Panda Express

Panda Express, located at 1115 Highland Ave, National City, CA 91950, is a prominent fast-food chain specializing in American Chinese cuisine. Established in 1983, Panda Express has grown from a single food court location in Glendale, California, to become the largest Chinese fast-food restaurant chain in the United States. The restaurant is well-known for offering a variety of flavorful Chinese dishes that cater to both traditional tastes and modern health-conscious preferences, making it a popular dining choice for a wide range of customers.

The origins of Panda Express trace back to the family-owned Panda Inn, founded by Andrew Cherng, his father Master Chef Ming-Tsai Cherng, and Peggy Cherng in Pasadena, California, in 1973. While Panda Inn focused on upscale, sit-down Chinese dining, the Cherng family recognized the opportunity to create a fast-casual version that could serve high-quality Chinese food quickly and conveniently. This vision led to the opening of the first Panda Express in the Glendale Galleria food court in October 1983. Peggy Cherng’s expertise in engineering and software design played a crucial role in customizing the restaurant’s operating systems, ensuring efficient service and consistent food quality from the start.

Panda Express quickly gained popularity due to its unique approach to fast food, combining traditional Chinese flavors with the convenience of quick service. One of the chain’s signature dishes, the Original Orange Chicken®, was developed by Chef Andy Kao and features crispy chicken bites coated in a sweet and spicy orange sauce inspired by Hunan Province flavors. This dish, along with other favorites like Beijing Beef® and Honey Walnut Shrimp, has become synonymous with the Panda Express brand and contributed significantly to its widespread appeal.

Over the years, Panda Express has expanded beyond mall food courts to include stand-alone restaurants, drive-thru locations, and even outlets in unconventional venues such as military bases and casinos. This expansion strategy has allowed the brand to reach diverse customer bases while maintaining its commitment to quality and service. Today, less than 2% of Panda Express locations are in malls, reflecting the company’s evolution and adaptability in the fast-food industry.

In addition to its culinary offerings, Panda Express is committed to community engagement and philanthropy through its Panda Cares program. This initiative focuses on providing food, funding, and volunteer services to underserved children and disaster relief efforts, demonstrating the company’s dedication to social responsibility.

Panda Express also embraces innovation and health-conscious dining. The introduction of the Wok Smart™ menu features selections that are 300 calories or less and contain at least 8 grams of protein, catering to customers seeking nutritious options without compromising flavor. The company’s Innovation Kitchen in Pasadena serves as a testing ground for new menu items and service concepts, ensuring that Panda Express continues to evolve with changing consumer preferences.

With a strong foundation built on family values, culinary excellence, and operational efficiency, Panda Express at 1115 Highland Ave in National City offers a fast, flavorful, and health-conscious dining experience. Customers can enjoy a variety of Chinese-inspired dishes prepared with care and served quickly, making it an ideal choice for those seeking convenient yet satisfying meals. For inquiries or orders, the restaurant can be reached at +1 619-336-1731. Panda Express remains a leader in the fast-food Chinese restaurant category, blending tradition with innovation to serve communities across the nation.