Panda Express announced it will expand into Mexico and will open its first Panda Express restaurant on Saturday, September 3, in Mexico City. The company is actively looking to open more locations in the next year with the second restaurant scheduled to be a freestanding unit.

Panda Express has partnered with premiere master franchiser Grupo Gigante for its Mexico development and operation of its restaurants. The company is a key player in the Mexican economy, as it has acquired commercial chains and created strategic alliances to develop Mexico and generate jobs for the country. Both companies share the same intense focus on people development and community support.

"In Mexico today, there is no clear leader in the Chinese fast casual industry,” says Bob Lustig, senior vice president, Panda Express International. “This expansion is an opportunity for Panda Express to launch this sector by bringing our orange chicken and other favorites to the Mexican consumer. We have spent the last year developing deep relationships with the Grupo Gigante team, which has set a solid foundation for the success of this venture.”