A new restaurant concept is being developed by Caven Enterprises. While planning is still in the early stages, Caven spokesman Tracy Nanthavongso said it would be known as Panda’s Cafe, paying tribute to the former restaurant that occupied the space until 2020.
The space has sat mostly empty since the pandemic, although a bar lasted for about six months there earlier this year.
The family of the former Panda’s isn’t happy about the new restaurant. Phoebe Nguyen, granddaughter of the original owner, released this statement:
“As the granddaughter of the former owners of Panda’s, I’m honored to know that our family’s restaurant served as a cornerstone of cherished memories for the queer community. However, I must express that we are not happy.
“Our family was forced out by corporate greed after rent was raised to unsustainable and inconsiderate levels. These corporate groups will continue to buy out spaces in this area — places that once allowed minorities to build meaningful communities and safe havens for themselves.
“My uncle, Chan, and my grandmother, Popo — the sweet elderly Asian woman with short hair — poured their hearts into Panda’s, offering affordable food at prices that welcomed everyone.
“What’s happening now feels like a betrayal, a parody of what Panda’s once stood for. The inflated prics and the hollow attenpt to mimic our legacy do not represent us, our values, or our family’s vision.
“This isn’t just about a restaurant; it’s about preserving the soul of a community.”
Nanthavongsa responded.
“We are excited to share that a new restaurant is currently being developed at 3917 Cedar Springs Road in Dallas, Texas. While the food concept is still in its early stages, Panda’s Café was inspired by nostalgia and our love for late-night food and day-time caffeine cravings. It’s a tribute to cherished memories and provides yet another safe haven for the Oak Lawn community to enjoy a reasonably priced eatery and coffee shop.
“The previous Panda’s Chinese Restaurant vacated the location in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
In addition, Caven is no longer the landlord of the property. They are a tenant leasing space for four bars and now a restaurant.
— David Taffet
“The previous Panda’s Chinese Restaurant vacated the location in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Is this accurate, though? It looks like it closed in around January / early February 2020 which was prior to lockdown. If so—and I’m not saying it’s intentional—but wouldn’t that make the above statement misleading? The granddaughter of the founder purported that they closed because the rent was raised to an exorbitant amount that priced the restaurant out of it’s location , but Nanthavongsa’s statement seems to imply the restaurant was simply a casualty of pandemic…weeks before lockdown / shelter in place was put into effect…?
Corporate greed is right! Caven bullied the Twisted Trick people out just to take the space and copy someone else’s concept? I won’t be supporting anything that company does, stealing from hard working people! Gross!!
imagine…a corporation lying to protect their image
All I know is that Pandas was not known for affordable pricing!
I think the further problem is purposely trying to lure people in with a similar identity, especially when there’s proof there was contact with the previous owner. Mike/Caven also LOVES to use AI generated imagery, which not only looks awkward, but disappointing as a queer artist to see a queer owned entity so brazen about art theft, lack of personal creativity, or supporting real artists. Of course queer businesses need to make money to exist, but at the cost of culture and community?
The new restaurant can do better than appropriating the Panda’s name. I look forward to this space being continuously occupied, but only if it adds to and respects the neighborhood.