Panda Express

Panda Express traces its roots to Panda Inn, a sit-down restaurant opened in 1973 by Andrew Cherng in Pasadena, California.¹ In 1983, the Cherngs opened the first Panda Express in the Glendale Galleria, a mall in Glendale, California, as a fast-casual offshoot.² The concept was developed with the help of Andrew's father, Master Chef Ming-Tsai Cherng, who had emigrated from China.¹ The chain expanded rapidly through mall food courts and later added drive-thrus and standalone locations.

Panda Express is best known for its Orange Chicken, a sweet and spicy fried chicken dish created by chef Andy Kao in 1987.³ Other popular items include Beijing Beef, Kung Pao Chicken, and Chow Mein. The menu has evolved to include healthier options such as Super Greens (broccoli, kale, and cabbage) and a range of low-calorie choices. In 2023, the chain introduced its first plant-based entrée, Beyond Meat® Orange Chicken, in partnership with Beyond Meat.

Panda Express operates primarily as a company-owned chain, with only a small number of franchise locations in certain venues like airports and universities.² The company is privately held by the Cherng family and has grown through a combination of mall locations, stand-alone restaurants, and international expansion. As of 2023, it operates in over 10 countries, including Mexico, Canada, and the Philippines.⁴

Panda Express has a hidden menu item called 'Panda Bowl' that is not widely advertised but can be ordered by requesting a bowl with double protein. The chain also has a loyalty program called Panda Rewards, which offers members exclusive deals and birthday rewards. In 2019, Panda Express opened a location inside the Pentagon, making it one of the few fast-food chains to operate there. The company has a strong commitment to education, having donated over $100 million to educational programs through the Panda Cares Foundation.

Panda Express has been criticized for serving Americanized Chinese food that is not authentic to traditional Chinese cuisine. However, it has also been praised for its consistency and convenience. In 2020, the chain faced a lawsuit from a customer who claimed to have found a needle in their food, which was later dismissed as a hoax.⁵ Despite this, Panda Express remains a cultural icon, often referenced in popular media and known for its distinctive 'panda' logo.

American Chinese cuisine

A style of Chinese food developed by Chinese immigrants in the United States, adapted to local tastes and ingredients.

Fast-casual

A restaurant category that offers higher-quality food than fast food, but with no table service.

Orange Chicken

A dish of fried chicken pieces coated in a sweet and spicy orange-flavored sauce, invented at Panda Express.