Sodexho, in conjunction with Auxiliary Services, has opened Panther Express, a convenience store located in the Transportation Center across from Farrell Hall. Andrew Williams, retail manager of Panther Express and the Sodexho services on campus, said the idea to open a convenience store on campus for students was first conceived by himself and Gabe Lewis, general manager of Sodexho.
“It is important that we serve the students who are located at the back of the campus,” Williams said.
Lewis stated that there is a necessity to have more locations for convenience on campus than just the MSC.
“This location is close to the laundromat and close to the dorms so students have easy access to soap, candy, and food to fill their stomachs,” Lewis added.
The hours of service are currently designated for Monday through Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Lewis said that now is just a trial period to see how operations play out and that many changes for expansion will be under way for the fall 2006 semester.
“We are working on the possibility of having gas available once the pumps are replaced. There are plans to have the store open past 5 p.m., and there will be a position available for a student worker to accommodate later hours, the general manager said.
Lewis disclosed that plans for expansion also include the opening of more stores across campus to better serve the students attending PVAMU.