GERMANY. Lagardère Travel Retail has introduced family-owned dining concept Panda Express to the European market with an opening at Ramstein Air Base on 2 August.
With Panda Restaurant Group, Inc., the travel retailer plans to grow the American-Chinese dining concept in Europe and other military bases.
The 60sq m Panda Express outlet is located in the main hall of the KMCC Exchange Mall, Ramstein-Miesenbach. It is only accessible to the 55,000+ employees of the air base, military personnel, and registered guests.
Lagardère Travel Retail Germany CEO Jochen Halfmann said: “We are excited to bring Panda Express to Europe. Our opening of Panda Express at the largest military base outside the USA creates a completely new presence for Lagardère Travel Retail in Germany as well as internationally.
“And this is just the start of further growth in the fast-casual food service sector. In cooperation with our new strategic brand partner, Panda Express, and the Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES), we are thrilled to introduce the popular American-Chinese cuisine of Panda Express to additional US bases in Europe in the future.”
Panda Express International Vice President Doug Stalgren said: “We are thrilled to be entering the European market and opening the first Panda Express in Germany with Lagardère Travel Retail as our partner.
“Having a partner with shared values and focus on people and quality is key in integrating our Panda culture across all aspects of the business and for our future growth in the market. We also wish to acknowledge our military guests and their families for their service and for their support of our growth. Our global Panda family looks forward to bringing a memorable American-Chinese dining experience to the community.”
Founded in 1983 by Andrew and Peggy Cherng in Glendale, California, Panda Express has since expanded to more than 2,400 locations worldwide, around 90 of them outside the USA.
Key menu items include The Original Orange Chicken, health-forward WokSmart options like Broccoli Beef, premium Savory Shrimp, plus other flavour combinations.
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