Take our Fit Score survey to see if Panda Express is a good match for you.
- Founded in 1983
- Franchising Since 1983
- 165 US Franchises
- $510,000 - $3,268,000 Investment Range
- $1,413,605 Average Gross Revenue
- 8% Royalty Fee
- $25,000 Franchise Fee
Use the Pre-qualification tool to see how much funding you could qualify for and see if you can affor a Panda Express franchise.
Get pre-qualified for financingTake our Fit Score survey to see if Panda Express is a good match for you.
Panda Express, established in 1983, has revolutionized American Chinese cuisine by masterfully blending traditional Chinese flavors with contemporary American tastes. As the largest Asian-themed restaurant chain in the United States, Panda Express has built its reputation on serving fresh, high-quality dishes prepared with meticulous attention to detail and consistency across all locations.
The brand is renowned for its iconic dishes like the Original Orange Chicken, Honey Walnut Shrimp, and Beijing Beef, alongside nutritionist-approved balanced meals that cater to health-conscious consumers. Their innovative menu continues to evolve, introducing creative options like plant-based alternatives while maintaining their commitment to authentic flavors and quality ingredients.
What sets Panda Express apart is their 'Panda Promise,' a commitment to crafting dishes that not only taste good but make customers feel good. Their operational model emphasizes fresh preparation, with food made throughout the day in open kitchens, allowing customers to see their meals being crafted. The company maintains rigorous cleanliness standards and provides exceptional customer service, consistently earning praise for their friendly, efficient staff and welcoming atmosphere.
The franchise has successfully adapted to modern consumer needs by offering multiple ordering channels including dine-in, drive-thru, delivery, and catering services. Their portion sizes and value-oriented pricing make them an attractive option for both individual diners and families. With a proven track record of growth and adaptation, Panda Express continues to define the future of Asian-American dining while maintaining its founding principles of quality, value, and service.
How much does it cost to start a franchise with Panda Express?
- Franchise Fee
- $25,000
- Investment Range
- $510,000 - $3,268,000
- Investment Midpoint
- $1,889,000
- Minimum Cash Required
- $510,000
- Royalty Fees
- 8%
- Brand Fund
- N/A
The Chinese fast-food segment benefits from growing consumer acceptance of Asian cuisine and demand for quick-service options with perceived healthier alternatives. Panda Express operates in the mature fast-food industry, where brand recognition and operational efficiency are critical competitive advantages. The system's 2,414 units and 40-year operational history since 1983 demonstrate substantial franchise system maturity and proven scalability.
The reported gross revenue of $1.41 million exceeds sub-sector averages of $1.15 million by 23%, indicating strong unit-level performance potential. The franchise's extensive unit count suggests strong franchisor infrastructure, established supply chains, and comprehensive training systems.
Ideal investors should possess substantial liquid capital and net worth to meet the premium investment requirements, along with restaurant or retail management experience. The operational complexity of food service requires hands-on management capabilities or experienced operational partners. Multi-unit development opportunities may exist for qualified investors seeking portfolio expansion.
Understand What It Takes to Get Started!
Discover the financial commitment required to launch this franchise. Knowing the investment range helps you plan confidently and ensure you're fully prepared to make the leap.
Answer a few quick questions - just 15 seconds - to reveal this detail and take the first step toward your dream business!
See the Revenue Potential!
Curious about how much you could earn? The average gross sales data gives you a realistic view of the franchise's earning potential and success stories from existing franchisees.
Provide a little information about yourself (it only takes 15 seconds) to access this valuable insight and start planning your future success!
Financing Details
Franzy connects you with top-tier financing partners to help secure the funds to invest in a franchise like Panda Express. Whether you're looking for a loan or exploring other financial products, our partners provide expert guidance to ensure you obtain the necessary capital. They specialize in offering solutions tailored to the needs of franchisees, making the process of securing financing smooth and straightforward.
Why Financing with Franzy Partners?
Choosing to finance through Franzy's partners ensures you get the best terms and support for your franchise investment. Our partners have extensive experience in the franchising industry and offer specialized financial solutions tailored to your needs. With competitive interest rates and flexible repayment options, you can find the right financing plan that fits your budget and goals. Our partners are committed to providing personalized guidance throughout the financing process, making it easier for you to secure the necessary funds and confidently move forward with your franchise venture.
Finance Partners
The brand's notable presence in high-population density states reflects a successful urban-centric strategy, particularly in areas with diverse demographics and strong Asian-American communities. Market opportunities exist in several untapped states, particularly in the Northeast and Southwest regions where Asian quick-service concepts continue to gain popularity.
Ideal locations for new franchises typically include high-traffic areas near shopping centers, universities, and business districts with median household incomes above $50,000. Success factors include proximity to complementary retailers, accessible parking, and dense daytime population. Prospective franchisees should focus on metropolitan areas with growing Asian food markets and limited direct competition in the Asian quick-service segment. The brand's established presence in major markets provides a strong foundation for continued expansion, particularly in secondary markets within existing successful states.
Access the detailed territory map to find prime locations and see where this franchise operates. This information is vital for understanding your market potential and exclusivity rights.
Complete a short questionnaire in just a minute to uncover this map and identify the perfect territory for your business!
Track Growth to Gauge Success!
See how this franchise is expanding over time. The net unit growth reveals the health and popularity of the brand—key indicators for a promising investment.
Answer a few brief questions to access this growth data and make an informed decision about your future! It only takes 15 seconds and is completely free.
Executive Team
Get to know the leadership behind Panda Express. Learn about the experience and expertise of the executive team guiding Panda Express's success. For more details, refer to Item 2 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).
Litigation
Review any legal actions or pending litigation involving Panda Express. Understanding the legal history helps assess potential risks and the brand's business practices. For more details, refer to Item 3 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).
Bankruptcy
Review Panda Express's bankruptcy history and any filings by key personnel or affiliates. This critical information provides transparency about the brand's financial stability and management. For more details, refer to Item 4 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).
Franchisor Assistance
Learn about Panda Express's comprehensive support system for franchisees, including initial training programs and continuous operational assistance. Understanding the available resources and support structure is crucial for franchise success. For more details, refer to Item 11 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).
The information provided on this page is based on the latest Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) that is publicly available and that we have on record, which was issued in 2024. This information is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal, financial, or business advice. We make no guarantees or claims regarding the completeness or accuracy. For the most current and detailed information, we recommend consulting the franchisor directly for the most recent FDD and regarding any questions that you may have about the information provided.
- Founded in 1983
- Franchising Since 1983
- 165 US Franchises
- $510,000 - $3,268,000 Investment Range
- $1,413,605 Average Gross Revenue
- 8% Royalty Fee
- $25,000 Franchise Fee
Use the Pre-qualification tool to see how much funding you could qualify for and see if you can affor a Panda Express franchise.
Get pre-qualified for financingTake our Fit Score survey to see if Panda Express is a good match for you.
