Andrew Cherng

Andrew Cherng is a Chinese-American entrepreneur and restaurateur recognized as the co-founder and co-CEO of Panda Express, a leading Asian dining concept in the United States. Cherng holds a Bachelor of Science in mathematics from Baker University and a Master of Applied Mathematics from the University of Missouri. After immigrating from China with his father, a master chef, Cherng opened Panda Inn in Pasadena, California, offering Mandarin and Sichuan cuisine in a sit-down setting.

Peggy Cherng later joined Andrew Cherng in the restaurant business, and together they launched the first Panda Express in a mall in Glendale, California. Panda Express became known for Chinese-American dishes such as orange chicken and honey walnut shrimp, expanding into malls, stadiums, theme parks, and stand-alone locations. The Cherngs maintain ownership and operation of nearly every Panda Express location, distinguishing the brand from other restaurant chains of similar scale. The chain operates in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Dubai, and South Korea, with more than 2,600 locations.

As co-founder, co-chair, and co-CEO, Cherng leads Panda Restaurant Group, which includes Panda Express, Panda Inn, and the Hibachi-San chain of Japanese restaurants. The group has also invested in food ventures such as Just Salad, Pieology, Uncle Tetsu, and Ippudo. Under Cherng's leadership, Panda Restaurant Group has received recognition from Forbes as one of America's best employers and from QSR as the top Asian quick-service concept.

Cherng has received multiple awards, including Entrepreneur of the Year from Asia Society of Southern California, and, with Peggy Cherng, induction into the National Restaurant Association Hall of Fame. The couple has also been recognized by Carnegie Corporation as Great Immigrants. Cherng was awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters by California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, and serves on the International Advisory Board for the William F. Harrah College of Hospitality at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. ABC's John Stossel profiled Cherng's story in a special edition of 20/20.

Andrew and Peggy Cherng established Panda Cares and the Panda Charitable Foundation, supporting children's organizations and disaster relief through monetary and food donations and volunteer efforts. Panda Cares has contributed more than $140 million to health services for uninsured children, college readiness programs, and disaster relief. The Cherngs donated $30 million to Caltech to endow the Andrew and Peggy Cherng Department of Medical Engineering and $25 million to Los Angeles' Huntington Hospital to support its surgical program. They also made a $5 million gift to the William F. Harrah College of Hospitality at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, establishing a concentration in fast-casual dining.