By Julianna Parker
The Norman Transcript

The line snaked around the inside of the restaurant Wednesday night. Some frustrated diners left, but most waited to sample Norman’s newest fare.

Pei Wei Asian Diner opened Monday at the University North Park development, 24th Avenue and North Park Drive. The restaurant is the younger brother of P.F. Chang’s China Bistro — similar Asian food but less expensive and in a more casual environment.

Customers wait in line to place their order, get a number and then sit down and food is brought to them. Wednesday night, customers waited in line for about 30 minutes at the peak dining time of 6:30. After orders were placed, it took only a few minutes to get the food.

The Mandarin Kung Pao Chicken was hot off the wok, spicy with crisp snap peas and carrots. Take-away also is available at the Norman location.

There are two other Pei Wei diners (pronounced “Pay Way”) in the area, one in Oklahoma City and another in Edmond. Norman Manager Josh Hackler said he knew the Norman restaurant would be busy because Norman residents have been coming to the Oklahoma City diner and asking when the Norman one would open.

“Based on the volume of how many people did that, and based on the volume of how many people were driving by the store during training week, we had a pretty good idea how many to expect,” he said.

Pei Wei is open 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For more information, call the restaurant at 364-1690.
Julianna Parker
366-3541
jparker@normantranscript.com

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