Panda Express Is The Biggest Mom & Pop Chinese Restaurant: AAPI Businesses Shaping America | Forbes

For many AAPI families, the ability to survive, prosper and build a better life for future generations has been through entrepreneurship - everything from owning a small business to building a national household name.
You may know Panda Express as a staple Chinese restaurant chain in most cities, but what many people don’t know is that the business is family owned. Andrew and Peggy Cherng opened the first Panda Express in 1983 in Glendale, California, a decade after opening their first Panda Inn restaurant in Pasadena. Now, the nation-wide company has over 2,200 locations and is a household name in America. Their daughter, Andrea, also works for the company as Chief Brand Officer.
In this four-part series, we talked to family-owned and operated businesses where both the elder and newer generations are hard at work, to find out how they started and what the American Dream means to them.
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[@Tarrontrades]

My girlfriend and I ate at our local Panda Express, and there were a lot of people crowded in a circle when we got there. When we were able to make out what everyone was looking at it was the owners. They were passing through town and wanted to stop by and greet the crew, they weren’t wearing anything flashy, there wasn’t security they just had wide smiles and were taking photos with everyone that asked for one. Very wholesome moment

[@maynou9861]

My kids got their first jobs at Panda and it’s true that they care of their employees. Thank you giving back to the community.

[@diariosdekarina]

Their daughter is such an inspirational speaker! You can feel the passion in her words ❤️

[@lonelypigeon7562]

probably rather have her speak than Ivanka.

[@sciencegirl2012]

Totally agree!🔥👏🎉

[@Mark-vs9rk]

She's lived an easy life full of every luxury you could imagine. She has a zero pressure job doing something she lines.... I think anyone in that situation would sound happy and inspirational

[@harryg5692]

As a native born Chinese, my American friends often ask me if I like Panda Express. My answer is always yes. Sure, it's not "authentic" and remotely resembles the food we eat back home, but its delicious in its own right. To me personally, it's not just Chinese food, but American Chinese food, and I say this out of the respect to the Chinese American culture. As much as I like the food we eat back home, I appreciate orange chicken for its history and deliciousness.

[@trevor3013]

That's the beauty of the US food industry and large immigration. There are so many fusion recipes and restaurants like TexMex etc. I give all my love and respect to Chinese Americans that made their lives here and built their dreams. It's nearly impossible to find a single American that doesn't know what Panda Express is. Though I agree about authenticity. To be fair. You can find many authentic dishes in real Chinese restaurants in the US. Panda is still fast food after all

[@truegamer4208]

If dogs n cars are ir thing then congrats your an authentic Chinese person

[@Neojhun]

@@truegamer4208 Yep China sells alot of caRs.

[@dodietaparedes6897]

I love working for Panda Express ❤❤❤ Thank you Andrew and Peggy for giving me and my family the opportunity for better lives!!

[@TeraGreene1]

Thank you for your service as a worker :)

[@johndee759]

@@TeraGreene1 the only way to make more money in the hospitality industry is to switch jobs and come back. Yes you could become a regional manager with Panda Express but you do need to know how play the politics game. Your hard work and loyalty will not necessary lead to more money and happiness. It’s the new reality. As much as the companies don’t owe you anything so do you. If you are working hard and being loyal and your still don’t get your promotion. Go to the next company that really wants you there and values your time and talent. I don’t want to sound grumpy but if you know what you are worth then go out and get what your are worth.

[@johndee759]

I am thankful for the experience I got at Panda. I do think the Cherngs can do better for the team members that work there.

[@Ali-mc4le]

Please stop adding some chemical in your food that makes my stomach hurt for days. Thanks

[@uhurus2]

I worked at panda express, and it sucked!!!! It was no different than working at any other fast food chain in america

[@RayfilWong]

After college, Andrew Cherng invited me to his office for a mentorship. Memorable + thankful - Asian Food Nerd

[@tmanager5574]

what did you learn?

[@RayfilWong]

@@tmanager5574 Sahil great question. (1) spend money to hire the best exec from other brands (2) focus on motivating employees . I have a channel on KZbin called Asian Food Nerd feel free to subscribe. thx

[@proudasiangirl576]

The entire family spoke so eloquently.

[@masonkim7]

dang... the daughter seems so passionate... I'm happy for her and a bit jealous too.

[@Eagle00pr]

Is not called jealousy is called admiration.

[@PrashantTayshetye]

Love how these guys have worked so hard to build this business

[@huntrandy]

We were the first ones to have Panda Inn in Pasadena cater a party for us. Andrew didn't know how much to charge because they had never done it before. We still go back to Panda after close to 40 years. Our favorite Chinese restaurant. We love you Andrew!! Randy Hunt

[@MsBucopie]

I used to worked at Panda and i would say its the best place to work, give you incentives evety 6 months if ur working great and the cleanest restaurant coz we clean everynite . Now am retired, thank you Panda.

[@PreciousLWilliams]

Thank you and your family for telling this story! What a great American story! A great AAPI story! A story of triumph! Thank you for this tonight! I am a black entrepreneur who celebrates what you all are doing in the community at large! I salute you! AND LOVE YOUR FOOD!!!!

[@galileykwong7017]

Panda is also the largest non-black supporter of The Black Lives Matter movement.

[@filthyperverts9426]

@@galileykwong7017 BLM is racist organization

[@filthyperverts9426]

An entrepreneur ! Aren't you all Queen of the Nile

[@galileykwong7017]

@@filthyperverts9426 Panda inc found learn that most of the black worker's father where killed or on jail.

[@choo1030]

Panda Express now pays $17/hour for FOH employee. That's higher than most restaurants' minimum wage.

[@BD-lq4id]

Panda Express is actually so good considering it's "fast food". Also, I Honor and Appreciate all the Chinese who endured exploitation and inhuman treatment historically at the hands of the american identity.

[@forward_ever_ever2595]

For real dude

[@TeraGreene1]

Here here

[@johndee759]

Why doesn’t Panda Express incorporate their company in Los Angeles? They opened up their first restaurant in Pasadena and the their first Panda Express at the Glendale Galleria Mall. Shouldn’t Andrew Cherng pay back taxes to his beloved Los Angeles Community? His daughters are fortunate to grow up and live in South Pasadena one of the most affluent cities in the United States. Andrew you would make a stronger case for yourself if you incorporate your company in LA. Remember your roots that made you the billionaire you are today.

[@forward_ever_ever2595]

@@johndee759 he pays tax and thats the important thing. Maybe he simply does not want to incorporate in LA....its his choice, his perogative. The affluent city did not raise his daughters, he ("by the sweat of thy brow, man shall eat bread") raised his daughters. Maybe if you were in his shoes thats what you would've done, and that would be your choice, but not necessairly his or as a matter of fact, anybody else's.

[@johndee759]

@@forward_ever_ever2595 I worked in his Panda Express restaurants before. Andrew employs many of his relatives. Some really are not hospitality people and violate lots of HR rules. These relatives really don’t have any place at his restaurant. My manager had no clue and was just yelling all the time. Really bad. How I wish I had reported these people to HR. I was a young kid in college and was scared. But he really deserved to be fired.

[@danielclooney6248]

I love this family and what they are doing and what they stand for. God bless. Plus I love your food!!!

[@stacyscooby8488]

I am so proud to be A Chinese American Really Proud . My boyfriend and My family Loves Panda Express. Thank you to all the workers at panda express thank you so much All of you guys are so amazing. Thank you so Much . We Love the food. thank you so much.

[@tednguyen7258]

hope yur bf is asian...

[@stacyscooby8488]

@@tednguyen7258 No he is not why do you care if he is Asian ?

[@tednguyen7258]

date your own kind u race traitor.....say no to asian hate...lol...meaning stop hating yourself

[@__miss__cc]

Thank you Panda Express family! I will continue to support your business!

[@triantv.6824]

I'm so grateful to be able to work for such a great company that cares about their people and is continously making the world a better place. 🙏

[@windsong3wong828]

I ABSOLUTELY LOVED PANDA EXPRESS. So good…… I had so much Panda Express in my holidays to the USA.❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@arellysritchieauthor]

the earlier Chinese settlers in America suffer a lot of discrimination, to this day the American government still hasn't honored the Chinese contributions in the building of America's train railroads, it was the Chinese expertise in the area of explosives that helps take the train railroads from dream to reality, panda express is such a legacy restaurant that should be included in America's food history as Americas first Chinese fast-food restaurant chain.

[@BD-lq4id]

While I respect and agree with the majority of what you've said, Chinese laborers didn't have some sort of "expertise" with handling the highly volatile explosive nitroglycerin, they were used to handle it because their lives were viewed as more expendable than the white laborers. Its important not to glorify or whitewash old events with false narratives, even if you're attempting to uplift the oppressed.

[@nelsondecaires9516]

You don’t even know what you’re saying! Those Chinese building the rail roads had know expertise, they just knew had to work hard and the same happened ALL OVER THE WORLD. First generation always suffer the most not to mention that they were better off here that’s in China and that closes this negative narrative. In life you learn from the past to move forward and make it better. IF YOU CANT MAKE IT IN THE US YOU CANT MAKE IT ANYWHERE ELSE. END OF STORY

[@arellysritchieauthor]

@@BD-lq4id first of all I am not glorifying anything, I am saying it the way it is, we all know the truth of how america came to be, and the contribution many races and ethnicities had in shaping america into america! the chinese,the native americans indians and many other ethnicities help build the rail roads, BUT it was the chinese expertise in explosives that help the project progress faster, what your saying about the rail road investors seeing the lives of the chinese more expendable make no sense whatsoever, the rail road investors when out of their way to get chinese workers who had expertise in explosives to work for them, its thanks to the chinese workers that the investors of the rail road project saw their dream go from only a dream to become a reality, its disgusting seing how you are trying to make the contribution the earlier chinese setlers had in helping shape america in what america is to day look insignificant!

[@johndee759]

Why doesn’t Panda Express incorporate their company in Los Angeles? They opened up their first restaurant in Pasadena and the their first Panda Express at the Glendale Galleria Mall. Shouldn’t Andrew Cherng pay back taxes to his beloved Los Angeles Community? His daughters are fortunate to grow up and live in South Pasadena one of the most affluent cities in the United States. Andrew you would make a stronger case for yourself if you incorporate your company in LA. Remember your roots that made you the billionaire you are today.

[@johndee759]

@@SnowyCountryChicken oh man. I used to work for panda. And I like Andrew for doing all these seminars to better yourself. 7 habits and so on. I think if he’d pay his taxes also in California, it would make him and Peggy greater leaders of the community. The manager I worked before was related to Peggy.

[@SuperBatman-jr6rp]

I just had Panda Express today before watching this video.😂

[@qmawpxvecxydiwixytvieowizhehsi]

Tomorrow I'm getting some. 🤤

[@johndee759]

Why doesn’t Panda Express incorporate their company in Los Angeles? They opened up their first restaurant in Pasadena and the their first Panda Express at the Glendale Galleria Mall. Shouldn’t Andrew Cherng pay back taxes to his beloved Los Angeles Community? His daughters are fortunate to grow up and live in South Pasadena one of the most affluent cities in the United States. Andrew you would make a stronger case for yourself if you incorporate your company in LA. Remember your roots that made you the billionaire you are today.

[@lonelypigeon7562]

my favs are chow mein or chow fun, orange chicken, mushroom chicken, and many more to come.

[@domnic1308]

THATS HOW YOU SUPPORT A FAMILY BUSINESS. After you’re done with outside stuff, you go and give a couple hours of your time to the family business. Cousins, aunts and uncles all together until the abundance of blessings come together. Love the legacy

[@lesliesusana1373]

Panda Express it the fast food chain that pays the most. My cousin was working for $8 dollars at Chickfilla and she moved to Panda Express and they started her at $11.

[@InspireMe819]

my local mcdonalds pays 13.75 per hour

[@MissMocha]

@@InspireMe819 Mine pays $9

[@vanessamartinez211]

@@InspireMe819 The McDonald’s I work at pays me $15.25

[@KaleHello]

@@vanessamartinez211 A higher working wage most likely means a liberal state. The problems with liberals increasing the minimum wage is a result of increased costs such as food, production etc. I support a working wage but there are inplications to it. In Seattle, $16.00/ hr is not enough and results in more harm rather than good unless you move further south.

[@vanessamartinez211]

@@KaleHello I live here in Austin Texas everything is adorable.

[@summertime11413]

I miss my Panda Express take out from the Mall😩 .... Hope I get to have it again. Gorgeous food .. always fresh! ..... LONDON UK

[@FocusedLogos]

What an incredible people, wow really love their ideals and model of leadership vs management. It’s about personal growth not the bottom line. Great stuff

[@j.psimon3056]

I love stories like this! Congratulations to this family and I aspire to be like them!

[@TravelwithTommy]

Amazing family that successfully founded this great fastfood chain.

[@Slackyboy576]

Such an inspiring story!

[@Dc5_henry]

I love Panda Express 🐼 ❤️ thank you guys for everything!!

[@errinwright]

We're all learning about each area of our lives such as Panda, through youtube, that's awesome

[@jlin7724]

Living in Asia now, do miss the orange chicken and broccoli beef combo. And always the Americanized chow mein with hot sauce.

[@raymondchow2828]

so many nuggets of wisdom here.. it truly is time!

[@trendnwin6545]

What a great success story! Love the food and love how it is family owned.

[@dustinpoe5303]

God Bless you and your family for sharing your wonderful Asian American success story!

[@sweetocheetoh1062]

I've been working for panda express for 10 years and half now.

[@MontyGumby]

@@RollerBladingSuxs "so far" ? like 10 years ? LOL

[@MontyGumby]

@@RollerBladingSuxs I'm laughing at your question

[@seankhmersight4854]

Amazing how love built this great business… congratulations to the family

[@Iam_curious_2024]

I met Mr. Andrew Cherng many years ago. We were talking about business, and he handed me his business card that had free Entree coupon on it. I thought it was an interesting business card. But he was humble and friendly.

[@_nickatnite_]

I honestly love panda express so much. I'm surprised its not more popular in NYC

[@GodOfWarConnoisseur]

Proud to have a great opportunity working @ Panda Express 🙏

[@charlesperera1776]

Congratulations, truly this is the American dream! 💙💙💙👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@sdmsr8765]

I really enjoy Panda's commitment to great food and family.

[@TheDgdunn62]

Went last week after work and my local Panda and they were out of Orange Chicken, Beef broc most of everything. Also wish they would bring back the Hot n Sour soup.

[@muntongleong1755]

I ❤️ Panda Express! Salute to these people! ✊🏻

[@melvinastjohn3769]

ALWAYS THE HIGHEST QUALITY SERVICE AND PRICES WELL FOR A VERY HUNGRY FAMILY 😁😇🎊♥️💕

[@octoviusthar1108]

Peggy Cherng was born in Burma? Great job for having great success not just in business also in engineering… i an from Burma too

[@NyanZ]

I didn’t even know she was from Burma until now 😭

[@tinalaplaca6638]

Hey l know Panda Express...it's all over the place. Good American Chinese food. I'm proud of the Chinese families that make it happen...the are hard working people

[@MrZgui415]

Never been to a Panda Express but I am at least now open to the idea . . .

[@StellaPianowithShibaDog]

In Canada, it is Chinese Canadian. When I went to Seattle and ate at Panda Express (don't have it in Vancouver...too many Chinese people here), I was surprised they call themselves "American Chinese".

[@mizuko6132]

This is an incredible story. Truly inspiring.

[@ShoppingwithRina]

So inspiring this one

[@guillauxilio293]

I have a picture with him at Santa Clara brunch... Very nice person!!!

[@nnnnn7253]

Wow, I love the legacy behind this, never knew this

[@IdeasDontBounce]

How do we pay them more? How do we make the work more easy? How do we get them to come back? Just incredible.

[@garfieldthielemier7576]

First big Asian company to come out and stand with Asians not worrying about profits, political correctness, cancel culture, etc. Thank you Panda Express! Hope other global Asian companies follow this.

[@jhonnyreyescastro]

It’s a beautiful story! Many more success! ❤️

[@MrBartman002]

wow this is so inspirational.

[@dannynim414]

Wow! Biggest Mom & Pop Chinese restaurant. Maybe I'm wrong but I've not hear any % revenue share with local community such as Target. As AAPI is being targeted, I've not hear from Panda Express voice. As I recalled when Panda Express cashier asked for donation for children cause and I replied back that how much Panda Express match my donation. The cashier did not response. Panda Express's success because of our Asian community contribution. I just wish Panda Express spread their wealth back to Asian American community. I really admired Facebook CEO's wife, Priscilla Chan who donates lot's money to education and hospital. She was born in Boston from Asian American parent(Chinese Vietnamese refugee). Majority Panda Express's employees paid minimum wages. Have you ever hear BOBO in Panda Express restaurant during Chinese New Year?. Andrew Cherng produced this video to show a legacy of being the Biggest Mom & Pop Chinese Restaurant. A great legacy is remembered for being generous to society and community which you benefit from. Well, please stay safe.

[@bigdaddydiesel4053]

We don't manage people, we lead them!! Love that line.

[@ArleneThibodeaux]

Wonderful story! Love Panda Express!❤

[@Sanfranshelley]

Beautiful story

[@kaylajohnson9203]

Congratulations to Panda! So excellent

[@InternetGirl1093]

This is very interesting - I feel like a lot of people don’t know that Panda Express was founded by Chinese people. The comment I’ve heard people make often (even Chinese people) is “that’s not Chinese food.” Very interesting.

[@lowkeyconvert8971]

it's not authentic chinese food. it's americanised chinese food even though the company was founded by chinese people. also, china's a huge country so the food changes by region. what you're getting in western countries is just a snapshot of the variety available although it's slowly getting better in terms of menu choices.

[@e.p5109]

HOME GIRL IS A BOSSSSS yes she is gonna take her family’s business into the future. Good for her family and their hard work 🥰

[@cosmeticscameo8277]

her parents did all the leg work.

[@gzfashions]

Good stewardship brings great prosperity 🙏🏽

[@coolinspirefunnybook1289]

thx for panda express to be exist in America,if u love fast food meal (chicken ) but want to eat vege too (brocolli) so not all are bad food, thats the only place to go.

[@_WorldPeace]

. Great story.

[@PPE707]

Love Panda Express!!

[@carlosvega4704]

I wish the portions would be bigger.. younas for beef with broccoli , is more like broccoli.. two or three pieces of meat

[@andy8034]

Yall need to bring a panda inn buffet to the midwest

[@joyous8248]

Lol I just went to one here in freehold nj & it was closed !! My son was so upset !!

[@A22DNAL]

Whew, the vitriol in these comments is R-E-A-L! Not my favorite Chinese food by a long shot. BUT...I respect what they have built! The entire point of the story is them sharing what they have built. If you cannot respect that, respect their pride in what they have accomplished, and respect their organization then please close your trap. This is impressive. And if I am in a spot where it's the best option of what is available, I am getting me the 2 entrees+rice. No questions asked.

[@bwenyin8333]

wow! have they grown. Panda Express Portege, Kalamazoo MI hahaha

[@alexs5744]

You gotta love a success story.

[@mikeg3439]

Impressive chain, wish they used less sugar in some of the dishes, but I suspect I'm in the minority on this.

[@lauralarrabee7870]

I appreciate their struggle but wished they used cleaner oil and or cleaned the oil used for the meals more frequently. That stuff will give a person gall stones.

[@tom4wlt]

You're not alone or a minority. As an Asian, I've always thought Panda Express catered to the Western palette (if there's even such a thing). Traditional Chinese cuisine uses sugar sparingly-usually to balance the saltiness of the dish. They're pairing up with Beyond Meat though, so that should make it healthier. 🙄

[@sophieca6906]

They have a open kitchen which everyone can see. Clean cooking :-).

[@mike7733m]

Panda Express is the bomb I love it I eat there every time I can and they use Kikkoman soy sauce nobody else does LOL

[@irisrussell2831]

🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 the American Dream ❤️

[@debika1]

I’m actually curious what Panda Express give their employees for Chinese NewYear this year (2023 which was last week) For the 8 years that I’ve worked for Panda Express, I remember receiving a red envelope 🧧 with only a coin of a dollar 🤬!!!! Yea, that’s how much they appreciate us.

[@darrylnelson05]

I like Panda Express, I can guarantee that the food was better in their original restaurant where the entire family worked. Another American Success Story.

[@tootspogsforever5590]

Next upcoming big Asian fastfood will be Jollibee!😀

[@d0min0danc1ng]

What about PF chang ? That overpriced stuck up yuppy hangout might be outdated now huh ?

[@jimwong2823]

By far😵😵😵😵 luckiest family on the planet

[@BaesHome]

Thank you for sharing your story. Now I'm craving for some Panda Express! hahaha

[@marklance033]

Yet, it's so hard to reach customer service.

[@Zhonguoria]

I studied 2 years of architecture, but am not practicing it. Nevertheless, I remember my architecture teacher saying "We do not copy the past merely to copy - we use the past as a SEED for the future." In other words, we take the best of the past, and combine it with the best of the present, to create the best future we can give our children. The best is yet to come - THAT is the Chinese mentality!

[@uinisefaustinafoochong7743]

This is my band mates favorite restaurant

[@kellys757]

the last mean I had was panda express before leaving the US

[@uinisefaustinafoochong7743]

When they say eat panda and I say oh God again??? Okay let's get panda

[@louislin9]

👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@flashyvirtouso7423]

This is the mom who is the soul and strength of panda dad

[@joei8236]

First opened Restruant Making 12000 a month in 1973 is…. Low? Less than what he was making as a waiter? I’m I tripping?

[@VernettaRFreeney]

I love Panda Express. So glad their story is being told as an American story. As a former educator I know they do provide fun activities for Chinese New Year for classes. They are community minded.

[@PrashantTayshetye]

Love Panda Express

[@jacobharrison8939]

They’re a family business but won’t allow employees have family that work there

[@tananga1523]

I love that they colaborating with Beyond Meat to make plant based food ! Great work !!!

[@TeraGreene1]

Wow!!

[@lewizzrocks]

Lol that’s stuff is trash they have like 500 ingredients

[@johndee759]

Why doesn’t Panda Express incorporate their company in Los Angeles? They opened up their first restaurant in Pasadena and the their first Panda Express at the Glendale Galleria Mall. Shouldn’t Andrew Cherng pay back taxes to his beloved Los Angeles Community? His daughters are fortunate to grow up and live in South Pasadena one of the most affluent cities in the United States. Andrew you would make a stronger case for yourself if you incorporate your company in LA. Remember your roots that made you the billionaire you are today.

[@35774]

That looks like Ms Hinton from the Fourth Floor

[@miguellabrada]

The real American dream.

[@johndee759]

Why doesn’t Panda Express incorporate their company in Los Angeles? They opened up their first restaurant in Pasadena and the their first Panda Express at the Glendale Galleria Mall. Shouldn’t Andrew Cherng pay back taxes to his beloved Los Angeles Community? His daughters are fortunate to grow up and live in South Pasadena one of the most affluent cities in the United States. Andrew you would make a stronger case for yourself if you incorporate your company in LA. Remember your roots that made you the billionaire you are today.

[@keithfreitas2983]

Because the corporation taxes, fees and licensing are so high in California let alone the taxes they pay to each city they are in.

[@carmensantana1374]

Love panda express 🤩😜👍

[@7.5Mviews]

I wish they had soups like hot and sour or wonton soup.

[@linniangkahao2246]

They used to have hot and sour soup.

[@lonelypigeon7562]

@@linniangkahao2246 still do but you have to travel to the middle of the pacific ocean..........Hawaii.

[@edema.3418]

They need to bring back the BBQ pork.