The Panda Family

Our Panda Family is a big one. It includes our founders, associates, and everyday guests like you.

Family Owned

What started as a way for Andrew and Peggy Cherng to support their family, turned into thousands of locations worldwide supporting thousands of families.

Learn more about our unique journey

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First Panda Express Opens
First Panda Express Opens
First Panda Express Opens

1983

First Panda Express Opens

Andrew Cherng opens the first Panda Express at the Glendale Galleria in Glendale, California. Peggy Cherng customizes the restaurant's operating systems to assure the very best food and service.

Chef Andy Creates The Original Orange Chicken
Chef Andy Creates The Original Orange Chicken
Chef Andy Creates The Original Orange Chicken

1987

Chef Andy Creates The Original Orange Chicken

Chef Andy Kao develops The Original Orange Chicken® entree for Panda Express. Inspired by the flavors of Hunan Province, the dish features crispy chicken bites in a sweet and spicy orange sauce.

Panda Cares Established
Panda Cares Established
Panda Cares Established

1999

Panda Cares Established

Committed to serving the communities in which we operate, we proudly launch Panda Cares. Our philanthropic arm is dedicated to providing food, funding and volunteer services to underserved children and disaster relief efforts.

Beijing Beef
Beijing Beef
Beijing Beef

2008

Beijing Beef

Beijing Beef® is born as we celebrate our 25th anniversary. This dish brings together crispy strips of marinated beef, bell peppers and onions in a tangy-sweet sauce.

Wok Smart Menu Introduced
Wok Smart Menu Introduced
Wok Smart Menu Introduced

2009

Wok Smart Menu Introduced

We introduce health-minded Wok Smart™ selections, menu items that are 300 calories or less and have at least 8 grams of protein. Eating well at Panda has never been easier.

Honey Walnut Shrimp
Honey Walnut Shrimp
Honey Walnut Shrimp

2010

Honey Walnut Shrimp

Honey Walnut Shrimp makes its debut. Our sweet and crispy creation is made with tempura shrimp wok-tossed in a honey sauce and topped with candied walnuts. It receives the MenuMasters Award for Best New Menu Item of the Year.

First International Restaurant
First International Restaurant
First International Restaurant

2011

First International Restaurant

We open our first international restaurant in Mexico City, Mexico. Since then, we have expanded to Guam, Puerto Rico, Canada, South Korea and Dubai.

Honey Sesame Chicken Breast
Honey Sesame Chicken Breast
Honey Sesame Chicken Breast

2013

Honey Sesame Chicken Breast

This dish brings together crispy, tender bites of chicken raised without antibiotics, fresh-cut veggies, and a delightfully creaveable honey sesame sauce.

Innovation Kitchen
Innovation Kitchen
Innovation Kitchen

2014

Innovation Kitchen

We launch our Innovation Kitchen in Pasadena, California to serve as a living laboratory for exploring new menu items, new decor and new ways of serving our guests.

2000th Store Opening
2000th Store Opening
2000th Store Opening

2020

2000th Store Opening

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Our Mission

To deliver exceptional Asian dining experiences by building an organization where people are inspired to better their lives.