Panda Express is a fast-food chain that specializes in American-Chinese cuisine, offering a wide selection of dishes, including orange chicken, Beijing beef, and fried rice, served in a fast and casual setting.
KEY FRANCHISE STATS
Franchisees
?
173
+
10%
10%
Franchise fee
?
$25,000
Investment
?
$515,000 - $3,276,000
Revenue (AUV)
?
Undisclosed
$1,187,000
+
5.3%
5.3%
Upgrade
Established in 1990 in Glendale, California, Panda Express has grown into a leading fast-casual restaurant chain specializing in American Chinese cuisine.
Headquartered in Rosemead, California, the brand is celebrated for its signature dishes like Orange Chicken and Beijing Beef, which blend traditional Chinese flavors with American culinary influences.
While primarily company-owned, Panda Express offers limited franchising opportunities in select venues such as airports, universities, and hospitals.
The menu at Panda Express features a wide array of entrees, sides, and appetizers, all prepared fresh and served quickly to cater to the fast-paced lifestyles of its customers.
The brand differentiates itself by combining traditional wok cooking techniques with modern flavors, ensuring a consistent and high-quality dining experience.
Initial investment
The initial investment required for a Panda Express franchise is
$515,000 - $3,276,000.
That is the total cost you would need to finance if you were to start this franchise.
These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.
Type of Expenditure
Amount
Initial License Fee
$25,000
Lease of Premises (Initial 3 months’ rent)
$10,000 to $425,000
Leasehold Improvements
$100,000 to $1,500,000
Furniture, Fixtures, Equipment and Supplies
$120,000 to $650,000
Initial Inventory
$11,000 to $18,000
Computer Hardware and Software
$16,500 to $27,000
Non-resettable cash register(s)
$6,000 to $8,000
Insurance (annual premium)
$94,500 to $157,500
Expenses Incurred During Initial Training
$13,000 to $29,000
Architectural and Design Fees
$35,000 to $120,000
Construction Supervision
$20,000 to $150,000
Sales Tax Deposits
$4,500 to $10,000
Telephone, Fax and other Communication Related Fees
$500 to $1,000
Licenses and Permits
$1,500 to $60,000
Payroll and Related Taxes
$39,000 to $65,000
Additional Funds (3 months)
$18,000 to $30,000
Total Estimated Initial Investment
$514,500 to $3,275,500
Create a free account to access this table and more. For more information see our plans here.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Type of Expenditure
Amount
Initial License Fee
$25,000
Lease of Premises (Initial 3 months’ rent)
$10,000 to $425,000
Leasehold Improvements
$100,000 to $1,500,000
Furniture, Fixtures, Equipment and Supplies
$120,000 to $650,000
Initial Inventory
$11,000 to $18,000
Computer Hardware and Software
$16,500 to $27,000
Non-resettable cash register(s)
$6,000 to $8,000
Insurance (annual premium)
$94,500 to $157,500
Expenses Incurred During Initial Training
$13,000 to $29,000
Architectural and Design Fees
$35,000 to $120,000
Construction Supervision
$20,000 to $150,000
Sales Tax Deposits
$4,500 to $10,000
Telephone, Fax and other Communication Related Fees
$500 to $1,000
Licenses and Permits
$1,500 to $60,000
Payroll and Related Taxes
$39,000 to $65,000
Additional Funds (3 months)
$18,000 to $30,000
Total Estimated Initial Investment
$514,500 to $3,275,500
Franchise Disclosure Document
Below is Panda Express's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document. Upgrade to Pro or purchase the FDD to view and download the document.
Number of units
Panda Express had 2502 total units in 2025, of which 173 were franchised-owned and 2329 company-owned.
Panda Express provides comprehensive training programs to ensure that franchisees and their staff are well-prepared to operate their restaurants effectively. The initial training program encompasses both classroom instruction and on-the-job training, covering essential aspects such as food preparation, customer service, and restaurant management.
This training is designed to equip franchisees with the necessary skills and knowledge to maintain the brand's standards and deliver a consistent dining experience to customers.
Additionally, Panda Express offers ongoing support and training opportunities to help franchisees stay updated with new procedures, menu items, and operational best practices. This continuous education ensures that franchisees can adapt to changes and uphold the quality and efficiency expected of the Panda Express brand.
Territory Protection
Panda Express does not offer exclusive territory protection to its franchisees. This means that the franchisor reserves the right to establish additional company-owned or franchised restaurants in proximity to existing franchise locations.
As a result, franchisees may face competition from other Panda Express outlets within their operating area.
The absence of territorial exclusivity requires franchisees to focus on delivering exceptional service and maintaining high operational standards to attract and retain customers.
.png)
