Panda Restaurant Group

Panda Restaurant Group operates as a fast-casual restaurant company managing a network of franchised locations. The company provides franchise support, operational standards, menu development, and supply chain management for Panda Express locations across the United States and internationally.

In 2026, Panda Restaurant Group continues to operate as the parent company of Panda Inn, Panda Express, and Hibachi-San, founded by Andrew and Peggy Tsiang Cherng and Andrew's father, Master Chef Ming-Tsai Cherng. The family originated from the Yangzhou region of China's Jiangsu province, bringing authentic Chinese culinary traditions to American fast-casual dining. The group's headquarters is located in Rosemead, California, and Panda Express stands as the largest Asian-American restaurant chain in the United States with 2,200 branches as of 2025, making it the largest Chinese fast food chain in the country.

The company's growth strategy has included significant international expansion, with Panda Express opening its first branch in Manila, Philippines, in 2019 as a joint venture between Panda Restaurant Group and Jollibee Foods Corp., operating as JBPX Foods. The Cherng family invests their personal wealth through the Cherng Family Trust, demonstrating their long-term commitment to the business. Andrew Cherng and Peggy Tsiang Cherng met at Baker University in Baldwin City, Kansas, with Peggy Cherng receiving her B.S. degree in Mathematics from Oregon State University in 1971 and a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Missouri, bringing strong technical expertise to the restaurant business.

Panda Express restaurants serve as fast-casual dining destinations offering wok-prepared Chinese-American dishes. The company emphasizes fresh ingredients and quality preparation as core brand values. Panda Express operates through a franchise model, allowing franchisees to operate individual locations while maintaining brand standards and receiving corporate support. The company debuted on Forbes' 2016 edition of America's Largest Private Companies, reflecting its significant growth and market position in the competitive restaurant industry. The company's expansion from five locations to nine in just one year in 1985 demonstrated the strong market demand for its concept and set the foundation for its current dominance in the Chinese-American fast-casual segment.

Panda Restaurant Group was founded in 1983 by Peggy Cherng and Andrew Cherng in Pasadena, California. The original concept focused on wok-prepared Chinese-American cuisine served in a fast-casual format. The restaurant quickly gained popularity for its quality ingredients and efficient service model.

Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Panda Restaurant Group expanded significantly, establishing locations across the United States. The company became one of the largest Chinese-American restaurant chains in the country. Panda Express maintained its focus on wok-prepared dishes and quality ingredients as key differentiators.

In recent years, Panda Restaurant Group has continued expanding its restaurant footprint and has adapted to changing consumer preferences. The company has expanded internationally and invested in digital capabilities including delivery and online ordering. Panda Express has maintained its position as a leading fast-casual Chinese-American restaurant chain.