Panda Express Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2025)

KEY FRANCHISE STATS

All you need to know about this franchise in a snapshot

Franchisees

?

165
+
13%
13%
Investment required

?

$510,000 - $3,268,000
Revenue (AUV)

?

$1,128,000
Undisclosed
Pro
+
n.a.
+
xx%
-xx%
n.a.
Initial franchise fee

?

$25,000
Royalty fees

?

8.00%
+
n.a.
Operating Profit

?

n.a.

Pro
Franchisees

?

165
+
13%
13%
Investment required

?

$510,000 - $3,268,000
Franchise fee

?

$25,000
Royalty fees

?

8.00%
+
n.a.
Revenue (AUV)

?

$1,128,000
Undisclosed
Pro
+
n.a.
+
xx%
-xx%
n.a.
Operating Profit

?

n.a.

Pro

Panda Express: Bringing American Chinese Cuisine to the World

Established in 1983 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

Here's what you would need to invest 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 - $425,000
Leasehold Improvements $100,000 - $1,500,000
Furniture, Fixtures, Equipment and Supplies $120,000 - $650,000
Initial Inventory $11,000 - $18,000
Computer Hardware and Software $16,500 - $27,000
Non-resettable Cash Register(s) $6,000 - $8,000
Insurance $90,000 - $150,000 (annual premium)
Expenses Incurred During Initial Training $13,000 - $29,000
Architectural and Design Fees $35,000 - $120,000
Construction Supervision $20,000 - $150,000
Sales Tax Deposits $4,500 - $10,000
Telephone, Fax and Other Communication-Related Fees $500 - $1,000
Licenses and Permits $1,500 - $60,000
Payroll and Related Taxes $39,000 - $65,000
Additional Funds (3 months) $18,000 - $30,000
TOTAL $510,000 - $3,268,000

Franchise Disclosure Document

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Competitors

Franchise
Franchisees
Growth
Initial fee
Investment
Revenue
Gross Profit
Operating Profit
Industry

165

+
13%
13%
No growth
New

$25,000

$510,000

-

$3,268,000

n.a.

$1,128,000

Pro

n.a.

Pro

n.a.

Pro

Food & Beverage

Training

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.

By emphasizing quality and customer satisfaction, franchisees can differentiate their establishments, even in markets where multiple Panda Express restaurants are present.

Number of units

2024
Franchised units

146

157

165

Company-owned units

2153

2195

2249

Total units

2299

2352

2414

Competitors

Benihana

Investment required
$616,000
-
$6,250,000
Franchisees
8
+
33%
33%

Eight Turn Crepe

Investment required
$206,000
-
$397,000
Franchisees
3
+
50%
50%

Ivan Ramen

Investment required
$1,025,000
-
$1,982,000
Franchisees
0
+
n.a.
n.a.

Waba Grill

Investment required
$341,000
-
$577,000
Franchisees
186
+
1%
1%

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