Panda Restaurant Group

Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. is a prominent American restaurant company renowned for its diverse portfolio of Asian dining establishments. Founded in 1973 by Andrew Cherng and his father, Master Chef Ming-Tsai Cherng, the company has grown into a significant presence in the restaurant industry.

Flagship Brand: Panda Express

The flagship brand, Panda Express, was established in 1983 in Glendale, California. It has since become the largest Asian-segment restaurant chain in the United States, with over 2,400 locations across North America and Asia.

Panda Express offers a variety of American-Chinese dishes, including favorites like orange chicken, Beijing beef, and Kung Pao chicken.

Panda Inn

In 1973, the Cherngs opened Panda Inn in Pasadena, California, introducing a sit-down dining experience that emphasized Mandarin and Sichuan cuisines. This concept has expanded to multiple locations in Southern California.

Panda Inn offers a more upscale dining atmosphere compared to Panda Express.

Hibachi-San

Launched in 1992, Hibachi-San provides an authentic Japanese teppanyaki grill experience, along with sushi offerings, in various retail centers across the U.S.

The brand focuses on delivering bold flavors and fresh ingredients in a fast-casual setting.

Other Supported Concepts

Beyond its primary brands, Panda Restaurant Group supports several other restaurant concepts, including:

• Uncle Tetsu
• Yakiya
• Pieology
• Ippudo

These contribute to the diversity of Asian dining experiences available in the U.S.

Locations

Panda Restaurant Group operates numerous locations across the United States. Key cities include:

• San Francisco, CA
• Ventura, CA
• Columbus, GA
• West Des Moines, IA
• Amarillo, TX
• Loveland, CO
• Maumelle, AR
• Vancouver, WA
• Sacramento, CA
• Chicago, IL
• Shreveport, LA
• Cleveland, OH
• San Leandro, CA
• Bismarck, ND
• Mililani Town, HI
• Columbia, MD
• New Orleans, LA
• Mobile, AL
• Macon, GA
• Fargo, ND
• Culver City, CA

Philanthropy

Through its philanthropic arm, Panda Cares, the company has donated over $107 million since 1999 to support education, youth leadership development, and health initiatives.

In 2017, the Cherngs pledged $10 million to Children's Hospital Los Angeles, leading to the renaming of the sixth floor to the Panda Express Floor.

Panda Restaurant Group continues to be a leader in the Asian dining sector, offering a range of dining experiences from fast-casual to upscale, while maintaining a strong commitment to community engagement and sustainability.