Early Life
Andrew Cherng was born in April 1948, in Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, China. His father was a chef. In 1966, at the age of 18, he immigrated to the United States to study at Baker University in Kansas, where he met his future wife, Peggy Tsiang. He 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.
Rise to Success
In 1973, Andrew Cherng took over a restaurant in Pasadena and started Panda Inn with his father. In 1983, he launched Panda Express at the Glendale Galleria mall. The chain quickly expanded, becoming a staple in malls and eventually, stand-alone locations. Today, Panda Express has over 2,600 locations worldwide. The couple serves as co-CEOs of Panda Restaurant Group.
Key Business Strategies
Cherng’s success can be attributed to his innovative approach to business, including a focus on people development and a commitment to providing exceptional Asian dining experiences. Peggy Cherng, his wife and co-CEO, used her engineering background and data analytics to optimize the business's operations, standardizing far-reaching operations and implementing a rigorous management curriculum.
Philanthropy
Andrew and Peggy Cherng are committed to philanthropy. They established Panda Cares in 1999 to give back to the community, providing food, funding, and volunteer services to underserved youth and disaster relief efforts. The Cherngs have contributed over $100 million to various causes, including education and healthcare initiatives. In 2023, they donated $100 million to City of Hope to advance cancer care.
