University Dining Services will unveil a Panda Express as the Carmichael Student Center’s newest dining option, expected to open in mid-October.
Kelly Johnson, a spokeswoman for University Dining, said that several “dining on campus” surveys and focus groups conducted last spring concluded that Panda Express was one of the top choices for a new on-campus restaurant. She expects the new restaurant, which will occupy the space previously used by Zaya Mediterranean Grill, will be very successful on campus.
“The feedback we have received since announcing that Panda Express was coming to campus has been extremely positive,” Johnson said.
Johnson said that many options are considered when opening a new restaurant on campus, but that student feedback is taken into consideration first and foremost. Other factors include the cost to open a new venue and the affordability of that restaurant for students.
Students like senior communication major Conrad Sims believe the Panda Express will be a positive addition to the dining options on campus.
“I love it and I’m very excited for it to open,” Sims said. “I think it will be one of the most successful food establishments on campus. It will be in the top with Chick-fil-A.”
Once the Panda Express construction is completed, hours of operation will be available on the University Dining website.