Panda Express

Panda Express stands as America’s largest fast-casual Asian dining concept, bringing authentic and innovative Chinese cuisine to communities across the nation and beyond. Located at 4798 Manzanita Ave Pad A in Carmichael, California, this particular Panda Express location continues the legacy of a restaurant empire that began over five decades ago with a simple vision: to serve high-quality American-Chinese food that connects with guests through bold flavors and culinary excellence. The Carmichael location can be reached at +1 916-292-8073 for inquiries about dining options, catering services, or takeout orders.

The story of Panda Express is distinctly American, rooted in the entrepreneurial spirit of the Cherng family. In 1973, Taiwanese-American restaurateurs Andrew and Peggy Cherng, alongside Andrew’s father and master chef Ming-Tsai Cherng, opened the original Panda Inn in Pasadena, California, a modest sit-down restaurant that quickly became a neighborhood favorite. The family’s culinary expertise, combined with their innovative business approach, set the foundation for what would become a global phenomenon. A decade later, in 1983, the first Panda Express opened at the Glendale Galleria Mall as a quick-service concept, introducing a fast-casual dining model that was revolutionary for Asian cuisine at the time. This strategic pivot transformed the family business into a rapidly expanding chain that now operates nearly 2,500 locations worldwide, generating billions of dollars in annual revenue.

What distinguishes Panda Express from other fast-food establishments is its commitment to culinary innovation combined with operational excellence. The chain pioneered the use of computers and menu data analysis in the early 1980s, when Asian-American fast food was virtually nonexistent as a mainstream concept. This tech-forward approach, paired with wellness and business training programs for staff, created a distinctive dining experience that resonated with American consumers. The legendary Orange Chicken, created in 1987 by original chef Andy Kao, exemplifies this innovative spirit. Developed after Kao was asked to create a Chinese dish that would appeal to Hawaiian locals, the Orange Chicken combines the sweet and tart flavor profile of Andrew Cherng’s hometown in China with local citrus oil, resulting in a signature dish that cannot be found anywhere else and has become iconic in American food culture.

The Carmichael Panda Express location offers the full spectrum of what the brand is known for: fast-food efficiency combined with quality ingredients and diverse menu options. As a Chinese restaurant, Asian restaurant, and fast-food establishment, this location serves as both a takeout restaurant and delivery service, accommodating the modern consumer’s need for convenience without sacrificing quality. The menu features classic offerings like Beijing beef and chili crisp shrimp alongside health-conscious options, reflecting the brand’s evolution to meet changing customer preferences. Whether customers seek traditional wok-fired dishes, noodle-based meals, or catering services for events, the Carmichael location provides comprehensive dining solutions.

Panda Express remains a family-owned company where Andrew and Peggy Cherng continue to serve as co-CEOs, maintaining the values that have guided the business since its inception. The company’s commitment to sharing success with its associates—instituted through profit-sharing programs for general managers from the very beginning—demonstrates a philosophy that extends beyond mere commerce. Today, with over 2,100 company-owned locations and a presence in multiple countries including Canada, South Korea, Mexico, and the Middle East, Panda Express continues to expand its global footprint while staying true to its core mission of connecting with guests through exceptional food and service. The Carmichael location represents this ongoing commitment to bringing innovative, high-quality American-Chinese cuisine to local communities.