Family is behind Panda Express
When Panda Express opened last Tuesday, no doubt there were some folks who rolled their eyes, sighed and bemoaned the fact that it’s “another fast-food place.” At first glance, it may seem that way, because that’s the label dropped on “fast casual dining.” Panda Express, however, has one difference. It’s family owned. Not just the Buffalo Grove location, but all 2,600 worldwide restaurants remain under the umbrella of the Panda Express, Inc based out of California where the Cherng family opened its first restaurant in 1983. Each location has a subtle difference to it, something noticeable by the artwork on the walls, which is a daunting task when you have 2,600 facilities. There is, to no surprise, the seemingly standard corporate plaque that adorns each unit and, quite simply says, “Welcome to our family’s Chinese kitchen,” It’s subtle, but it re-enforces the fact that Panda Express not only has an Asian menu, but Asian roots as well. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The