Panda Express Opens New Location In Selma

SELMA — Panda Express has officially opened its newest restaurant in the Eastfield development in Selma, marking the only location of the popular American Chinese chain between Raleigh and Goldsboro.

The restaurant celebrated its grand opening this week with a community event and a $1,000 donation to the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina.

“We are delighted to welcome Panda Express to Eastfield in Selma,” said Kevin Dougherty, president of AdVenture Development, which is leading the Eastfield project. “We continue to seek out and attract new employers to Johnston County. Panda Express has been recognized as one of the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For, and we are proud to associate Eastfield with the exemplary family-owned and family-grown success of the Cherng family.”

The new restaurant offers dine-in, delivery and drive-thru options, serving Panda Express favorites such as The Original Orange Chicken, Broccoli Beef and Honey Walnut Shrimp.

According to James Ku, chief development officer for Panda Restaurant Group, the restaurant’s design incorporates Eastern influences, including a moon gate-inspired entrance symbolizing peace, prosperity and family reunion. A mural inside depicts traditional Chinese cultural scenes, such as a dragon dance.

“At night, the store exterior lights up in a way that brings a different type of energy to the space,” Ku said.

Eastfield, a 435-acre mixed-use development, includes major retailers such as Hobby Lobby, Old Navy, Ulta Beauty, Marshalls, Ross Dress for Less and Burlington. BJ’s Wholesale Club and Target are under construction and expected to open in early 2026.

When complete, Eastfield will feature more than 3 million square feet of residential, retail, business, and entertainment space, including more than 500 new homes and apartments.