The Panda Family

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

2020

2000th Store Opening