Popular Chinese American restaurant, Panda Express, underway in Silverdale

SILVERDALE -- Panda Express appears to finally be coming to Kitsap County.

The “fast casual” Chinese American chain restaurant, known for its orange chicken, Beijing beef, chow mein and more, is on its way through the permitting process, according to Kitsap County documents. Permits have been filed for construction at 9551 Ridgetop Boulevard, in the parking lot in front of Best Buy, Party City and Lucky Star Consignment, and this month work at the site, including excavation of portions of the southwest section of the parking lot, got underway.

The restaurant was originally slated for arrival in 2023 , but switched hands to CFT NV Developments LLC in December 2022, shortly after the Kitsap Sun reported that early permits had been applied for by developers. Vereit Inc. sold the property to the new buyers for $1.2 million.

A site development activity permit has been issued for the project and its building permit is ready to issue, awaiting initiation from the owners, said Kitsap County communication and outreach coordinator Alicia Adler.

The Kitsap Sun contacted Panda Express for comment on the potential timeframe for construction or opening, but did not receive a response.

Until the Silverdale location starts dishing out honey walnut shrimp, broccoli beef and fortune cookies, the closest Panda Express locations remain in Gig Harbor, Burien and North Seattle. There are over 70 locations in Washington State and more than 2,300 stores across the nation.

This article originally appeared on Kitsap Sun: Popular Chinese American restaurant, Panda Express, underway in Silverdale