According to the Texas Department of Licensing and Registration website, Panda Express will be opening a location at the site of the former OYO Hotel at 515 East Commerce Street in Brownwood in June 2025.

Architectural Barriers Project Details listed on the TDLR website were registered by Panda Express on March 1, with construction on the 2,697 square foot fast food restaurant slated to begin June 3, 2024 and conclude June 3, 2025.

Panda Express is an American fast food restaurant chain that specializes in American Chinese cuisine. With over 2,200 locations, it is the largest Asian-segment restaurant chain in the United States. Panda Express first opened in 1983.

Two additional businesses will be coming to 515 East Commerce in the future as during the Oct. 24, 2023 meeting of the Brownwood City Council, it was announced the site of the former OYO Hotel was being subdivided into three parcels.

Council at that time approved providing fill dirt to a commercial project, but additional details on occupants have still not been made available by the City.

Brownwood Municipal Development District Executive Director Ray Tipton did confirm Wednesday, however, that utility installation was underway at the former OYO Hotel site.