Early Life and Education
Andrew Cherng was born in April 1948, in Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, Republic of China. His family moved to Taiwan after the Chinese Civil War and later to Japan, where his father worked as a chef. In 1966, at 18, he immigrated to the United States to study mathematics at Baker University in Kansas, where he earned a bachelor's degree. He then earned a master's degree in applied mathematics from the University of Missouri in 1972.
Rise to Success
Cherng's entrepreneurial journey began in 1973 with Panda Inn, a sit-down Chinese restaurant in Pasadena, California, co-founded with his father. The pivotal moment arrived in 1983 when he launched the first Panda Express in Glendale, California. This fast-casual concept adapted traditional Chinese cuisine for the American market, with Orange Chicken becoming a signature dish. The company expanded rapidly, reaching 100 locations by 1993 and over 2,500 locations worldwide by 2025.
Key Business Strategies
A key strategy was adapting Chinese flavors to American tastes, which proved highly successful. Panda Express also implemented profit-sharing for managers, fostering a strong company culture. The company's expansion strategy focused on high-traffic locations like malls and airports. Cherng has consistently emphasized employee development and cultural inclusivity as core values.
Philanthropy
Andrew and Peggy Cherng are deeply committed to philanthropy through Panda Cares, the restaurant group's philanthropic arm. Since 1999, Panda Cares has raised over $449 million to support education, health services, and disaster relief.
