Panda Restaurant Group Hires 20,000th Associate

ROSEMEAD, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Panda Restaurant Group (PRG), the world leader in Asian dining experiences, has reached an important milestone with the hiring of its 20,000th associate. PRG's mission is to build an organization where people are inspired to better their lives and recently established its 2020 Vision: “To be a world leader in people development to become loved by our guests.” This vision represents the commitment the organization has to both its associates and guests.

“Organizations are defined by their focus, passion and commitment. Guided by our 2020 Vision, we are committed to our love of our associates and guests,” said Dr. Peggy Cherng, co-chair co-CEO of Panda Restaurant Group. “We believe that fantastic guest experiences are delivered by happy and fulfilled associates. It is our responsibility to provide a workplace which invests in the whole person, honoring and developing their mindset and skill set.”

PRG offers competitive benefits packages for support center and restaurant associates which includes health care, access to an annual learning and development fund, and stock options. With revenue to top $1.6 Billion in sales in 2012 and rapid development plans, there are increased opportunities for growth and advancement for associates at all levels. PRG was named by the Los Angeles Business Journal in its Top 10 Places to Work and continues to be in QSR Magazine's top 50 Quick-Serve and Fast-Casual Brands in the Nation.

Panda's hourly store associate turnover is 66 percent vs. the fast casual industry standard of 104 percent. It is common to find associates who have been with the organization since its inception and some with 25 plus years of service.

In addition to its commitment to associates and guests, PRG is committed to the local communities it serves. In 1999, it established Panda Cares to promote the spirit of giving by supporting the health and education needs of underserved children. Since its inception, Panda Cares has donated over $22 million to various charitable causes including Children's Miracle Network, Leader in Me (a leadership and character elementary and middle school program with 25,000 students enrolled), and natural disaster funds.

“The dedication and passion of each Associate, since our beginning more than 35 years ago has contributed to us reaching this momentous time in our company. We are committed to being the employer of choice and the Asian dining experience of choice. As we celebrate, we will always keep our eyes on our ultimate goal – to be the world leader in people development and to become loved by our Guests,” said Dr. Cherng.

About Panda Restaurant Group

Founded in 1973, with close to 1,500 locations in 42 states, Puerto Rico and Mexico, the privately-held Panda Restaurant Group is the world's leader in Asian dining experiences. The successful chain of concepts includes Panda Express, Panda Inn and Hibachi-San. Panda Express is best known for its wide variety of original recipes including their famous Orange Chicken®, Beijing Beef™, SweetFire Chicken Breast®, Honey Walnut Shrimp™ and Kobari Beef®. For more information visit www.pandaexpress.com, or become a fan on Facebook.