Family values: Panda Restaurant group voted best midsize Cincinnati company to work for

Immigrant Andrew Cherng and his father Master Chef Mind-Tsai Cherng opened the first Panda Express Asian restaurant in Glendale, California 50 years ago.

It was the beginning of what would become Panda Restaurant Group which now has about 2,300 Panda Inn, Panda Express, and HibachiSan restaurants, including 15 Panda Express eateries in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.

Panda Restaurant Group topped the Enquirer’s list of the Top Workplaces in the midsize business category, which included 57 participants.

The California-based company owned by Cherng and his wife Peggy, has 208 employees in the region and nearly 51,000 globally.

Four years ago both Andrew and Peggy Cherng were recognized by the Carnegie Corporation of New York as Great Immigrants. They were among 34 naturalized citizens whose contributions and actions enriched and strengthened society and democracy.

Calling it a "people-oriented" business, Panda embraces the value of having its associates live a healthy lifestyle through the company’s "whole person" approach, said Dominque Pena, senior system administrator.

“It all boils down to people and culture. People who join us are almost a second family. This is not just a job,” Pena said.

In explaining why they love their job, one respondent said, “I get to work with a diverse and efficient team.”

Another said “It’s easy for me to work here.”

Once hired, employees go through an extensive training program.

“In the past year we rolled out a program that elevates training in a way that is competency driven,’’ Pena said.

“We do our best to make sure they get all they need – not only do their job and do it well, but to make their lives better.”

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The training comes through the University of Panda, which includes options for personal growth, mental health, as well as training. An annual leaders conference is also held to further benefit employees, Pena said.

In 1999 the company began its Panda Cares philanthropic program. It provides food, funding, and volunteer services to underserved youth where it has restaurants as well as worldwide disaster relief. Last year more than $216 million was raised for that effort, according to the company’s website.

About Panda Restaurant Group

Business: Asian restaurants – Panda Inn, founded in 1973; Panda Express, opened in 1983; and Hibachi-San, 1992 opening.

Founded: 1973 by immigrant Andrew Cherng and his father, Master Chef Mind-Tsai Cherng; now owned by Andrew and Peggy Cherng.

Headquarters: Rosemead, California.

Employees: 208 in greater Cincinnati and northern Kentucky; 50,699 in United States.

Benefits: learning fund/scholarship; profit sharing bonuses, stock options, medical dental, vision, 401(k) match.

Mission statement: Deliver exceptional Asian dining experiences by building an organization where people are inspired to better their lives.

Website: www.pandarg.com

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: How Panda Restaurants earned top midsize Cincinnati company ranking