Picture this: It’s the dead of night, your stomach is growling louder than a lion, and you reach for your phone. Your fingers dance over the screen, leading you to the haven of late-night cravings – Panda Express. But do you know the curious origins of this beloved fast-food chain? Buckle up, because this tale is as unexpected as finding chopsticks in your glove compartment.

The Humble Beginnings: Panda Inn Airlines


Back in 1983, Andrew Cherng was navigating through some turbulence with his airline he started 10 years before, Panda Inn. Yep, you read that right – an airline. However, there was a bit of a hiccup. The flight attendants, who were supposed to be the friendly faces of the skies, were mostly in their early twenties. According to the job applications, most attendants were 25, 24, and 22. This youthful crew wasn’t quite hitting the high notes of customer service. So, in a stroke of genius, or perhaps desperation, Andrew Cherng decided to redirect these attendants into a new venture. Thus, a restaurant under the same name, Panda Inn, was born, aimed at employing the under-30 crowd who could no longer take to the skies.

Birth of Panda Express: A Food Court Revolution


Fast forward to 1989, when fate intervened in the form of a manager at Glendale Galleria. With a little nudge from then-UCLA football coach Terry Donahue, the Cherngs were invited to create a fast-food version of their sit-down restaurant for the mall’s food court. In October 1989, the first Panda Express opened its doors in Glendale, California. This marked a pivotal shift from the turbulence of Panda Inn Airlines to the flavorful land of fast food.

Expansion and Innovation: From Malls to Supermarkets


Panda Express initially took root in shopping mall food courts, but the Cherngs had bigger plans. By the late 1980s and early 1990s, they ventured beyond malls into supermarkets and even stand-alone locations. In 1997, the company launched its first stand-alone drive-through restaurant in Hesperia, California. Meanwhile, the airline, Panda Inn, decided to hang up its wings for good after 24 years.

Behind the scenes, Peggy Cherng, with her expertise in software and systems analysis, computerized the restaurant’s operations early on. This tech-savvy approach standardized processes and scaled the business efficiently, enabling Panda Express to serve up higher volumes and meet the growing demand.

Menu Marvels: The Birth of Orange Chicken


Panda Express owes much of its culinary fame to its signature dish, Orange Chicken. Developed by Chef Andy Kao in 1990, this crispy, sweet, and spicy delight was inspired by the flavors of Hunan Province. Other crowd-pleasers like Beijing Beef, Honey Walnut Shrimp, and Kung Pao Chicken soon followed, cementing Panda Express’s place in the fast-food hall of fame.

As consumer preferences evolved, so did Panda Express’s menu. The chain introduced health-conscious Wok Smart™ selections, each dish boasting 300 calories or less and at least 8 grams of protein. More recently, they’ve dipped their toes into plant-based options and delectable desserts like the Apple Pie Roll.

Going Global: From California to the World


Today, Panda Express is a global sensation with over 2,500 locations worldwide, including in Mexico, Canada, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates. The chain has also embraced the digital age, modernizing store designs to accommodate the surge in online orders and drive-thru services. The new store model, which debuted in Dripping Springs, Texas, features fewer seats and a larger kitchen to keep up with the fast-paced demand.

Giving Back: The Heart of Panda Cares
Beyond serving delicious food, Panda Express is dedicated to community engagement and philanthropy. Through the Panda Cares Foundation, the company supports underserved children and disaster relief efforts, raising over $329 million to date. Their mission is simple: to bring smiles and support to those who need it most.

Future Horizons: What’s Next for Panda Express?
Looking ahead, Panda Express has no intention of slowing down. With plans to introduce new menu items, enhance digital and delivery services, and expand its global reach, the future looks bright. The Cherng family’s vision and resilience continue to drive the brand forward, ensuring that Panda Express remains a staple in the fast-food industry.

In summary, the history of Panda Express is a rollercoaster of innovation, resilience, and a dash of serendipity. From its quirky beginnings as an airline to becoming the largest Asian-segment restaurant chain in the United States, Panda Express has mastered the art of evolution while staying true to its delicious roots. So, next time you indulge in a plate of Orange Chicken, remember the wild journey that brought those flavors to your table.