Panda Express will open its first Philippines restaurant next week

US-based Asian dining concept Panda Express will open its first Philippines restaurant on December 12.

Located at SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City, the first Panda Express will offer the same menu as those in the US, including its signature dish orange chicken in sweet spicy sauce.

Panda Express Philippines is a 50-50 joint venture between Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC) and Panda Restaurant Group.

“Based on the consumer enthusiasm for the upcoming opening, we’re encouraged that the local market will love this food concept, a boost to JFC’s roster of restaurant chains,” said JFC founder Tony Tan Caktiong.

Panda Express joins the portfolio of brands JFC operates including Chinese dim-sum restaurant Tim Ho Wan, American fast-casual hamburger chain Smashburger and coffee chain Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf.

Founded in 1983, Panda Express is a privately owned restaurant company with more than 2000 outlets in the US and a presence in 10 international markets including Japan, South Korea, Canada, Mexico and now the Philippines.