Panda Express

Panda Express, located at 101 W Imperial Hwy G in Brea, California, is a prominent fast-food chain specializing in American Chinese cuisine. Established as a quick-service restaurant, it offers a variety of Chinese dishes that cater to both traditional tastes and modern health-conscious preferences. The restaurant is part of a larger family-owned enterprise founded by Andrew and Peggy Cherng, who brought their passion for authentic Chinese flavors combined with innovative business practices to the United States. Since its inception, Panda Express has grown into one of the most recognized names in Chinese fast food, with over 2,000 locations nationwide and a reputation for quality and consistency.

The origins of Panda Express trace back to 1973 when Andrew Cherng and his father, Master Chef Ming-Tsai Cherng, opened Panda Inn in Pasadena, California. This initial venture focused on Mandarin and Sichuan cuisine, setting a foundation for what would become a fast-food empire. In 1983, Andrew and Peggy Cherng launched the first Panda Express at the Glendale Galleria in Glendale, California, transforming the traditional dining experience into a fast-casual format. Peggy Cherng, with her strong background in applied mathematics, computer science, and electrical engineering, played a crucial role in developing customized computerized operating systems that streamlined order taking, inventory management, and ingredient reordering. This early adoption of technology helped Panda Express maintain high standards of service and efficiency, distinguishing it from competitors.

One of the most iconic offerings at Panda Express is its Orange Chicken, introduced in 1987 by former executive chef Andy Kao. This dish, inspired by the flavors of Hunan Province, features crispy boneless chicken bites coated in a sweet and spicy orange sauce. It has become a signature item, with nearly half of all customers choosing it as part of their meal, and the chain sells approximately 70 million pounds of Orange Chicken annually. Alongside this, Panda Express offers a variety of other popular dishes such as Beijing Beef and Honey Walnut Shrimp, which have received accolades for their taste and innovation.

Panda Express also emphasizes health-conscious dining through its Wok Smart™ menu selections, which include items that are 300 calories or less and contain at least 8 grams of protein. This initiative reflects the brand’s commitment to providing balanced meal options that appeal to a wide range of customers, including those seeking nutritious choices without sacrificing flavor.

Beyond its culinary offerings, Panda Express is dedicated to community engagement and philanthropy through its Panda Cares program. This charitable arm focuses on supporting underserved children and disaster relief efforts by providing food, funding, and volunteer services. The company’s commitment to social responsibility complements its business success and reinforces its role as a community-oriented organization.

The Brea location at 101 W Imperial Hwy G continues to uphold the brand’s standards by delivering fast, flavorful Chinese cuisine in a convenient setting. Customers can reach the restaurant by phone at +1 714-674-0036 for inquiries or orders. Panda Express remains a leader in the fast-food industry by blending authentic Chinese culinary traditions with modern operational excellence, making it a preferred destination for those seeking quick, delicious, and health-conscious Chinese meals in the United States.