If you’re looking for real, gourmet Chinese cuisine but would like to enjoy the convenience of the fast food joints, Panda Express if the place for you.
Although relatively new to the Indianapolis area, Panda Express is the largest chain of Chinese fast food restaurants in the nation, with nearly 1,500 locations across the U.S., Puerto Rico and Mexico. Currently, Panda Express has four locations in Indianapolis.
The company, which is based in Rosemead, Calif., was established as Panda Inn restaurant in 1973 by entrepreneur Andrew Cherng, his wife Peggy and his father, Master Chef Ming Tsai Cherng, all of whom are natives of the Jiangsu Province of China.
Panda Express is recognized by many satisfied customers for its flavorful selections, including original signature items such as its popular Orange Chicken, Beijing Beef, SweetFire Chicken Breast, Honey Walnut Shrimp, Kobari Beef and a unique version of Kung Pao Chicken.
Customers often purchase combo meals that include a couple of main entrees served with fried rice, steamed rice, chow mein or mixed vegetables.
Panda Express also prides itself on using entirely fresh ingredients. It does not use MSG (monosodium glutamate), a salt like additive that is commonly added to fast food but believed to raise the risk of various health problems. In fact, the company does not even purchase products from suppliers who use MSG.
Indianapolis will soon be a part of a special promotion held by Panda Express for customers to test one of their new offerings. The restaurant will be introducing what it describes as its “revolutionary” Paw Plate.
Designed to provide guests with more variety, and to resemble a panda paw, the Paw Plate will have three compartments for entrees and one compartment for side items.
“Asian meals are traditionally eaten family style, where each person can select from a variety of entrees,” said Glenn Lunde, chief marketing officer for Panda Express. “This new Paw Plate will give our guests more opportunities to enjoy their favorite Panda dishes or give them room to try new ones, all at the same price.”
On March 21, Panda Express will offer “Buy One, Get One Free” coupons for Paw Plates for customers in the Indianapolis area. Coupons will be available at the company’s website on www.pandaexpress.com/home/pawplate.
In addition the Paw Plate, Panda Express will also be test marketing a Panda Bowl that offers two entrées instead of just one.
“In everything we do, the goal is to give customers quality and a chance to experience more flavors and options for the same price,” Lunde said.
