Patti’s demise, Panda’s rise

The only constant in Hawaii is change. Patti’s Chinese Kitchen at Ala Moana Center will close in January, another victim of change in a constantly changing world.

Our family dined at Patti’s many times in decades past, though seldom in recent years.

Why? Panda Express.

Panda’s prices are very competitive, the Chinese food is more consistently tasty and warm, and the lines move quickly and efficiently. It’s not that Patti’s was a bad place to dine on Chinese fast food. Panda is a better dining experience.

Of course, dining at Ala Moana Center’s food court, the so-called Makai Market, is anything but a fine dining experience. Quick service, low price, tasty and filling food. That’s all anyone really wants.

The Hawaii of the past cannot compete with the Hawaii of the present. Local business has difficulty competing with large mainland companies. Gone are Iida’s, McInerny, Carol & Mary, Honolulu Book Shops, and now Patti’s.

These days, mainland visitors require fast food from a name brand, and Panda Express is the McDonald’s of Chinese fast food. Local residents are not immune to the changes in brand preference. After all, Pizza Hut is Honolulu’s favorite pizza restaurant, replacing the once favored local pizza joints. Remember Magoo’s Pizza? Who’s next?