In the ghost town of San Francisco Centre Mall, where retail dreams go to die, there’s one beacon of hope standing tall: the Panda Express. While surrounding storefronts sit empty and abandoned, this culinary oasis continues to serve up sticky orange chicken to a surprisingly loyal crowd.

As the mall’s occupancy rate plummets to a dismal 7%, this Chinese-American fast food chain remains a testament to urban survival. With up to 10 staff members working simultaneously, they’re keeping the food court’s pulse barely beating. Students from nearby University of Pacific dental school, tourists, and downtown workers continue to queue up, drawn by the promise of affordable, hearty meals.

A Culinary Lifeline in Urban Desolation

The scene is almost surreal: bustling restaurant activity juxtaposed against a backdrop of empty storefronts and lonely security guards. While other food court staples like Charleys Cheesesteaks and Wetzel’s Pretzels have bid farewell, Panda Express stands defiant.

More Than Just Orange Chicken

Daily sales ranging between $5,000 to $13,000 prove that this isn’t just another food outlet, it’s a cultural phenomenon. For many, it represents more than just a meal; it’s a convenient, nostalgic slice of Americana that refuses to fade away.

The Last Restaurant Standing

As the mall inches closer to potential closure, Panda Express remains a quirky symbol of resilience. In a city constantly reinventing itself, this fast food joint reminds us that sometimes, survival is an art form, served with a side of fortune cookies.