Early Life
Andrew Cherng was born in April 1948, in Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, Republic of China. His father was a chef. Due to the Chinese Civil War, the family moved to Taiwan and later to Yokohama, Japan, where his father continued working as a chef. At the age of 18, Cherng immigrated to the United States to study at Baker University in Kansas.
Rise to Success
Cherng earned a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Baker University in 1970 and a master's degree in applied mathematics from the University of Missouri in 1972. In 1973, he and his father opened Panda Inn in Pasadena, California. In 1983, the first Panda Express opened in the Glendale Galleria mall, marking a shift towards a fast-casual dining model. Peggy Cherng's expertise in operations helped ensure the consistency of the food quality and service, key for the brand's rapid growth. Panda Express became the largest Asian-American restaurant chain in the U.S. with over 2,500 locations worldwide by the end of 2024. The chain is known for its Orange Chicken dish, a signature menu item.
Key Business Strategies
Cherng's innovative business approach prioritized employees and customers. The company focused on employee development and cultural inclusivity. Panda Express expanded beyond mall food courts, opening stand-alone restaurants, and utilizing technological advancements to enhance operations. The company has also resisted franchising its stores.
Philanthropy
Andrew Cherng and his wife, Peggy, established Panda Cares, the philanthropic arm of Panda Restaurant Group. Panda Cares has donated over $375 million to non-profit organizations, schools, and children's hospitals since 1999. In 2023, the Cherngs donated $100 million to City of Hope to advance cancer care. They have also supported educational institutions, including a $30 million gift to the California Institute of Technology.
