Panda Express is one step closer to opening a restaurant on Lower Sproul Plaza after the ASUC Store Operations Board voted Tuesday to begin lease discussions with the chain, even as dozens of students protested the decision.

If a contract is signed, Panda Express will renovate the space previously filled by STA Travel. Plans call for construction to start this summer, with the fast-food restaurant opening by the fall semester.

The board and chain announced the signing of a letter of intent Dec. 3, affirming both parties' commitment to work toward a final agreement, which outraged some students.

More than 30 students attended Tuesday's meeting to express their disapproval of Panda Express' plans to serve on campus, saying the presence of a large corporate restaurant chain would run counter to UC Berkeley's progressive reputation.

"I came to Berkeley because it's unique," said freshman Kaela Colwell after the board meeting. "The fact that they would put a fast-food restaurant (on Lower Sproul Plaza) is a step backwards."

Panda Express has more than 800 branches in 35 states, including five in the East Bay.

A petition protesting the deal has gathered more than 1,000 signatures since Dec. 3. Student opponents aim to include provisions in the contract to ensure the use of organic and locally grown food, said student organizer Yonatan Landau.

"It's really a matter of corporate leadership," Landau said. "They have to be a model."

Store Operations Board Chair Jordan Smith said environmentally friendly criteria have been discussed, although specifics will not be finalized until the end of negotiations.

Plans to bring a new restaurant to Lower Sproul Plaza began when Gelateria Naia sought out a strategic partnership to keep itself afloat, Smith said. More than 40 businesses were surveyed as potential tenants for the spaces before Panda Express was selected.

"They were the best option to come in and keep the Naia lounge in business," he said. "The only way they will open back up is if Panda Express comes in."

Details of the ongoing negotiations remain confidential until an agreement between the two parties is reached, Smith said.

Critics say they will continue their efforts to sway the board.

"Once they are on campus, I want to work with Panda to make them as environmentally friendly as possible," said ASUC Senator Christina Oatfield to the board. Oatfield has led efforts against the restaurant's presence on Lower Sproul. "But until then, I will very strongly oppose them."

Tags: PANDA EXPRESS, STORE OPERATIONS BOARD, BEAR'S LAIR