Early Life and Education
Andrew Cherng was born in April 1948, in Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, China. His family moved to Taiwan after the Chinese Civil War and later to Yokohama, Japan, where his father worked as a chef. In 1966, at age 18, he immigrated to the United States. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from Baker University in 1970 and a Master of Science degree in Applied Mathematics from the University of Missouri in 1972.
Rise to Success
Cherng's journey in the restaurant industry began with Panda Inn in Pasadena, California, in 1973, with his father, Ming-Tsai Cherng. In 1983, he co-founded Panda Express with his wife, Peggy Cherng, in the Glendale Galleria mall. Panda Express quickly expanded, becoming the largest Asian-American restaurant chain in the United States, with over 2,600 locations worldwide as of 2024.
Key Business Strategies
Cherng's approach prioritized employee and customer satisfaction. The company's focus on adapting Chinese-American cuisine to appeal to a broad audience has been a core strategy. They have leveraged technology, and innovation, and adapted to changing consumer preferences. The creation of the Orange Chicken dish in 1987 by Chef Andy Kao was a significant success factor.
Philanthropy
Andrew and Peggy Cherng are also known for their philanthropy. They established Panda Cares, the philanthropic arm of the Panda Restaurant Group. Their donations have supported various initiatives, including education, healthcare, and community development. Notable gifts include a $30 million gift to the California Institute of Technology for medical engineering.