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Cherng
Andrew Cherng
Rank #627
UNITED STATES•Food & Beverage•Fast food

Andrew Cherng

Net Worth
$6.403B
0% (24h)
Andrew Cherng, a Chinese-born Taiwanese-American restaurateur, is the visionary behind Panda Express, the largest Asian-American restaurant chain in the U.S. With an estimated net worth of $4 billion as of February 2025, his wealth stems from the success of Panda Restaurant Group. Born in China, Cherng immigrated to the United States to pursue higher education, later opening Panda Inn with his father. In 1983, he co-founded Panda Express with his wife, Peggy Cherng, which has since become a global fast-food giant. His career is marked by innovation and a dedication to his employees and the communities Panda Express serves. He is known for his focus on employee development, cultural inclusivity, and philanthropic endeavors.

How to read Andrew Cherng's profile

Public net-worth figures are estimates. They combine observable inputs—typically listed equity, disclosed transactions, and market prices—with editorial judgment where filings are incomplete (for example, private holdings, debt, or cross-holdings). For Andrew Cherng, we anchor the narrative to Fast food and Fast food, then update the headline number as markets move. The chart on this page is meant to show trajectory, not a certified balance sheet.

When you see $6.403B alongside global rank #627, interpret it as our best synthesis of widely cited ownership and price signals—not a claim about cash on hand. Estimates can diverge from other publishers because of different treatment of options, trusts, charitable vehicles, or illiquid assets. We document the general approach in methodology and welcome corrections via corrections.

Country (UNITED STATES) and career milestones on this page are curated for reader context; they should be verified against primary sources when used for research. Editorial metadata for this profile is refreshed on a rolling basis, with deeper audits at least annually (last noted cycle: 2026).

Looking for depth? When available, the dossier and timeline sections below add long-form context beyond the headline number—prioritize those modules when evaluating claims about strategy, controversies, or philanthropic commitments.

The Full Dossier

Early Life

Andrew Cherng was born in April 1948, in Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, Republic of China. His father was a chef. Due to the Chinese Civil War, the family moved to Taiwan and later to Yokohama, Japan, where his father continued working as a chef. At the age of 18, Cherng immigrated to the United States to study at Baker University in Kansas.

Rise to Success

Cherng earned a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Baker University in 1970 and a master's degree in applied mathematics from the University of Missouri in 1972. In 1973, he and his father opened Panda Inn in Pasadena, California. In 1983, the first Panda Express opened in the Glendale Galleria mall, marking a shift towards a fast-casual dining model. Peggy Cherng's expertise in operations helped ensure the consistency of the food quality and service, key for the brand's rapid growth. Panda Express became the largest Asian-American restaurant chain in the U.S. with over 2,500 locations worldwide by the end of 2024. The chain is known for its Orange Chicken dish, a signature menu item.

Key Business Strategies

Cherng's innovative business approach prioritized employees and customers. The company focused on employee development and cultural inclusivity. Panda Express expanded beyond mall food courts, opening stand-alone restaurants, and utilizing technological advancements to enhance operations. The company has also resisted franchising its stores.

Philanthropy

Andrew Cherng and his wife, Peggy, established Panda Cares, the philanthropic arm of Panda Restaurant Group. Panda Cares has donated over $375 million to non-profit organizations, schools, and children's hospitals since 1999. In 2023, the Cherngs donated $100 million to City of Hope to advance cancer care. They have also supported educational institutions, including a $30 million gift to the California Institute of Technology.

Career Timeline

2007

Entrepreneur of the Year

Awarded by the Asia Society of Southern California.

2005

Inducted into the National Restaurant Association's Hall of Fame

Recognized for contributions to the restaurant industry.

1983

Co-founded Panda Express

Launched the first Panda Express in Glendale, California, with Peggy Cherng.

1973

Founded Panda Inn

Opened the first Panda Inn restaurant in Pasadena, California with his father, Ming-Tsai Cherng.

Philanthropic Impact

Children's Health and Education$375M+

Panda Cares

Supports health and education of underserved children through donations to non-profit organizations, schools, and hospitals.

Healthcare$100M

City of Hope

Donation to advance cancer care.

Education$30M

California Institute of Technology

Gift to the medical engineering department.

Key Business Ventures & Holdings

CompanyStakeValue
Panda Restaurant Group100.00%$4M

Net Worth History

In-Depth Analysis

Early Life

Andrew Cherng was born in April 1948, in Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, Republic of China. His father was a chef. Due to the Chinese Civil War, the family moved to Taiwan and later to Yokohama, Japan, where his father continued working as a chef. At the age of 18, Cherng immigrated to the United States to study at Baker University in Kansas.

Rise to Success

Cherng earned a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Baker University in 1970 and a master's degree in applied mathematics from the University of Missouri in 1972. In 1973, he and his father opened Panda Inn in Pasadena, California. In 1983, the first Panda Express opened in the Glendale Galleria mall, marking a shift towards a fast-casual dining model. Peggy Cherng's expertise in operations helped ensure the consistency of the food quality and service, key for the brand's rapid growth. Panda Express became the largest Asian-American restaurant chain in the U.S. with over 2,500 locations worldwide by the end of 2024. The chain is known for its Orange Chicken dish, a signature menu item.

Key Business Strategies

Cherng's innovative business approach prioritized employees and customers. The company focused on employee development and cultural inclusivity. Panda Express expanded beyond mall food courts, opening stand-alone restaurants, and utilizing technological advancements to enhance operations. The company has also resisted franchising its stores.

Philanthropy

Andrew Cherng and his wife, Peggy, established Panda Cares, the philanthropic arm of Panda Restaurant Group. Panda Cares has donated over $375 million to non-profit organizations, schools, and children's hospitals since 1999. In 2023, the Cherngs donated $100 million to City of Hope to advance cancer care. They have also supported educational institutions, including a $30 million gift to the California Institute of Technology.

Data Sources & Methodology

Figures for Andrew Cherng are synthesized from the sources below and cross-checked against our net worth methodology. Estimates may lag market moves; see corrections to report discrepancies.

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