Panda Express Opens in Historic Powerhouse at Southern Miss

Wed, 10/09/2024 - 09:36am | By: Dr. David Tisdale

The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) is set to welcome a new dining option on campus as Panda Express opens Monday, Oct. 14 in The Powerhouse, a historic building on the school’s Hattiesburg campus.

Panda Express features Mandarin and Szechuan wok-cooked entrées, and sides for lunch and dinner, with favorites such as beef with broccoli, orange chicken and kung pao chicken among other items on its menu.

Built in 1934, The Powerhouse was designed to generate steam heat for campus dormitories and classrooms. For decades, it played a crucial role in maintaining a comfortable environment for students and faculty. However, as the University expanded and modernized its infrastructure, the power plant became obsolete and was eventually decommissioned. 

The building sat dormant for several years, a silent reminder of the University’s past. In 2006, a new vision for The Powerhouse emerged. Aramark, in collaboration with University leaders, embarked on a project to repurpose the building. The goal was to preserve its historical significance while giving it a new purpose with the result being a two-level, full-service restaurant that quickly became a beloved spot on campus.

Now, in 2024, The Powerhouse is set to house Panda Express, adding to the excitement and dining options available to students and staff. The new Panda Express will be one of the meal exchange locations for students with unlimited meal plans, including the Black & Gold and To The Top VIP plans. This means students can use their meal swipes to enjoy items from the meal exchange menu at Panda Express after 4 p.m., making it a convenient and appealing dinner option.

“We are thrilled to welcome Panda Express to our campus this semester,” said Charles Dorsa, District Manager of Aramark. “In selecting new dining options, we carefully considered feedback from students and other members of the University community to ensure the best fit. Our priority is to provide a diverse and varied selection of cuisines, and Panda Express is a fantastic addition to the Southern Miss.”

“I’m excited for the Panda opening because we will have more variety of foods available daily,” said Hailey Perkins, a senior communications major. “The renovation of the Powerhouse will give something new for the current and incoming students. We also love the events held at the Powerhouse such as bingo and Karaoke nights. It is a great hangout spot on campus.”

The inclusion of Panda Express as part of the USM dining experience is part of the University’ s ongoing mission to enhance the student experience by providing diverse and memorable dining options, which USM Student Government Association President Braxton Ruddock says “really helps to round out the dining options on campus and provide students with another way to take advantage of their dining dollars.” 

“Students have been vocal about their desire for a more diverse range of food options on campus,” Ruddock continued. “Since my freshman year, there has been a constant effort to work toward this goal and with the addition of Moe's, Holy Smokes, and now Panda Express, there are more options than ever.” 

About Aramark Collegiate Hospitality 

Aramark Collegiate Hospitality is a premier provider for hospitality ecosystems in higher education, renowned for its commitment to the whole student and enhancing student life through exceptional culinary experiences and innovative dining solutions. With a presence in more than 275 colleges and universities, Collegiate Hospitality uses data driven consumer insights to curate experiences to meet the unique needs of each campus, fostering a vibrant community with diverse and inclusive dining offerings. This intentional integration of campus identity, world class hospitality, and professional opportunity provides a foundational path to student success. Connect with Collegiate Hospitality on LinkedIn.

Aramark (NYSE: ARMK) has been recognized on FORTUNE’s list of “World’s Most Admired Companies,” The Civic 50 by Points of Light 2024, Fair360’s “Top 50 Companies for Diversity” and “Top Companies for Black Executives,” Newsweek’s list of “America’s Most Responsible Companies 2024,” the HRC’s “Best Places to Work for LGBTQ Equality,” and earned a score of 100 on the Disability Equality Index. Click here to learn more about Aramark and connect with on LinkedIn, Facebook, X, and Instagram.