Panda Express has opened its doors at Cal State LA after being teased throughout the spring semester with a banner hanging next to campus eatery “The Spot.” With Panda Express on campus, this will make Chinese food available on campus.
“There was a Panda on campus thirty years ago. Looking forward for prosperous years and years to come” said Ruben Maglasang, Panda Express manager.
Since its opening on Aug. 28, Panda Express has had approximately 1,000 daily transactions, according to the restaurant’s manager. Maglasang stated he was unaware of Cal State LA’s decision to have a Panda Express location on campus until three weeks prior to the opening.
“My experience [working] has been fantastic, good hours, I get along with my co-workers, they are friendly,” said Victoria Garcia, a Panda employee. “I never get bored because it’s always busy.”
She believes that Panda Express’s diverse variety of menu options will be appreciated on campus.
The grand opening celebration was Sept. 8, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and featured rewards for students who sign up for Panda Express rewards such as stuffed panda bears, keychains, coupons and mesh bags.
As Panda Express joins the Cal State LA food court students can only wonder what other options come to campus. The food court at Cal State LA currently offers options such as Carl’s Jr., Pollo Loco, and The Spot. Students expressed their desires to see places such as Chipotle, Jersey Mike’s Subs, WaBa Grill, or Yoshinoya on campus.
Tamara Vazquez, a fifth year Child Development student, emphasized the need for more variety of food options on campus, suggesting a Mexican-inspired food place.
When asked about the potential improvements that can be made to the food court on campus Vazquez suggested the possibility of lowering food prices or offering student discounts and organizing cafeteria lines to reduce confusion.
“I was surprised that [a Panda bowl]was $9. I thought it would be $7, I thought it would be cheaper,” said Jared Blanco, healthcare administration senior.
Blanco also expressed his opinion on how the food court can be improved with more natural lighting and an air conditioner.
Store manager Vince Maglasang prepares the new Panda Express location in the food court on Thursday, August 24th, 2023. The restaurant grand opening is scheduled for Monday, August 28th. (Xavier Zamoraora)
