Business notebook: New Panda Express is a hit at Southeast

Around 10:30 a.m. in the south corridor of the University Center, the aroma of garlic, ginger and soy sauce wafts through the hall. Soon, a line will form, and large quantities of orange chicken, Beijing beef, fried rice and other dishes will be doled out to the hungry masses.

Panda Express has opened on the campus of Southeast Missouri State University.

Work at the restaurant begins at 7 a.m. each weekday, when cooks chop fresh vegetables and heat up large pots of rice. Outside of some early preparation, most of the cooking is done in small batches throughout the day, said Trevor Sumner, retail director of Chartwells.

"There's no slowdown or down time," Sumner said of the crowds and the work behind the counter.

The new restaurant created several full-time positions for Chartwells, as well as a number of part-time opportunities for students, said Jonathon Tanner, director of student engagement at Chartwells.

Brittney Watts, manager of Panda Express, puts out a pan of fresh Beijing beef Friday at Southeast Missouri State University's University Center.Laura Simon

Over the 2015 Christmas break, the full-time staff at Panda Express went through five weeks of training to learn the recipes, ingredients and how to handle the large woks used to prepare many of the dishes.

"It's really cool to watch them," Tanner said.

The restaurant opened Feb. 15 after months of construction.

"They had to build the whole concept," Tanner said.

The University Center was extended to accommodate the new establishment. Construction began in November, and it was completed just before they opened for business.

"We got lucky with the weather," Sumner said. November and December were mild, allowing time for exterior construction to be finished, so when colder weather arrived, "we were inside."

Customer response has been overwhelmingly positive, Tanner said. On site as well as on social media, students have commented on the food, as well as the speedy service.

The restaurant has been affecting traffic at the other University Center dining establishments, at least temporarily.

Tanner said Chartwells anticipated the shift, and he expects the flow to return to normal in another week or two.

"We have truly enjoyed opening it up and having another option, another venue for the students as well as the public, the city of Cape," Tanner said, reiterating that dining is not just limited to students.

"We just want the city of Cape, and anyone who wants to, to come in and enjoy the Panda Express just like you would any other restaurant."

Catapult asking for new products

The Shoppe at Catapult Creative House will hold a call for product on April 8 and 9.

Crafters, artists and creators are invited to bring samples of their wares to 612 Broadway for consideration.

Contact store manager Ashley Lokey for more information or to set up an appointment.

Business licenses

• Andy's Frozen Custard, 803 N. Kingshighway, will go under new ownership. Beginning March 1, Diamond Custard LLC, owned by Mark and Wendy Diamond, will take over ownership.
• Broussard's Cajun Cuisine, 114 N. Main St., is under new ownership. Felix & Boudreaux #2, LLC, took ownership in January.
• Plush Salon, 437 Broadway, is a styling salon owned by Shelby Allee. The anticipated opening date is March 22.
• Old Towne Cape Brewing Co., dba Ragsdales, is a bar at 132 N. Main St. Owned by Sonjay Fonn. The anticipated opening date is March 1.
• Shed Easy, 921 Independence St., is a portable-building sales company owned by Steven Eidson. It is open for business.

bbrown@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3630