Panda Express is a family-owned Chinese fast food chain founded in 1983 that has grown to over 2,000 locations and $3.1 billion in annual sales. While its dishes like orange chicken and Beijing beef are not authentic Chinese cuisine and high in fat/sugar, Panda Express has found success by targeting customers seeking quick service food and those familiar with Americanized Chinese flavors. It dominates the Chinese fast food category in the U.S. due to a lack of direct competitors and strategic university and mall locations that drive repeat customers. The chain is led by co-founders and co-CEOs Andrew and Peggy Cherng who have expanded successfully while maintaining a private ownership structure.