MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Hundreds of excited customers lined up for hours at SM Megamall in anticipation for the opening of the country’s first Panda Express, the largest American Chinese dining concept in the world. The restaurant’s entry into the Philippine market is a joint venture between Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC) and Panda Restaurant Group (PRG).
The first customer Shawi Jalac of Pasig came in several hours early to get a taste of the restaurant’s American Chinese cuisine bannered by the Original Orange Chicken™. She ordered the bigger plate with three entrees: Savory Shrimp, Kung Pao Chicken, and Orange Chicken with sides of fried rice and Chow Mein. “No restaurant has ever come close to replicating the Orange Chicken from Panda Express,” she exclaimed. “It’s worth coming back for!”
“The reception for Panda Express in the Philippines is amazing! People who were lucky to get in on the first day have not only raved about our Original Orange Chicken but have also talked about our other flavorful dishes like Broccoli Beef and Eggplant Tofu,” Panda Express’ Nick Myers said. “This opening day couldn’t have gone any better, and I invite everyone who hasn’t tried Panda Express to come and see what people are talking about.”
JFC Country Business Group Head – Philippines Joseph Tanbuntiong also came early for opening day and saw the long lines outside Panda Express trailing from the ground floor all the way up to the 2nd floor of the mall. “We’re so happy to see this many people queue for the first Panda Express in the Philippines. We can really see that the brand’s popularity extends here as we’ve likewise seen long lines in their stores in the United States,” he remarked. “Panda Express is so in demand that they have over 2200 stores across 12 countries, now including the Philippines, and this is the first store in Southeast Asia. We will definitely open more stores in the Philippines.”
Earlier this week, Panda Express cofounders and co-CEOs Andrew and Peggy Cherng joined JFC Chairman and Founder Tony Tan Caktiong and other JFC executives in inaugurating the store, with US Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim in attendance.
“We are fortunate to be part of bringing to the country the Panda Express experience and cuisine, and I would like to thank Andrew and Peggy for their trust,” said Tony Tan Caktiong. “It’s a great honor to be chosen as their partner in growing the Panda Express brand in the Philippines.”
