It was a grand opening to remember!
With lines out the door, it was clear that the Grafenwoehr Panda Express grand opening on Feb. 20 was a big hit, but it wasn’t until the end of the day that the full success could be counted: $22,672 in sales, making it the biggest restaurant grand opening in Exchange history, beating out the Five Guys that opened at Kaiserslautern Military Community in 2022.
“We’re thrilled with the response to Panda Express,” said Maria Hood, Grafenwoehr Exchange acting general manager. “It’s a clear sign that the Exchange is responding to the community’s wants and needs.”
Though the restaurant did not open until 10:45 a.m., customers began queuing before 9 a.m. to try Panda Express favorites like orange chicken, broccoli beef, honey walnut shrimp, Kung Pao chicken, chow mein, fried rice and more. The restaurant remained just as busy on day two, nearly matching the first day’s sales.
This is the second Panda Express location in Europe, with the first opening at KMC in 2022.
“This is exactly what we mean when we say the Exchange brings a taste of home to our troops and families, no matter where in the world they are,” said Stephanie Burns, Exchange Europe regional vice president. “For those assigned overseas, familiar things like favorite restaurants and brands are a huge morale booster and connect our customers to their families and friends back home.”
Panda Express, like all of the Exchange’s 1,500 restaurants, offers better-for-you options such as string bean chicken breast, steamed ginger fish and steamed broccoli.
There were several dignitaries in attendance, including USAG Bavaria Deputy Garrison Commander Dwayne Key, Panda Express COO Patrice Nazaret, Panda Express Area Manager Matthias Krotky, Panda Express International Franchise Manger Andy Chan and CEO of Lagardere Travel Retail (a third-party business that brings popular chains to airports and other hubs) Jochen Halfmann. Burns; Brian Smith, former Grafenwoehr Exchange general manager who recently PCS’d to KMC; Hood; and Patricia Jamison, services business manager; represented the Exchange at the celebration.
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