Panda Express

Panda Express, located at 2234 Lincoln Ave in Altadena, California, stands as a cornerstone of American Chinese fast-casual dining, offering a vibrant menu that blends traditional flavors with modern convenience. Founded in 1983 by Andrew and Peggy Cherng, the restaurant began as an innovative spin-off of their sit-down Panda Inn concept, designed to bring quick, flavorful Chinese-inspired dishes to mall food courts. Today, it has grown into the largest American Chinese restaurant chain globally, serving communities with a focus on accessibility, quality, and community engagement. The Altadena location exemplifies this mission, providing a welcoming space for diners seeking familiar favorites like Orange Chicken—a dish invented by Chef Andy Kao in 1987 that has since become synonymous with the brand—alongside health-conscious options such as steamed vegetables and grilled entrees.

The Cherng family’s journey reflects a classic immigrant success story. Andrew, born in China, and Peggy, raised in Hong Kong, met while studying at Baker University in Kansas before launching their culinary empire. Their first venture, Panda Inn, opened in Pasadena in 1973, but it was the pivot to fast-casual dining at Glendale Galleria a decade later that cemented their legacy. Peggy’s background in engineering and Andrew’s entrepreneurial drive enabled the chain to scale rapidly, leveraging standardized recipes and efficient operations. By 1993, Panda Express had over 100 locations, and today, it spans international markets, including Canada and beyond, while maintaining a strong presence in suburban and urban hubs like Altadena.

At its core, Panda Express specializes in wok-cooked dishes that balance sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. The menu caters to diverse preferences, offering everything from crispy Beijing Beef to tangy Honey Walnut Shrimp, alongside vegetarian-friendly options like Eggplant Tofu. The Altadena location ensures convenience with takeout, delivery, and catering services, making it a go-to for family dinners, office events, and everything in between. Ingredients are prepared fresh daily, with a commitment to avoiding MSG and artificial additives, aligning with growing consumer demand for transparency in fast food.

Community involvement remains central to the brand’s ethos. Through Panda Cares, established in 1999, the company supports youth education, disaster relief, and healthcare initiatives, reflecting the Cherngs’ belief that “good fortune is best shared.” This philosophy extends to local engagement, with the Altadena restaurant likely participating in neighborhood events and charitable drives. The Innovation Kitchen, launched in 2014, underscores Panda Express’s dedication to culinary evolution, testing new dishes and cooking techniques to stay ahead of trends while honoring its roots.

For those in Altadena and beyond, Panda Express at 2234 Lincoln Ave offers more than a meal—it’s a taste of a family’s perseverance and vision. Whether ordering the iconic Orange Chicken via takeout (+1 626-794-0386), hosting a catered event, or grabbing a quick lunch, guests experience a menu crafted to satisfy both nostalgia and contemporary tastes. The restaurant’s success lies in its ability to adapt without compromising on the warmth and generosity that define Chinese culinary traditions, making it a beloved fixture in the fast-food landscape.

From its humble beginnings in a mall food court to its status as a global phenomenon, Panda Express continues to thrive by prioritizing innovation, community, and the timeless appeal of dishes that bridge cultures. The Altadena location, with its commitment to quality and service, embodies this spirit, ensuring every visit delivers not just food, but a piece of the Cherng family’s remarkable story.