York County diners no longer have to cross the county line for Panda Express. The fast-casual chain's first York County restaurant has opened its doors at 2510 East Market Street in Springettsbury Township, bringing American Chinese staples like Orange Chicken to East York customers who previously had to drive more than 20 miles to reach the nearest location.
According to the York Daily Record, a company spokesperson confirmed Panda Express opened its first York County restaurant to customers earlier this month. David Irish, Panda Express area coach of operations, told the paper the company was grateful to serve the East York community and welcome customers in to taste its American Chinese favorites. The new restaurant, detailed on Panda Express's own location page, offers catering at the East Market Street address.
A formal grand opening celebration and ribbon-cutting is scheduled for Wednesday at 9:30 a.m., held in partnership with the York County Economic Alliance.
Panda Express will mark the occasion with a $1,000 donation to the York County Food Bank, tying the opening to a local charitable cause.
Why Residents Had to Drive to Cumberland County
Until now, the closest Panda Express locations for York County residents sat more than 20 miles away in Cumberland County. Per the chain's own location data, the nearest options were on Trindle Road in Camp Hill, roughly 22.8 miles from East York, and on Carlisle Pike in Mechanicsburg, about 24.5 miles away — meaning a trip toward the Harrisburg suburbs was previously required just to grab a bowl of the chain's signature dishes.
The new restaurant's location along East Market Street, also known as Route 462, puts it on Springettsbury Township's primary commercial retail corridor. The road carries over 17,000 vehicles daily and is anchored nearby by York Marketplace, according to J.C. BAR Properties. The area is also home to major regional retail anchors including Giant, Lowe's, and Target, reinforcing the corridor's status as East York's commercial backbone.
Pedestrian Upgrades Coming to the Corridor
Springettsbury Township has launched a pedestrian infrastructure improvement initiative along Route 462 near major shopping plazas, with construction scheduled to begin this fall. The project, outlined by Springettsbury Township, will add ADA-compliant crosswalks, sidewalk extensions, and signal upgrades meant to address pedestrian and vehicular safety along the busy retail strip.
A Local Opening Tied to National Growth
The East York debut adds to a chain with more than 2,400 locations. Panda Express is the largest Asian-segment restaurant chain in the United States.
Panda Restaurant Group was co-founded by Andrew and Peggy Cherng. Springettsbury Township is a major commercial center within York County, giving the chain direct access to local customers for the first time.
