• OSAN AB, South Korea

Nearly 150 customers lined up on the morning of Aug. 20 ahead of the Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s (AAFES) grand opening of the second Panda Express in South Korea. 

The restaurant was designed in May 2024, and construction began in February 2025. First-day sales were $20,888 with 1,040 transactions, slightly more than the USAG Humphreys restaurant’s first day. 

“Last November, South Korea’s first Panda Express opened at USAG Humphreys, and it has been warmly welcomed by many customers,” said Osan AB General Manager (GM) George McNamara. “We are confident that Osan’s Panda Express will enjoy the same success and support.” 

GRAND OPENING 

Osan AB 51st Fighter Wing Deputy Commander Col. Kevin Walsh and 51st Fighter Wing Command Chief Command Sgt. Major Carl Vogel were unable to attend the grand opening ceremony because they were participating in the U.S. Force Korea-wide Freedom Shield exercise.   

Walsh and Vogel were represented by their respective spouses, Jenny Walsh and Beth Vogel, at the ribbon cutting. 

The first customer, Senior Airman Daniel Madden of the 51st Communications Squadron at Osan AB, began patiently waiting in line at 6 a.m. for the 9 a.m. grand opening.  

Madden had worked for a Panda Express in Murfreesboro, Tenn., before enlisting in the Air Force. “I really love the orange chicken,” Madden said. 

For being the first customer, he received a special edition Panda Express plush bear, and a Panda bear keychain, T-shirt and tote bag. 

The Panda Express team presented the first 88 guests with Panda T-Shirts, red tote bags, Panda bear headbands, balloons and small Panda bear key chains. 

Source: AAFES 

Edited by Larry Lapka