Early Life
Peggy Cherng was born in Mawlamyine, Myanmar (formerly Burma), and grew up in Hong Kong. She attended Clementi Secondary School and graduated in 1966. In the mid-1960s, she immigrated to the United States to pursue higher education, starting at Baker University in Kansas. She later transferred to Oregon State University, earning a bachelor's degree in applied mathematics in 1970. Her educational journey continued at the University of Missouri, where she obtained a Master of Science in computer science and a Ph.D. in electrical engineering in 1974.
Rise to Success
After completing her Ph.D., Cherng began her career as an engineering specialist at McDonnell Douglas, where she worked on computer simulation. In 1982, she joined her husband, Andrew Cherng, in the restaurant business, becoming the Operations Manager at Panda Restaurant Group. In 1983, they co-founded Panda Express, opening its first location in Glendale, California. Cherng's background in engineering proved crucial in developing the company's operational systems, including those for inventory management and customer feedback. She also became president of Panda Restaurant Group in 1997, CEO and President from 1997 to 2003, and has been co-chair and co-CEO since 2004.
Key Business Strategies
Peggy Cherng played a crucial role in the success of Panda Express by implementing sales and analytics software, which helped make Panda Express the dominant player among Asian limited-service chains in America. Her technical skills and strategic vision were instrumental in expanding the chain to over 2,600 locations worldwide. The chain focuses on American Chinese cuisine, including signature dishes like Orange Chicken. Panda Express has focused on innovation to optimize its operations and provide a consistent customer experience across locations. The Cherngs have emphasized maintaining family ownership of the business.
Philanthropy
The Cherngs are committed to philanthropy. They have made significant donations to educational institutions, including the University of Missouri and California Institute of Technology, where the Andrew and Peggy Cherng Department of Medical Engineering was established with a $30 million gift. Additionally, in 2023, the Cherngs donated $100 million to City of Hope to advance cancer care.