Panda Restaurant Group's charitable work earns accolades

South Pasadena, California—May 6, 2002— Andrew and Peggy Chen, founders and owners of Panda Restaurant Group, which includes Panda Inn, Panda Express, and Hibachi-San, were recently honored at the 25th Annual Asian Pacific American Heritage Month (APAHM) kick-off dinner and banquet.

The Chengs were recognized by the APAHM committee for exemplifying this year's theme "Living the American Dream" and for their contributions to the Los Angeles community. The husband and wife team, along with over five thousand employees, worked through Panda Cares, a community-based program, to provide food and volunteer services to local schools and children's organizations.

We both came to the United States to finish our college education, and feel every fortunate to be given the chance to accomplish our dreams and build our business in America," said Andrew Cheng.

APAHM is celebrated throughout the month of May to acknowledge the first Asian immigrants to the United States on May 7, 1843. Mayor James Hahn declared May "Asian America Heritage Month" in Los Angeles.