Panda Express construction begins in University Hall

Construction workers begin turning the empty space into a full-menu Panda Express. (Jake McLernon)

Construction began February 17 on a full-menu Panda Express, one of four new retail spaces to be located in University Hall and the first quick-service on-campus dining option not managed by Sodexo.

As of right now the location is expected to be open 60 days from Feb. 17, putting the potential opening date in the third week of April, according to Mark Kraner Executive Director, Campus Retail Operations, Auxiliary Enterprises.

Temporary walls have now been put in place as the first step in construction that was in full-force on February 20. Following Panda Express, the administrative building will soon be home to a UPS store, an Einstein Bros Bagels and the Everlasting Life Café.

The Everlasting Life Café, a vegan soul food restaurant to open fall 2012, will be the second privately managed full-service dining option to come to campus. Boxwoods, the full-service restaurant located in the Mason Inn and run by Aramark, was the first.

“It’s nice that there’s something else coming to campus that the students will like,” said Ram Nabar, Sodexo Resident District Manager and head of Mason Dining. New to Mason last year, Nabar was not part of the planning for the new chain location, but still said he thinks it will be a good addition to campus dining.

“We did a lot of research to see what would be the best fit,” said Kraner. With over 400 people in the offices and around 4,000 people passing through the building on a daily basis, University Hall possesses a unique demographic made up of administrators, faculty and students. Kraner said he hopes that students and faculty with weekend and evening classes will benefit from the new retail spaces.

Operated through the Panda Express parent company, Mason’s location will not offer a deal for meal plan holders but will accept Mason Money, Freedom and Bonus Funds. Operating hours will most likely be between 10:30 a.m. and 10 p.m., with the potential for weekend hours.