Recession proof dining - Chinese fast food

April 23, 12:07 PMChicago Asian Community ExaminerSara Lugardo

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Andrew and Peggy Cherng opened up the Panda Restaurant Group over 35 years ago and now have 1,100 locations in 36 states.

In this bad economy a lot of families had to cut back on dining out but one industry that hasn’t been affected seems to be the fast food industry.

“When I opened the first Panda Express I hoped the restaurant would be successful, but had no way of anticipating that it would be the start of such tremendous growth,” said founder and chairman Andrew Cherng. “During these tough economic times, we are very fortunate to now be in our 12th consecutive year of same store sales growth with continued restaurant expansion and over $1.2 billion dollars in sales.”

To give back during this budget crisis Panda Express has launched fundraising programs across the United States. In March of this year Panda Express launched a Community Fundraising program in support of schools and other organizations effected by the economic crisis. Those that contact their local Panda Express restaurant to set up a fundraising event will receive 20 percent of sales donated directly to their cause.

“Schools and community organizations face tremendous challenges today,” said Tom Davin, President and CEO of Panda Restaurant Group, Inc., the parent company of Panda Express. “We’re taking action to support the teachers, children and parents of our communities.”

Locations in Chicago:

• Chicago Place Panda Express
• Federal Building Panda Express
• East Adams Panda Express
• Monroe Panda Express
• St. of Illinois Center Panda Express
• West Jackson Panda Express
• Lincoln & McCormick Panda Express
• 29 East Madison Panda Express
• Prudential Plaza Panda Express
• 95th & Western Panda Express
• 113 South Clinton Panda Express
• Citicorp Center Panda Express
• 119th & Marshfield Panda Express

Panda Express is known to many Asians as being Americanized Chinese fast food but you have to just take it for what it is. I know it’s not authentic Chinese food that one would find at a great restaurant in Chinatown but I sometimes find myself craving it. Now that I know all that they do for the community I might eat there more often, maybe you will too.

Photo featuring Peggy Cherng by: Bob Riha, Jr. / AP