Panda Express isn’t just your go-to when you’re hungry and in a rush. Behind those steamy plates of orange chicken and broccoli beef are stories most folks don’t know. Ever wondered how it got so big or what’s going on behind the counter? Spoiler: there’s more to this beloved Chinese restaurant than what you’d think. Whether you love the place or just pass by it, you’re about to see it differently.
Started by Immigrants
Back in ’83, Andrew and Ming-Tsai Cherng moved to the U.S. chasing more than an American dream—they were ready to build something from scratch. With little more than ambition, they took a chance on starting a restaurant. One location turned into hundreds. They didn’t follow trends. They trusted their instincts. And now, every bite you take has a little piece of that story cooked in.
No Franchises Here
Did you know that none of the Panda Express spots are franchises? Not a single one! Everything is operated by one company from top to bottom, which is pretty rare for a fast food chain. With this setup, the company gets more control on the quality, taste, look, and feel of the restaurant. Everything is consistent in all local and international locations.
Still in the Family
In relation to no franchises, Panda Express is still family-owned. The Cherngs never sold out to investors or mega-corporations that came their way. They still run the show and call the shots. Until now, Panda Express is known to be one of the biggest private restaurant chains in the world. Everything has been kept within the family since it started.
Origins of the Famous Orange Chicken
Not a lot of people know this – orange chicken is not a Chinese cuisine. It all started in Hawaii back in 1987 by chef Andy Kao. He wanted to come up with a dish that still had a hint of Chinese flavor but something that the locals will surely love. Now, the orange chicken is Panda Express’ most famous item on the menu.
No Added MSG
If you’ve been skipping Chinese takeout because of MSG, here’s some good news. Panda Express stopped using added MSG way back in the early 2000s. They paid attention to customer concerns and made the switch. While some ingredients might still have a bit naturally, they’re not purposely dumping it in. In Panda Express, you still get bold flavor, but without the extra additives.
Real Woks, Not Microwaves
A lot of fast food places just zap things in a microwave to heat things up. Not here. Panda Express uses actual woks to cook your food. That high heat? It locks in flavor and keeps the texture right. Everything’s done fast, fresh, and hot. Panda Express may be fast food but it definitely is not lazy food.
Off-Menu Surprises
Panda Express regulars know about the secret menu. It’s meals that you can order even if it’s not in the displayed or printed menu. These meals are usually limited-time dishes or regional favorites like honey sesame chicken. If they have the ingredients and the restaurant’s not busy, they will make it for you. All you have to do is ask. Of course, you also have to be willing to wait but it’s all worth it.
Training That Goes Beyond Basics
Panda Express is one of the fast food chains that has the highest employee retention rates in the industry. This is because they have a unique training system. Employees are taught people skills, emotional smarts, and how to handle different cultures and situations. Aside from great training, employees stay for the good benefits and pay. Happy teams usually mean better food, too!
Big-Time Revenue
Panda Express brings in more than $3 billion annually—and it’s all company-owned. With no franchises and middle men, they are able to keep all that money within the company. Just quick moves, strong flavors, and smart calls that get things done. This tight grip on operations hasn’t slowed them down; it’s part of what keeps customers coming back. Staying consistent has its rewards—often bigger than expected.
Giving Back with Panda Cares
When you eat at Panda Express, you’re helping more than just your hunger. Through Panda Cares, part of what you spend goes to helping kids—medical help, school support, meals, and more. They’ve given away hundreds of millions. It’s not just lip service, either. They really show up. Ordering food from them means more than just eating—you’re backing a mission and stepping into something larger than yourself.
So next time you swing by Panda Express or pop open that takeout box, remember—you’re getting more than just a quick meal. There’s a whole backstory, full of weird facts and clever moves, behind every dish. Tell a friend, or take another look at that Orange Chicken. Once you know where it comes from, it doesn’t just taste good—it hits differently.
