Panda Express introduces first drive-thru store in Asia
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Get ready to enjoy delectable American-Chinese cuisine, even while on the road. Panda Express—the world’s largest American Chinese dining concept–finally opened its first drive-thru restaurant in Asia with the launch of its Sumulong Highway branch. The latest store—located at Toyota Avenue corner Sumulong Highway, Marikina City — also marks the 100th international restaurant.
“We are excited to open the first Panda Express drive-thru store in Asia, allowing even more guests to experience our American-Chinese cuisine,” said Doug Stalgren, vice president of Panda Express International. “Our global Panda Family is thrilled to be celebrating this milestone with our Filipino guests who have shown us so much love since the opening of our first store in the country in late 2019.” In 2019, Jollibee Group formed JBPX Foods, Inc., a joint venture with Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. (PRG) to bring the iconic US restaurant brand to the Philippines. The latest store opening is part of JBPX Foods, Inc.’s plans to open more stores across the country in response to guests’ demand for savory Panda Express dishes.
Panda Express continues to offer a variety of entrées with Chinese influences with its latest Sumulong Highway store, including the bestselling dish, The Original Orange Chicken, a wok-tossed crispy chicken coated in sweet tangy sauce; and Honey Walnut Shrimp, a mouth-watering entrée made with premium crispy shrimp wok-tossed in a honey sauce and topped with glazed walnuts.
A long queue of cars welcomed the opening of the drive-thru and lined up as early as 5 a.m. to order their Panda Express favorites. The first 100 drive-thru guests received limited-edition Panda Bear, and those with minimum order value of P500 got a free pail of Medium Orange Chicken.
Dine-in customers also waited in line as early as 8 a.m. to get a taste of their favorite Panda Express dishes. As a special treat, the 100th dine-in guests, Marian Amurao and Bryle Lukban, received a pail of Giant Orange Chicken.
“A long queue of cars welcomed the opening of the drive-thru and lined up as early as 5 a.m.”
“I’m really happy a new Panda Express store has opened near me. I’ve always been a fan of the Original Orange Chicken and its Honey Walnut Shrimp,” said Amurao.
“Since Panda Express opened its first store in Megamall, I have always craved for their dishes. Now that we have it near our place in Marikina, it’s really nice that I can order my favorite Panda Express meals anytime, either via drive thru or by dining in,” Lukban shared.
To date, Panda Express is operating in over 2,400 locations worldwide, with stores in the Philippines, Canada, Guatemala, Japan, Mexico, El Salvador, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates.
Questions & Answers
Q.Which city is home to Asia's first Panda Express drive-thru restaurant?
Which city is home to Asia's first Panda Express drive-thru restaurant?
The first Panda Express drive-thru in Asia is located in Marikina City. It sits at Toyota Avenue corner Sumulong Highway, marking a significant expansion for the brand in the region.
Q.When did Panda Express first enter the Philippine market?
When did Panda Express first enter the Philippine market?
Panda Express first opened a store in the Philippines in late 2019. This was a result of a joint venture formed with Jollibee Group that same year.
Q.How many international stores does Panda Express now operate worldwide?
How many international stores does Panda Express now operate worldwide?
The Sumulong Highway branch is the 100th international restaurant for Panda Express. Globally, the brand operates in over 2,400 locations across various countries.
Q.What items were given to the first customers at the drive-thru opening?
What items were given to the first customers at the drive-thru opening?
The first 100 drive-thru guests received a limited-edition Panda Bear. Also, those spending P500 or more were given a free pail of Medium Orange Chicken.
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