Panda Express fans must wait just a couple days more - the location on the New Mexico State University Las Cruces campus is scheduled to open at 10 a.m. Friday, March 22.
"We believe that NMSU is the heart of Las Cruces," said America Chong, Panda Express mulit-unit manager. "The campus continues to bring new blood and possibilities to Las Cruces. It's eco-friendly, health oriented and we are happy to be here."
Chong manages the four Panda Express locations in El Paso and also will manage the NMSU location, where she hopes her restaurant will be staffed 90 to 100 percent with NMSU students.
"This is an exciting launch to the spring season at NMSU and we are very proud to begin this partnership with Panda Express," said Paula Pierson, director of NMSU Auxiliary Business Support. "The food options, hours of operation and central location will be a wonderful complement to the other dining choices on campus, and will provide an exciting new option for the community of Las Cruces."
The NMSU location will feature the newest design look the company offers, complete with digital menu boards, a different color scheme, layout and lighting. It also offers several eco-friendly features, such as a steam-less induction table for warming food, sensors on the faucets in the restrooms and hand dryers, rather than paper towels.
The Panda Express menu offers chicken, beef and shrimp entrees, with several appetizer and side dish options. In addition to the current menu, Chong said that brown steamed and fried rice will be offered beginning in April. Orange Chicken and Shanghai Angus Steak are two of the most popular menu items.
"We are so passionate about what we do," Chong said. "Our guests and the quality and safety of our food are our highest priorities."
The NMSU Panda Express will open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week. Free parking is available for Panda Express customers in the same spaces designated for the Parking Department and the Barnes & Noble at NMSU Bookstore & Cafe. Parking in these spaces is limited to 2 hours. Free parking is available throughout campus after 4:30 p.m. weekdays and all day Saturday and Sunday.
For more information visit www.pandaexpress.com.