A new Panda Express is set to open April 12 at 1525 W. Court St. in Pasco.

A ribbon cutting is set for 9 a.m. The first 88 customers will receive a free gift.

The new location, which will be the fifth Panda Express in the Tri-Cities, is hiring.

Positions also are posted for another new location, at 924 George Washington Way in Richland, although an opening date there hasn’t yet been announced.

The new Panda Express in Pasco will feature an updated design that incorporates Chinese architecture-inspired elements and accommodates increased demand for online and drive-thru ordering, the company said in a news release.

“Our entire Panda team is grateful to serve the Pasco community by providing new jobs and supporting local organizations through fundraising opportunities,” said Maria Orozco, Panda Express area coach of operations, in the news release.

“We hope to be a lasting part of the community and welcome all guests into our doors to try our American Chinese favorites and discover their own,” she said.

Hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (10:30 p.m. for the drive-thru) on Sunday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. (11 p.m. for the drive-thru) on Friday and Saturday.

Wages start at $17.50 an hour for front-of-house and $19 an hour for back-of-house hires.