[9][10] At the beginning, business was lacking to the degree that Andrew had to offer special deals and freebies so that customers would dine at Panda Inn.

Chef Andy Kao claims to have developed the original Chinese-American orange chicken recipe at a Panda Express in Hawaii in 1987.

[9] During the late 1980s and early 1990s, the Cherngs began experimenting with supermarket-based branches, through a deal with Vons, and then stand-alone restaurant locations.

Because Peggy had worked for several years as a software designer and engineer for defense contractors like McDonnell Douglas, Panda Express computerized its operations early on.

[9][10] Peggy also brought a systems analysis perspective to the business and worked through the logistics and standardization issues necessary to scale up the concept.

[9][10] In 2005, Panda Express began to open units in food courts on college campuses, some of which participate in the residential student meal plans.

[23] In June 2013, it was announced that the restaurant chain will pay $150,000 to settle another EEOC action on behalf of at least three female teenagers who were allegedly sexually harassed between 2007 and 2009 by one male kitchen supervisor in Kauai, Hawaii.

[24] In addition to the fines, Panda Express revised its policies and was required to provide anti-discrimination and sexual harassment training for employees.

[30] Panda Express also operates in Canada, Saudi Arabia, Guatemala, Japan, Mexico, El Salvador, the Philippines, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates.

[31] In October 2013, the first Panda Express located in Canada opened on Hunt Club Road in Nepean, Ontario,[citation needed] but has since closed.

[37] In September 2017, Panda Express opened its first location on the Dutch Caribbean country of Aruba at the Queen Beatrix International Airport.

[41] In September 2018, Panda Express announced its joint venture with Jollibee Foods Corporation to bring its stores in the Philippines.

[46] However, in March 2022, Panda Express has ceased all corporate support, including operations, marketing, and supply chain in response to the Russian war against Ukraine.

[53] In August 2022, Panda Express opened its first European site in Kaiserslautern Military Community Center food court, Ramstein Air Base, Germany.