Early Life
Peggy Tsiang Cherng was born in Mawlamyine, Myanmar (formerly Burma), around 1947/1948 and grew up in Hong Kong. She attended Clementi Secondary School, graduating in 1966. Cherng then moved to the United States to pursue higher education, attending Baker University in Kansas, where she met her future husband, Andrew Cherng.
Rise to Success
Peggy Cherng earned a Bachelor of Science in applied mathematics from Oregon State University in 1970. She furthered her education at the University of Missouri, earning a Master of Science in computer science in 1971, and a Ph.D. in electrical engineering in 1974. Prior to entering the restaurant business, Cherng worked as an engineering specialist at McDonnell Douglas and later as a technical engineer and software department manager at Comtal Corporation.
In 1982, she joined her husband, Andrew, in the Panda Restaurant Group as Operations Manager, and the following year, they opened the first Panda Express in Glendale, California. Peggy Cherng became president of Panda Restaurant Group in 1997, and served as CEO and president from 1997 to 2003. In 2004, she became co-chair and co-CEO, a position she still holds. Panda Express has grown to over 2,600 locations worldwide.
Key Business Strategies
Peggy Cherng played a crucial role in building the company's computer systems to track customer feedback and streamline operations. This early adoption of technology was a key factor in the company's rapid expansion. Panda Express focused on providing American-Chinese cuisine with a focus on quality and consistency, which led to the company's growth. The Cherngs have chosen not to franchise most of their locations, maintaining control over the brand and operations.
Philanthropy
The Cherngs are known for their philanthropic contributions. They established Panda Cares in 1999, which donates to children in need and disaster relief efforts. In 2017, they donated $30 million to Caltech to establish the Andrew and Peggy Cherng Department of Medical Engineering.
