The USAG Camp Humphreys military community arrived bright and early Oct. 4 in Sentry Village for the grand opening of Panda Express, eager for a familiar taste of home.
“We could not have asked for a more beautiful day to open our newest Panda Express that includes the first Panda drive-thru in Korea,” said Humphreys Exchange General Manager George McNamara. “This morning graced us with a sunny day with blue skies and temperatures in the comfortable mid-60s.”
The Humphreys location is the first stand-alone Panda Express in Korea to feature a drive-thru. Panda Express—like all Exchange restaurants—offers better-for-you options that fit the Exchange’s BE FIT 360 program and promote nutritional readiness.
Camp Humphreys Garrison Commander Col. Kristin Steinbrecher and Exchange Pacific Region Commander Col. Jason Beck attended the ribbon-cutting. The ceremony also featured the reveal of a large panda statue.
“The Camp Humphreys community has been very excited about this new Panda Express, which includes the first Panda drive-thru in Korea,” McNamara said. “The Exchange always strives to improve our operations and the level of service our team provides to our military community members. Being able to expand our food options and service to enhance support of our overseas community is always special, where having the opportunity to acquire a taste of home is a significant morale boost.”
The first guest received a special-edition panda bear, a tote bag and other swag items courtesy of Panda Express and the Exchange. The first 100 guests received a keychain.
More than 800 customers—including nearly 120 vehicles in the drive-thru— were served on opening day.
The project began construction in September 2025. While the site used an existing former Burger King structure, the renovation was extensive. The interior was completely gutted and rebuilt, and significant exterior renovations were completed. Although technically a renovation project, the scope of work resulted in what is essentially a newly transformed facility designed to support Panda Express operational requirements and the drive-thru concept.
“The Exchange team worked tirelessly to bring this project to fruition, and it’s wonderful to finally see it opening,” Beck said. “The drive-thru at Camp Humphreys will be a great convenience for the service members and their families. Bringing Panda Express here is just one of the ways we strive to live up to our motto, ‘We go where you go.’”
Panda Express offers Asian meals, including better-for-you options such as string bean chicken breast, broccoli beef and steamed broccoli.
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