What restaurants are part of the Panda Restaurant Group, Inc.?
Panda Express is the world leader in American Asian dining experiences and is operated by its parent company, Panda Restaurant Group, Inc., which also oversees Panda Inn. We also operate Hibachi-San, Uncle Tetsu, and Yakiya, and are the franchisee of Raising Cane’s in Hawaii, Alaska and Guam, as well as Whataburger in Nevada and Southern Utah.
How did your company get started?
In 1973, Andrew Cherng and his father, Master Chef Ming-Tsai Cherng, opened the doors to the original Panda Inn in Pasadena, California. As “The Original Chinese Kitchen,” it blends classic American Chinese favorites with authentic flavors inspired by Master Chef Cherng and his roots from China, Taiwan, and Japan. With over five decades of serving the Southern California community, we’ve built a legacy of culinary excellence with a flagship location in Pasadena and additional locations throughout Southern California.
Ten years later, Panda Express was founded at the Glendale Galleria in Glendale, California. The brand has grown to over 2,500 locations across the country and a presence in 12 international countries, playing a pivotal role in popularizing American Chinese cuisine for millions around the world.
Who owns Panda Restaurant Group, Inc.?
Since its inception, Panda has been family-owned and operated. Co-Founders and Co-CEOs Andrew and Peggy Cherng are driven by a mission to inspire better lives and are dedicated to becoming world leaders in people development. Whether through sharing good food with guests or providing opportunities for professional and personal growth to associates, all are embraced in a genuine family environment that is uniquely Panda.
Can I own a Panda Express franchise?
Panda operates all of our restaurants, except for select locations in airports, universities, military bases, hospitals, casinos, amusement parks, and stadiums. We do not currently offer franchises.
Why am I asked to donate to Panda Cares at store locations?
The Panda Cares Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. One hundred percent of the money collected supports organizations that serve the health and education needs of underserved youth. Panda Express pays for all of Panda’s administrative costs associated with the in-store donation program. Panda Cares has raised over $415 million since 1999. Learn more about the mission at pandacares.org.
Do you have any employment opportunities?
Panda offers both restaurant and corporate careers. From great benefits to a supportive culture to avenues for learning and growth, we aim to provide you with a career that inspires you and betters your life. Panda is also recognized as a “Best Place to Work.” Visit pandacareers.com to explore life at Panda.
What are the benefits of Panda Rewards®?
If you join Panda Rewards®, you can earn 10 points for every dollar you spend on qualifying purchases at participating Panda Express locations in the United States. Learn how to sign up and what benefits you can receive here.
Can I order online?
You can order pickup or delivery from participating Panda Express locations through the Panda Express app or at PandaExpress.com.
Does Panda Express offer catering?
You can order catering from participating Panda Express locations through the Panda Express app or at PandaExpress.com.
I had an issue with an order at one of your locations. How can I get help?
We're sorry to hear that there was an issue with your order. Please send us your questions, comments, or feedback using the Panda Express contact form so we can learn how to serve you better.
Have you changed the size of your containers at Panda Express? They look smaller than I remember.
While we recently updated the packaging at Panda Express locations in California, the portion sizes of our meals remain the same. Our commitment to providing high-quality, satisfying portions at a great value has not changed.
Did Panda Express really create The Original Orange Chicken®?
In 1987, Chef Andy Kao invented The Original Orange Chicken®. At the time, he was the executive chef for Panda Express and was classically trained in French cuisine. Chef Kao developed the popular dish at a Panda Express location in Hawaii. It was inspired by a well-known appetizer called chenpi niurou (tangerine peel beef), in which slices of boneless beef are marinated, deep-fried and then wok-cooked with dried chilies, Sichuan pepper, and tangerine peel. We swapped out beef for chicken and introduced the element of sweet and sour alongside the citrus and chili notes.
I love your sauces. Is there a limit?
To ensure there is enough sauce to accommodate everyone, we offer our sauce selections only upon request and provide up to two packets per plate. Unfortunately, we are not currently allowing guests to purchase extra sauce, but anyone is welcome to purchase Panda’s bottled sauce at local grocery stores or through online retailers.
You discontinued my favorite dish! Will it ever come back?
We are grateful for the enthusiasm we’ve received from our guests about both our regular favorites and limited-time offerings. We remain continuously focused on our guests and are always exploring which favorites we can bring back and what new innovations we can introduce.
Can I eat healthy at Panda Express?
At Panda Express, we are dedicated to evolving with our guests’ tastes. We are committed to offering a variety of choices, ranging from our signature classics to more health-forward options. We are constantly working to elevate our menu you expanding our Wok Smart menu and removing trans fat from our dishes. You can view nutrition information here.
I have food allergies. Can I eat at Panda Express?
Panda Express uses ingredients that contain all the major FDA allergens — peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, fish, shellfish, milk, soy, wheat, and sesame. Because our entrees are prepared fresh with shared cooking equipment, allergens may be present in any dish. We do not add MSG, though some ingredients may contain naturally occurring MSG. You can view allergen information here.
Are your items vegetarian or vegan?
Our items are neither vegetarian nor vegan, though we do offer meatless options. Because all our dishes are prepared with shared cooking equipment, trace amounts of animal products may be present.