One of 14 new dining concepts coming to Terminals A and B
August 25th, 2026: Texas issues alcohol license for airport Panda ExpressNew here? Follow stories to track developments over time. Create a free account to get updates when stories you care about change.
Overview
Updated 44 minutes agoTravelers moving through San Antonio International Airport's Terminal A will have a Panda Express to consider. The chain received an alcohol license from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission on August 25, one approval among several needed before the restaurant can open.
The location is part of a wider airport dining refresh. HMSHost, the travel-dining operator that runs SAT's food service, is rolling out 14 new concepts across Terminals A and B. Construction was originally due to finish by May 2026; that timing has slipped, and no opening date is set.
Why it matters
Air travelers through San Antonio's airport gain one of 14 new dining options arriving across Terminals A and B.
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People Involved
Organizations Involved
Travel-dining operator owned by Avolta AG that runs food and beverage concessions at airports worldwide.
Fast-casual Chinese restaurant chain owned by Panda Restaurant Group, founded at a Glendale mall food court in 1983.
The larger of two commercial airports serving the San Antonio area, midway through a terminal dining refresh.
Texas state agency that licenses and regulates the sale of alcoholic beverages.
Timeline
1973 August 2026
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Texas issues alcohol license for airport Panda Express
Latest RegulatoryThe Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission grants one approval the Terminal A location still needs before it can open.
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HMSHost lines up 14 dining concepts at SAT
AnnouncementThe travel-dining operator plans new eateries across Terminals A and B, including the airport's first Panda Express.
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Panda Express launches at Glendale Galleria
FoundingThe fast-casual chain starts in a mall food court and later grows past 2,300 locations.
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Panda Inn opens in Pasadena
FoundingAndrew and Peggy Cherng open a sit-down restaurant with Ming-Tsai Cherng, planting the seed for the Panda Express brand.
Historical Context
2 moments from history that rhyme with this story — and how they unfolded.
Panda Express launches at Glendale Galleria (1983)
Andrew and Peggy Cherng open the first Panda Express in a Glendale, California mall food court, building on their Panda Inn sit-down restaurant in Pasadena. The fast-casual format, built around items like orange chicken, catches on quickly.
The small counter grows into a chain that expands first across California malls, then nationwide.
Panda Express tops 2,300 locations globally, becoming one of the largest Asian restaurant chains in the United States.
This San Antonio airport location is the latest step in that long expansion, moving the brand into more travel venues.
Airports shift to branded concessions (2000s)
U.S. airports began replacing generic food courts with national restaurant brands and local concepts, often run by concessionaires like HMSHost under long-term contracts. The shift aimed to lift revenue and traveler satisfaction.
Airports saw higher food-and-beverage sales per passenger, and brands gained new exposure.
Branded airport dining became standard, with operators such as HMSHost and SSP managing large terminal portfolios.
SAT's 14-concept refresh follows this playbook, with HMSHost delivering the new dining mix that includes Panda Express.
