Panda Express, a fast casual restaurant chain serving American-Chinese cuisine, has a rich history that dates back to the 1980s. The first Panda Express restaurant was opened on October 31, 1983, by Andrew and Peggy Cherng, along with Andrew's father, Master Chef Ming-Tsai Cherng, in Glendale, California. However, the story of Panda Express begins a few years prior to its founding, when Andrew and Peggy Cherng opened their first restaurant, Panda Inn, in 1973 in Pasadena, California. This full-service restaurant served traditional Mandarin and Szechuan cuisine, laying the groundwork for the concept that would eventually become Panda Express.
Early Years and Expansion
The Cherngs’ vision for Panda Express was to create a quick-service restaurant that served high-quality Chinese food at an affordable price. The first Panda Express location, which opened in 1983, was located in the Glendale Galleria shopping mall in Glendale, California. The restaurant’s initial success led to rapid expansion, with new locations opening throughout the 1980s and 1990s. By the mid-1990s, Panda Express had over 100 locations across the United States. Today, Panda Express operates over 2,200 locations worldwide, making it one of the largest Asian-themed fast food chains in the United States.
Growth and Innovation
Panda Express’s growth can be attributed to its commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction. The chain has introduced several menu items over the years, including its signature Orange Chicken dish, which was introduced in 1987. Other popular menu items include Kung Pao Chicken, Beijing Beef, and Chow Mein. Panda Express has also expanded its services to include online ordering, mobile ordering, and delivery through third-party services. The chain has also introduced several limited-time offers and promotions, such as its annual Chinese New Year celebration, which features special menu items and decorations.
| Year | Number of Locations |
|---|---|
| 1983 | 1 |
| 1990 | 50 |
| 2000 | 500 |
| 2010 | 1,200 |
| 2020 | 2,200 |
Menu and Nutrition
Panda Express’s menu features a variety of Chinese-inspired dishes, including entrees, sides, and appetizers. The chain is known for its high-quality ingredients and cooking methods, which include wok-frying and steaming. Panda Express also offers a variety of nutritionally balanced options, including low-calorie and low-sodium dishes. The chain’s menu items are designed to be customizable, allowing customers to choose from a variety of sauces and toppings to suit their tastes.
Nutrition Information
Panda Express provides detailed nutrition information for its menu items, including calorie counts, fat content, and sodium levels. The chain also offers a variety of vegetarian and vegan options, making it a popular choice for customers with dietary restrictions. Some popular menu items and their nutrition information are as follows:
- Orange Chicken: 380 calories, 19g fat, 450mg sodium
- Kung Pao Chicken: 330 calories, 18g fat, 400mg sodium
- Beijing Beef: 400 calories, 22g fat, 500mg sodium
What is Panda Express’s most popular menu item?
+Panda Express’s most popular menu item is its Orange Chicken dish, which was introduced in 1987. The dish features crispy chicken pieces coated in a sweet and savory orange sauce, served with steamed vegetables and rice.
Does Panda Express offer any vegetarian or vegan options?
+Yes, Panda Express offers a variety of vegetarian and vegan options, including steamed vegetables, tofu, and vegan-friendly sauces. Some popular vegetarian and vegan menu items include the Vegetable Spring Rolls, the Steamed Dumplings, and the Vegan Orange Chicken (made with plant-based protein).
