In the bustling world of fast-casual dining, few names resonate as strongly as Panda Express.
Founded by Andrew Cherng and his father, Panda Express has become a household name, known for its flavorful dishes and innovative approach to Chinese cuisine.
Andrew Cherng’s journey from a young immigrant to a successful entrepreneur is not just a story of business acumen but also one of cultural fusion and culinary creativity.
This article explores the life and vision of Andrew Cherng, highlighting how his passion for food and commitment to quality transformed the dining experience for millions and established Panda Express as a leader in the industry.
Early life and immigrant roots
Cherng was born on December 3, 1955, in Yangzhou, China.
His father, Master Chef, was a highly skilled chef who ran a traditional Chinese restaurant.
Cherng’s early exposure to the world of cooking and restaurant management would lay the foundation for his future entrepreneurial endeavors.
In 1965, when Cherng was just ten years old, his family moved to the United States, seeking better opportunities.
They settled in the vibrant city of San Francisco, California.
Andrew’s father continued to work as a chef, but his career took a new direction when he opened a Chinese restaurant in the United States, offering a blend of authentic Chinese dishes with a new twist.
Cherng’s family faced significant challenges as immigrants in America.
They had to adjust to a new culture and a new way of life, but it was through this process that Andrew’s entrepreneurial spirit began to take shape.
At the age of 18, he moved to the Midwest to study at the University of Missouri, where he pursued a degree in mathematics.
However, his passion for the culinary world never waned, and after graduation, he decided to follow in his father’s footsteps, but with his own innovative vision.
The birth of Panda Express
In 1983, Cherng, together with his father, opened the first Panda Express in the Glendale Galleria, a shopping mall in Glendale, California.
The restaurant was designed with a vision to serve Chinese food in a more accessible and fast-casual setting, differing from traditional Chinese restaurants that required sit-down dining.
The idea was to combine quick-service dining with the flavors of Chinese cuisine, a concept that would set Panda Express apart from other restaurants in the market.
The Cherng family focused on creating a high-quality, consistent product that could be delivered quickly, with a menu that was both familiar and exciting for American diners.
One of the key differentiators of Panda Express was the ability to customize orders.
Customers could choose their protein (beef, chicken, shrimp, or tofu) and pair it with a variety of sides like fried rice, chow mein, or steamed vegetables.
This personalized approach was a game-changer in the fast-food industry, offering something more than just typical “Americanized” Chinese food.
But it wasn’t just the menu that made Panda Express stand out.
Cherng also revolutionized the fast-food experience by integrating technology and a unique approach to customer service.
For instance, they introduced the innovative “open kitchen” concept, which allowed customers to see their food being prepared in real-time, fostering a sense of transparency and trust.
The growth of Panda Express
Panda Express initially grew slowly but steadily, with the first few years focusing on perfecting its product and operations.
In the late 1980s, Andrew and his father expanded their vision.
They launched a second Panda Express location in a food court at the South Coast Plaza Mall in Costa Mesa, California.
It was here that Panda Express truly began to find its rhythm, taking advantage of the burgeoning mall food court trend that was sweeping the nation.
In 1997, Panda Express took another big step toward expansion.
The brand opened a location in the international food court of the prestigious LAX Airport, which helped solidify its status as a globally recognized brand.
By the end of the 1990s, Panda Express had more than 100 locations, and its focus on high-quality ingredients, quick service, and a consistent customer experience made it a favorite among customers.
Under Andrew’s leadership, Panda Express diversified its offerings while staying true to its original mission of offering fresh, delicious, and customizable Chinese food in a fast-casual setting.
By the early 2000s, Panda Express had become the largest Asian segment fast-food chain in the United States, with a growing footprint in both national and international markets.
Key innovations and cultural shifts
One of the key factors behind Panda Express’s success has been Cherng’s focus on innovation.
He was not content to rest on the laurels of the first few years of success.
As the brand grew, Cherng and his team began experimenting with new dishes and ways of serving their food, introducing creations like the famous Orange Chicken.
This signature dish, a blend of crispy chicken pieces coated in a tangy orange sauce, became an instant favorite and a staple on the Panda Express menu.
The popularity of Orange Chicken became so significant that, by the mid-2000s, it was responsible for a substantial portion of the chain’s revenue.
Another innovation was the introduction of Panda Inn, a fine-dining version of Panda Express that sought to bring traditional Chinese flavors to a sit-down dining experience.
This move allowed Cherng to experiment with new recipes and showcase the versatility of Chinese cuisine, moving beyond the limitations of the fast-food format.
Furthermore, Panda Express also focused on creating a strong brand culture, both for employees and customers.
The company adopted the concept of People First, emphasizing the importance of employee satisfaction and customer service.
Cherng believed that a happy and motivated team would translate into better service and a more enjoyable customer experience.
Global expansion and the Panda Brand
Panda Express didn’t stop at national success. In 2000, the company made its first international foray by opening a location in Mexico.
This was a pivotal move, setting the stage for the brand’s global expansion.
Since then, Panda Express has expanded into numerous countries, including Canada, South Korea, the United Arab Emirates, and more.
By the early 2010s, Panda Express had solidified its position as a global brand, with locations in over 15 countries.
The company’s ability to adapt its menu to regional tastes while maintaining the core elements of its signature offerings made it a hit worldwide.
Its ability to blend Chinese flavors with local ingredients has helped it thrive in diverse markets.
In addition to Panda Express, Cherng also oversaw the development of Panda Restaurant Group, a larger holding company that includes other restaurant brands such as Panda Inn and Panda Catering.
Andrew Cherng’s legacy and impact
Cherng’s entrepreneurial journey is a testament to vision, perseverance, and innovation.
His ability to blend traditional Chinese cooking with modern business strategies has not only made Panda Express a dominant force in the fast-food industry but has also created a lasting impact on the culinary landscape.
Cherng’s success is also a story of cultural integration.
As an immigrant, he was able to successfully bridge the gap between two very different cultures—American and Chinese—and in doing so, create a business that resonated with people from all walks of life.
He introduced Chinese cuisine to millions of people who might never have experienced authentic dishes in traditional settings.
Today, Panda Express is much more than just a restaurant. It is a reflection of Andrew Cherng’s dedication to excellence, innovation, and community.
His commitment to quality, customer service, and employee satisfaction has made Panda Express a beloved brand, not only in the U.S. but across the globe.
Conclusion
The story of Cherng, the founder of Panda Express, is one of hard work, vision, and perseverance.
From its humble beginnings to its rise as a global leader in the fast-casual restaurant industry, Panda Express is a testament to the power of innovation and the importance of staying true to one’s roots.
Cherng’s success underscores the importance of adaptability and how a single idea, when executed with passion and dedication, can change the world.
As Panda Express continues to grow and evolve, Cherng’s legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire entrepreneurs, restaurateurs, and business leaders around the world.
His impact on both the culinary world and the broader fast-food industry is immeasurable, and his story is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when vision meets action.
