JBSA-Lackland BX Expands Jimmy John’s and Panda Express to Port San Antonio

When demand called, ingenuity, Jimmy John’s and Panda Express answered.

Port San Antonio is home to a coffee shop, a self-serve 24/7 store and two food trucks that frequent the installation daily, but demand for additional food options increased because of visitor traffic and patronage during peak hours.

Port San Antonio serves more than 3,000 Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center staff and visitors daily. Personnel are responsible for policy integration, governance management and more.

With the limited dining options and increased patronage, Port San Antonio Deputy Director of Staff Meredith A. Costey knew something needed to be done, so she reached out to JBSA Lackland General Manager Mikel Hunter and Services Business Manager Maggie Colon for help.

“The Exchange’s role is to serve those who serve to ensure they are equipped to fight for our freedoms,” said JBSA-Lackland General Manager Mikel Hunter. “Improving dining operations to include local chain caterers is the least we could do for our heroes.”

JBSA-Lackland Panda Express team members are ready to serve those who serve at Fort San Antonio. From left: Jay Jimenez, Angela Cortinas and Fabio Cordero.

The solution? Catering from Jimmy John’s and Panda Express.

Within the first two hours of operation beginning in July, Jimmy John’s and Panda Express averaged nearly $4,250 in sales.

Staffed by Panda Express and Jimmy John’s employees, the catering service is available weekly serving more than 200 visitors at each catering event, with Panda Express serving on Tuesdays and Jimmy John’s on Thursdays.

“It’s another way we continue thinking beyond the horizon,” Colon said. “We’re all about finding innovative ways to support the military community while highlighting the Exchange’s capabilities and continued relevance.”

JBSA-Lackland Jimmy John’s team members at Port San Antonio. From left: Natalia Morley, John McVea and June Longoria.

A line for food service at Port San Antonio. When demand for additional food options increased because of visitor traffic and patronage during peak hours, the JBSA-Lackland Exchange responded with catering from Panda Express and Jimmy John’s.