September 25, 2025 — A long line of guests wrapped around the building Wednesday morning as Panda Express celebrated the grand opening of its newest location in Clovis’ growing Loma Vista community.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony at 3712 E. Shaw Ave. drew city leaders, including Mayor Vong Mouanoutoua and city council members, as well as local school groups. The Clovis East cheerleading squad performed, along with a folklórico group from El Alma, adding to the festive atmosphere.
“This location is very special,” said General Manager Kay Steadman. “It’s at the heart of a new developing community, just one block away from Clovis East and Reagan Elementary schools, and completely surrounded by neighborhoods. When we talk about being deeply involved in the community, we really are at the center of it.”
As part of the celebration, the first 88 guests in line received free Panda Express t-shirts, a promotion that added to the excitement and turnout.
For Steadman, who has managed multiple Panda locations, the Loma Vista opening feels especially meaningful. “It feels deeply honoring to be at the foundation of this new area,” she said. “We get to set the standard—not just with our food and cleanliness, but also with community outreach and giving back. I’d love for surrounding businesses to follow our example.”
The Loma Vista restaurant is the second new Panda Express to open in Clovis in the last five months, following the company’s expansion into Herndon and Ashlan. The consistent demand, Steadman noted, shows the appetite Clovis residents have for the brand.
“We’ve seen so much success at our other Clovis locations, but we were reaching a cap on how many people we could serve,” she said. “This location is a great opportunity to meet that demand.”
When asked her favorite dish, Steadman smiled. “Honestly, I love them all. I’ll take a little of everything on my lunch break, it just depends on what I’m craving at the moment.”
The Loma Vista opening positions Panda Express as one of the first businesses to anchor the new shopping area near Clovis East High School. For Steadman and her team, that role comes with both excitement and responsibility.
“We’re honored to be one of the first businesses here,” she said. “It’s about more than serving food, it’s about being a foundation for the community as it grows.”