Based on consumer research and market trends, global managed services provider ARAMARK has partnered with Panda Restaurant Group, making the popular Panda Express brand and menu choices available to ARAMARK customers across the United States.
This Master Licensing Agreement is the first of its kind for Panda Restaurants, whose locations are usually subleased or operated as company locations only.
The partnership broadens ARAMARK’s strategy to align with brands based on intensive consumer insight and marketplace trends, resulting in greater customer satisfaction and accelerated growth. Panda Express was chosen as a clear favorite at an ARAMARK brand forum held recently at one of the company’s university client accounts.
“Panda Express demonstrates a positive brand image among consumers, and the menu items are always of superior quality and consistency,” said Diane Coyne, Senior Director of Franchise Brands and Strategic Alliances, ARAMARK Innovative Dining Solutions. “Depending on the configuration, the venue and the availability of off-site storage, Panda Express restaurants can be adapted to easily fit the very different client spaces and locations in which ARAMARK operates.”
“We are elated to be building a strong relationship with ARAMARK to help us continue our accelerated growth plan. Panda Restaurant Group is confident in ARAMARK’s ability to operate and maintain the highest level of standards required to serve Panda Express guests,” said John Mitchell, Senior Vice President of Real Estate Development for Panda Restaurant Group. “It was important for us to partner with a company that shares our values and understands our mission to deliver exceptional Asian dining experiences by building an organization where people are inspired to better their lives.”
ARAMARK will explore applications of the Panda Express brand in businesses, universities, hospitals, and sports and entertainment venues, based on the needs of the clients and customers at each location. Panda Express is the number one Asian restaurant concept in the United States.
