineapple when you place the order.

[Stu from NYC]

We prefer food made to order as opposed to something being made and sitting at steam table until a customer walks in the door.

[Ecuadog]

...

The Villages Grown (produce brand of The Villages) has put their products into Sprouts produce store, and I think I remember seeing some of it at Publix (I might be misremembering but I could've sworn there was a whole section for Villages Grown stuff).

...

The last time I was in the Winn-Dixie at LSL, they had a Villages Grown section in produce. I picked up a plastic clamshell of Bibb lettuce. It was heavier than I thought it would be. Bought it. I think it was $3. Took it home and found it to contain 2 heads of lettuce. They were great.

[I'm Popeye!]

Well, you might think "yuck, barf" and someone else may be thinking "GREAT, we're going to get a Panda Express in our area ! Those who are so excited at the new business, probably think one might like very much, think "yuck, barf". But why not welcome something for everyone, that's the way I choose to think of it... Just be happy for those who will enjoy it, and some folks who really want a job might get one. I rarely frequent any of them, but happy they are available in our community. My weakness... I wish we had our own Waffle House in the Villages, and some are probably reading this and thinking, YUCK, BARF.... dirty ol W.H., so someone is always going to be thrilled while others are unhappy...LOL !
/////: Deleted Post! Don't want to return to TOTV jail...

[Babubhat]

Better than the so called authentic cuisine here.

[John Mayes]

Wonderful, yet another junk food chain that won't be able to find employees...

Great planning Wildwood...

How is this Wildwood’s fault?

[John Mayes]

Not only is the produce store in Brownwood still open -

The Villages Grown (produce brand of The Villages) has put their products into Sprouts produce store, and I think I remember seeing some of it at Publix (I might be misremembering but I could've sworn there was a whole section for Villages Grown stuff).

We are also now allowed, by law, to grow our own veggies if we want to go that route. I grow my own oregano, basil, lemon-thyme, and lavender in pots in my flowerbeds. I know folks who grow their own rosemary, cabbage, and peppers in a neighborhood near Sumter.

Meanwhile, I'd never been to a Panda Express til we moved to The Villages. We didn't have one anywhere near us back north. Turns out I like their Sweetfire Chicken. The 2-entree plate is under $10, and it's enough food for leftovers for the next day. Good deal for tasty meal. Just ask them to toss in a couple extra cubes of pineapple when you place the order.

Where is the produce store in Brownwood? The one next to Golf Central moved to Sawgrass.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Where is the produce store in Brownwood? The one next to Golf Central moved to Sawgrass.

Huh that must've happened just in the past three months? I was at Brownwood for the Strawberry festival and it was there then.

[John Mayes]

Huh that must've happened just in the past three months? I was at Brownwood for the Strawberry festival and it was there then.

I think it happened in ‘22 when Sawgrass opened up. I shop there every week or so.

[justjim]

Fact: Chick FIL A original chicken sandwich was sold in Waffle House restaurants before it became a restaurant on its own. Was more popular than the waffles. Had to be removed from the menu.

There you have it! I’ve learned something today. At some point in time, Chick Fil A chicken sandwich was sold in Waffle House. Who would have thought? TOTV is full of trivia information. Personally not a big chicken fan (goes back to my childhood) but I do like their chicken sandwich.

[justjim]

Wonderful, yet another junk food chain that won't be able to find employees...

Great planning Wildwood...

Help maybe coming with the building of Middleton down in the south villages. Perhaps The Villages will offer some incentive like bonuses or paying moving expenses to relocate workers to this area. Just a thought.

[Stu from NYC]

Help maybe coming with the building of Middleton down in the south villages. Perhaps The Villages will offer some incentive like bonuses or paying moving expenses to relocate workers to this area. Just a thought.

Think they will leave it to business itself to find workers

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Help maybe coming with the building of Middleton down in the south villages. Perhaps The Villages will offer some incentive like bonuses or paying moving expenses to relocate workers to this area. Just a thought.

Why would the Villages OR Panda Express offer bonuses or relocation expenses for part-time minimum wage workers to serve Chinese-American food through a drive-through window?

[Kenswing]

Why would the Villages OR Panda Express offer bonuses or relocation expenses for part-time minimum wage workers to serve Chinese-American food through a drive-through window?

Especially a Chinese-American food place that’s not even in The Villages.

[Bilyclub]

Market at Sawgrass Grove - The Villages Grown (https://thevillagesgrown.com/town-market/)