Andrew and Peggy Cherng

Andrew and Peggy Cherng launched a business empire with the founding of Panda Restaurant Group, the world leader in Asian dining experiences. But they don’t measure their success by the size and scope of their business alone.

“Our mission is about creating better lives. Our job is to build an environment where, through learning and personal growth, you naturally become a better, stronger, and wiser person,” explained Andrew Cherng.

Started in 1973, the Cherngs built their company into an international phenomenon that today has thousands of restaurants and employs tens of thousands. The business includes Panda Inn, Panda Express, and Hibachi-San brands. In 1999, they created the organization’s philanthropic arm, Panda Cares, which had raised more than $216 million by 2020 in support of disaster relief, and the health and education of youth in underserved communities.

“Giving is essential for us. Giving allows us to show our appreciation to the community that embraced us,” said Peggy Cherng, who holds a master’s degree in computer science and a doctorate in electrical engineering from the University of Missouri.

In 2020, guided by Panda’s core values of giving and continuous learning, the Cherngs made an historic $5 million gift to UNLV’s William F. Harrah College of Hospitality that established a concentration in Fast-Casual dining. UNLV became the only hospitality college in the U.S. to offer this program. The Cherngs’ investment created pathways for students to achieve meaningful careers at the forefront of the growing hospitality sector.

Andrew Cherng is co-founder, co-chairman, and co-chair of Panda Restaurant Group. His leadership has been recognized by Forbes magazine, The Los Angeles Business Journal, and the Asia Society of Southern California. He holds a Master of Applied Mathematics from the University of Missouri and serves as a member of the International Advisory Board at UNLV’s College of Hospitality.

As co-founder, co-chairman, and co-chair, Dr. Peggy Cherng brings a holistic vision for people development to the company. She believes in the power of education and learning to create a brighter future for oneself and others. Peggy invests in the growth of future generations, serving on the Caltech Board of Trustees.

The Cherngs have been named Carnegie Corporation Great Immigrants and were inducted into the National Restaurant Association’s Hall of Fame. In recognition of their generosity to UNLV, the Andrew and Peggy Cherng Deanship was established in perpetuity at the College of Hospitality. Stowe Shoemaker was named the first to hold its title.