On Saturday, January 27, Panda Provisions celebrated its grand opening on the South 40. The shop, which sells Asian snack foods and beverages, is the newest Student Enterprise Program (StEP) business. The StEP program provides a unique opportunity for students to own a business on campus that serves the Washington University community. Student owners can supplement the valuable business and entrepreneurial skills they learn in the classroom while gaining real-world experience as they manage and lead their own businesses. While many students choose to buy into an existing business, others elect to start their own, which is how Panda Provisions came to be!
Panda Provisions is co-owned by two current WashU students:
- David Liang (EN ’26) – David is studying Computer Science and Finance with a minor in Design
- Michael Lee (LA ’26) – Michael is studying Computer Science + Math, Economics, and Financial Engineering
We asked David and Michael a few questions to share about their journey with Panda Provisions, what they’re looking forward to as StEP owners, what it’s like to be a student entrepreneur, and more. Check out what they had to say!
Where did the idea for Panda Provisions come from?
Our entrepreneurial journey at WashU was sparked during our first week on campus, driven by a longing for the familiar snacks from our hometowns — David is originally from Beijing, China, but currently calls San Diego home, while Michael hails from Chappaqua, New York. Confronted by the scarcity of quality and affordable Asian snack options nearby, we took the initiative to establish Panda Provisions. We offer an extensive selection of Asian snacks and beverages, ranging from shrimp chips and mogu-mogu to panda oreos and calpico.
What are you most looking forward to this semester as a new StEP business on campus?
As the newest StEP business at WashU, we are excited about enriching student life through our offerings. We are also looking forward to collaborating with other StEP businesses, including an upcoming partnership with Gallery314, as well as expanding our product range to include an even wider array of snacks and drinks.
How do you balance being a student and running your own business?
We are able to balance our academic responsibilities and running our business by aligning our entrepreneurial pursuits with our personal passions. This approach transforms our efforts into enjoyable activities, making the workload feel less burdensome and more like an extension of our interests.
What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs?
For budding entrepreneurs, our advice is to persistently hold onto your ideas, documenting them as they arise. Equally crucial is maintaining effective communication within your team, particularly among co-founders and employees. This, we believe, is a fundamental element for building a successful enterprise.
Beyond your business, what groups / activities are you involved in at WashU?
David indulges in his love for cars, baking, and 3D modeling. Michael is a consultant at Bear Studios and serves as the CBO of Connect. His personal interests include cooking and weightlifting.
We both take pride in our collaborations with various WashU clubs, businesses, and events such as AAA, AMA, Hack WashU, Gallery314, VSA, and Asians in Computer Science. We welcome partnership inquiries, so email us anytime!
Be sure to check out Panda Provisions, located in the Gregg Storefronts on the South 40. They are open Sunday – Wednesday from 2 – 8 PM and Thursday – Saturday from 2 PM – 2 AM.
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