Why Panda?

This month, Panda Express will open on the Plaza. Whatever your opinion of the newest edition to the Duke Dining scene, we, the Duke University Student Dining Advisory Committee, think you deserve to know how it got here.

Our vision for the renovated space in the Bryan Center included a full-service, sit-down restaurant. Lemon Grass was an incredible opportunity for Duke to have a unique Asian eatery on campus, but the proposal died when we were denied the space we needed. Floor plans changed and space we were counting on was slated for other purposes. Student groups need more room, but check out the wide-open spaces of OSAF and see if you think Duke is taking full advantage of that coveted real estate.

By the time it became clear that Lemon Grass was no longer an option, it was already the end of the year. We had to find an alternative to fit the limited space, and we had to do it quickly before renovations began in the summer. We did consider other options, including ones that are locally owned, but Panda could pay a substantial amount of the start-up costs and they had the ability to move fast enough to open this Fall. We approved Panda because it was the best viable option available, and now it's one more place you can choose to eat.

Unfortunately, Duke Dining does not have the dollars or the square-footage to deliver what we'd like to give you: better dining options. "Better" means something different for everyone, but whether it's customer service, sustainability, local vendors, diverse cuisine, healthy options or simply tastiness that matters to you, we believe that Duke should strive for the best.

There will be many more opportunities like Lemon Grass in the future. We have all kinds of incredible eateries that we dream to see on campus; they all require space and they all cost money. Any proposal we make will have to compete with other interests for resources. If you agree that better dining should be a priority, tell us and tell the administration. We want your feedback and we need your voices.

Sarah Ramig

Trinity '09

Co-chair, DUSDAC