Filipinos will soon be able to have a taste of a wide variety of authentic American-Chinese cuisine as Panda Express is set to open its first branch at SM Megamall, Ortigas Center, Pasig City.
Panda Express, an American Chinese original, is the largest Asian dining concept in the US. Founded and family-owned and operated since 1983, it is best known for creating a wide variety of authentic American Chinese cuisine.
Each dish at Panda Express is thoughtfully crafted with quality ingredients inspired by bold Chinese flavors and culinary principles.
After years of trying to bring Panda Express to the Philippines, Panda Express co-founder and co-CEO Andrew Cherng felt he found the right partner in Jollibee Foods Corp. founder and chairman Tony Tan Caktiong.
JFC announced last year that it entered signed a 50-50 joint venture with Panda Restaurant Group to form JBPX Foods Inc. that will bring the iconic US restaurant brand in the Philippines.
Cherng felt both companies share the same values in dedication to quality and people-first culture and Tan Caktiong is excited of opportunities that the partnership will bring.
“We’re excited to open the first Panda Express in the Philippines. Based on the consumer enthusiasm for the upcoming opening, we’re encouraged that the local market will also love this food concept—a boost to JFC’s roster of restaurant chain,” said Tan Caktiong in a statement.
Consumer interest in Panda Express started in 2016 when food sites consistently listed it as one of US-based brands that Filipinos can’t wait to open in Manila. Alena Mae S. Flores
Speculations on the location of the first branch stirred a new wave of online interest on the brand.
The opening of Panda Express in the Philippines at SM Megamall is expected to further drive the growth of JFC, one of the world’s largest and fastest growing Asian restaurant companies.