Lexington is welcoming a fresh chapter for a local favorite, Panda Cuisine, which has new ownership and exciting buffet offerings while preserving its beloved Dim Sum menu. New owner Bo Shi, who also owns Zen Sushi & Sake, acquired the restaurant in October from Ke Bao, who chose to prioritize family and music.
In a move to enhance customer experience, Shi is introducing a lunch buffet on weekdays and a dinner buffet each evening, supplementing the existing weekend brunch buffet that features Dim Sum. The weekday lunch buffet will be available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for $9.99, while the dinner buffet will run from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., priced at $16.99, which also includes Dim Sum options. The weekend brunch buffet will maintain its price of $16.99 and continue to feature the popular Dim Sum.
Shi recognizes the deep-rooted community support for Panda Cuisine, which has drawn loyal patrons for nearly two decades. “The restaurant has collected a lot of loyal fans,” Shi stated, emphasizing the establishment’s wide appeal to both Asian and non-Asian customers alike.
Shi aims to elevate the restaurant’s offerings by modernizing some dishes while ensuring the authentic flavors of traditional Sichuan cuisine remain intact. Adjustments in pricing are also intended to make the dining experience more accessible to a broader audience.
While keeping major menu items in place, Shi has been subtly implementing changes to the restaurant’s atmosphere, hoping to provide customers with a welcoming and enjoyable experience. Feedback from regulars has been positive, with many remarking on the “different energy” within the establishment since the transition.
Starting this week, customers can expect an extensive selection of popular Chinese dishes across the daily buffets. Shi has plans for special items, including lobster, during holidays when the restaurant typically experiences high traffic, a time when many local restaurants opt to close.
Panda Cuisine is located at 2358 Nicholasville Road, Suite 114, and operates from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. on weekends. With this introduction of new buffet options, Shi is poised to keep the cherished legacy of Panda Cuisine alive while attracting new customers looking for authentic and delicious Sichuan cuisine.
