Andrew Cherng

The Panda mission really speaks to our philosophy. It is, 'Deliver exceptional Asian dining experiences by building an organization where people are inspired to better their lives.' I'm talking about everyone who works at Panda. They're inspired to better their own lives.

Having spent many years working in New York's Chinatown restaurants early in my career, I have the utmost respect for the history and connection New Yorkers have with Chinese cuisine.

I became very attentive to customers because I was desperate not to have people leave and never come back.

I wanted to be successful. I definitely didn't want to be poor.

It is an honor to open in New York City and to have the opportunity to serve and share our family's version of American Chinese food and hospitality. New York City deeply influenced my passion for food and service, and it feels good to be back.

Panda - We're not really selling Chinese food, you know. Our real purpose is about developing people.

When you have the right habits, okay, certain good things will come to you, and that's what life is about.

When you do life a certain way, it's bound to give you a higher level of probability to succeed, and that's what we preach.

You have to grow! You grow as a person, and then you will grow in business.

My father was a chef but hadn't owned his own business. I didn't like that. In my heart of hearts, I knew I wanted to be in business.

When you are healthy mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually - when you're doing well, you're likely to do good things in life.

We opened Panda Inn on June 8, 1973. The whole family - my parents, a brother and sister - all worked at the restaurant for free. We lived in a two-bedroom apartment in San Gabriel and didn't have any money.