Panda Express

Panda Express at 24387 Southland Dr BLDG#A STE#103, Hayward, CA 94545 represents a remarkable chapter in the story of one of America’s most successful fast-food chains. This location serves as part of a global empire that has transformed the way Americans experience Chinese cuisine, blending authentic flavors with innovative fast-casual dining concepts that have resonated with millions of customers across the country and beyond.

The journey of Panda Express began in 1983 when Andrew Cherng and his wife Peggy opened the first location at the Glendale Galleria in Glendale, California.[1][4] What started as a fast-food adaptation of their upscale Panda Inn restaurant in Pasadena has evolved into a phenomenon that now operates more than 2,300 locations worldwide.[3] The Hayward location continues this legacy, offering the same commitment to quality and innovation that has defined the brand for over four decades.

The story of Panda Express is fundamentally a story of American entrepreneurship and family dedication. Andrew Cherng immigrated to the United States in 1972 to study mathematics at Baker University in Kansas, where he met his future wife Peggy, also an international student.[2] Together with Andrew’s father, Master Chef Ming-Tsai Cherng, they opened Panda Inn in Pasadena in 1973, serving regional Chinese cuisine inspired by Mandarin and Sichuan flavors.[2] However, the early years were challenging, with Andrew working essentially for free as the family struggled to establish their business. The turning point came when the manager of the Glendale Galleria, connected through Andrew’s relationship with UCLA football coach Terry Donahue, invited them to develop a fast-food version of Panda Inn for the mall’s food court.

Today’s Panda Express locations, including the Hayward establishment, operate with the technological sophistication and operational excellence that Peggy Cherng brought to the business. Her background in engineering and software design gave Panda Express a competitive advantage in the 1980s, making it an early adopter of technology in the fast-food industry.[6] This commitment to innovation extends to the menu offerings, which balance traditional Chinese flavors with health-conscious options that appeal to modern diners seeking nutritious fast-casual meals.

The Hayward Panda Express can be reached at +1 510-732-6834 and serves as a convenient destination for the local community seeking authentic Chinese fast-food options. The restaurant exemplifies the brand’s evolution from its mall-based origins—today, less than 2% of Panda Express locations operate in shopping malls, with the majority being standalone restaurants, many featuring drive-through service.[3][5] The chain has expanded to college campuses, supermarket locations, and international markets including Mexico, Canada, South Korea, Dubai, and Saudi Arabia.[2]

One of the most iconic elements of the Panda Express menu is the Orange Chicken, created in 1987 by executive chef Andy Kao.[1][2] This signature dish has become so popular that Panda Express sells approximately 110 million pounds of Orange Chicken annually.[1][3] The success of this single item demonstrates the brand’s ability to innovate within the Chinese fast-food category while maintaining quality and consistency across all locations.

The Cherng family’s commitment to their business extends beyond profitability. In 1983, they introduced profit-sharing for general managers—an unprecedented move that became a cornerstone of company culture.[2] Additionally, in 1999, they established Panda Cares, a philanthropic program dedicated to serving local communities through health and education initiatives for underserved youth.[2] The Hayward location operates within this framework of corporate responsibility, contributing to the broader mission of the Panda Restaurant Group.