ROSEMEAD, Calif. — Andrew and Peggy Cherng, founders of Panda Restaurant Group, are recipients of the 2008 City of Angels Award. The honor was given by the LAX Coastal Area Chamber of Commerce in recognition of the Cherngs' contributions to the greater Los Angeles area.
Panda Restaurant Group is the parent company of three chains: Panda Inn, Panda Express and Hibachi-San. Founder and chairman Andrew Cherng opened the first Panda Inn restaurant in Pasadena, Calif., in 1973 with his father. Peggy joined the company before the first Panda Express location opened 25 years ago in Glendale, Calif. She went on to serve as president and CEO before taking on her current position as co-chairwoman. The company has more than 120 locations in L.A. County.
"Andrew and Peggy have done so much to benefit this area, from providing jobs to about 2,300 local residents to donating immeasurable amounts of food, time and financial support to L.A. County schools and nonprofits each year," said Christina Davis, CEO of the LAX Coastal Area Chamber of Commerce.
Panda Restaurant Group was honored last year by the Los Angeles Business Journal as one of the top 10 best places to work (large companies division) and was named on its list of fastest-growing private companies for the seventh consecutive year.
