Panda Express, the world’s largest American Chinese dining concept, finally opened its first drive-thru restaurant in Asia with the launch of its Sumulong Highway branch.
The latest store—located at Toyota Avenue corner Sumulong Highway, Marikina City — also marks the chain’s 100th international restaurant.
In 2019, Jollibee Group formed JBPX Foods, Inc., a joint venture with Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. (PRG) to bring the iconic US restaurant brand to the Philippines. The latest store opening is part of JBPX Foods, Inc.’s plans to open more stores across the country in response to guests’ demand for savory Panda Express dishes.
“We are excited to open the first Panda Express drive-thru store in Asia, allowing even more guests to experience our American Chinese cuisine,” said Doug Stalgren, Vice President of Panda Express International. “Our global Panda Family is thrilled to be celebrating this milestone with our Filipino guests who have shown us so much love since the opening of our first store in the country in late 2019.”
Panda Express continues to offer a variety of entrées with Chinese influences with its latest Sumulong Highway store, including the bestselling dish, The Original Orange Chicken, a wok-tossed crispy chicken coated in sweet tangy sauce; and Honey Walnut Shrimp, a mouth-watering entrée made with premium crispy shrimp wok-tossed in a honey sauce and topped with glazed walnuts.
A long queue of cars welcomed the opening of the drive-thru and lined up as early as 5 AM to order their Panda Express favorites. The first 100 drive-thru guests received limited-edition Panda Bear, and those with a minimum order value of P500 got a free pail of Medium Orange Chicken.
Dine-in customers also waited in line as early as 8 AM to get a taste of their favorite Panda Express dishes. As a special treat, the 100th dine-in guests, Marian Amurao and Bryle Lukban received a pail of Giant Orange Chicken.
“I’m really happy a new Panda Express store has opened near me. I’ve always been a fan of the Original Orange Chicken and its Honey Walnut Shrimp,” said Amurao.
“Since Panda Express opened its first store in Megamall, I have always craved for their dishes. Now that we have it near our place in Marikina, it’s really nice that I can order my favorite Panda Express meals anytime, either via drive-thru or by dining in,” Lukban shared.
To date, Panda Express is operating in over 2,400 locations worldwide, with stores in the Philippines, Canada, Guatemala, Japan, Mexico, El Salvador, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates.
Fans can enjoy their Panda Express favorites while in the comfort of their own homes by ordering for delivery through http://order.pandaexpress.com.ph, GrabFood, or foodpanda.
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