Panda Express restaurant coming to Cape's Siemers Drive

Development has begun on what will be a Panda Express restaurant in Cape Girardeau.

A building permit has been issued for the construction of a the fast-casual Chinese restaurant franchise at 130 Siemers Drive at a 1.87-acre lot owned by Drury Land Development Inc.

Alex Phelps, the restaurant's senior project manager in construction, said the new facility will follow a standard Panda Express design, with a 2,600-square-foot plan.

"We're looking at June 1 for opening," he said, "if the weather holds out and everything goes as planned."

Daniele Natola, speaking on behalf of Panda Restaurant Group, said Monday via email the company will hire 20 to 25 employees.

"We are also always hiring for all levels and positions within the company, and if interested in a career with Panda, residents can visit pandacareers.com," she said.

The groundbreaking comes almost exactly a year after the opening of a Panda Express in the University Center of Southeast Missouri State University.

"We chose this particular location because we see tremendous potential in this region and continue to look for more locations in the market, as well as the remainder of the state," she said. "We are humbled and fortunate to be joining Cape Girardeau, and we are very excited for the opportunity to offer additional jobs to residents and become more ingrained in the community."

Lauer Construction Inc. of St. Charles, Missouri, is handling the construction, according to the permit.

tgraef@semissourian.com (573) 388-3627