Could a Panda Express be coming to one of Jacksonville's historic downtown neighborhoods?

Jacksonville’s busy Brooklyn area — already home to a number of national chain restaurants — could soon add another to its lineup: Panda Express.

According to plans submitted this week to JEA, the fast-food chain known for its Chinese American cuisine is proposing a new 48-seat restaurant at Brooklyn Place in the 2,650-square-foot spot vacated in April by Bento Asian Kitchen + Sushi at 50 Riverside Ave.

The restaurant would be the 11th Jacksonville-area location for Panda Express, and the closest to downtown and its historic neighborhoods of San Marco, Riverside, Springfield and others.

The 41-year-old, California-based Panda Express is known for its signature wok-tossed Orange Chicken, Broccoli Beef and Kung Pao Chicken dishes.

More restaurants in the works:What's new or coming soon to Jacksonville's downtown, San Marco, Five Points

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Chipotle and Panera also operate in the retail center developed by The Ferber Company that sits across the street from One Riverside, the mixed-use development now under construction at the former site of the Times-Union's offices at 1 Riverside Ave.

And at neighboring Fresh Market-anchored Brooklyn Station, restaurants include BurgerFi, Cava, First Watch and Vale Food Company as well as local favorites MayDay Handcrafted Ice Cream and Burrito Gallery. Jersey Mike’s Subs is also planning a restaurant at Brooklyn Station, in the former DryBar spot.

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