Early Life and Education
Peggy Tsiang Cherng was born in Mawlamyine, Myanmar (formerly British Burma), and grew up in Hong Kong. She attended Clementi Secondary School and then moved to the United States for higher education. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in applied mathematics from Oregon State University in 1970. Later, she completed a Master of Science degree in computer science and a Ph.D. in electrical engineering from the University of Missouri.
Rise to Success
After her education, Cherng worked in engineering, including a role at McDonnell Douglas, where she helped design battlefield simulators. In 1982, she joined Panda Restaurant Group as an Operations Manager and played a crucial role in developing the company's computer systems, which helped to track customer feedback and streamline operations. In 1983, she co-founded Panda Express with her husband, Andrew Cherng, opening the first location in Glendale, California. The couple's strategic vision and Cherng's technological expertise contributed to the chain's rapid expansion.
Key Business Strategies
Peggy Cherng implemented sales and analytics software early on, which helped Panda Express become a leader in the Asian fast-food industry. Her focus on efficiency and innovation, along with strategic expansion, allowed Panda Express to grow to over 2,500 locations by 2024. The company remains family-owned, focusing on consistent quality and a strong company culture.
Philanthropy
The Cherngs are dedicated philanthropists. They have donated over $83 million to various causes, including education and healthcare. A notable donation was $100 million to City of Hope in 2023, to fund a national integrative oncology program. In 2017, they gave $30 million to endow the Andrew and Peggy Cherng Department of Medical Engineering at Caltech.
