Andrew and Peggy Cherng received the Gold Legend Honor for a lifetime of indelible contributions to the success and representation of the Asian Pacific community.

For over 50 years, Co-founders and Co-CEOs of Panda Restaurant Group, Andrew and Peggy have combined their talents to propel Panda to become the world leader in Asian dining experiences.

Under Andrew and Peggy’s leadership, Panda Restaurant Group was named one of America’s best employers by Forbes and ranked the number one Asian quick-service concept for over a decade by QSR Magazine. Additionally, the founders have been inducted into the National Restaurant Association’s Hall of Fame and recognized by Carnegie Corporation of New York as Great Immigrants.

With a mission of inspiring better lives, the Cherngs are deeply committed to giving back to the communities in which Panda restaurants operate through Panda Cares Foundation, the company’s philanthropic arm that has donated more than $375 million to non-profit organizations, schools, and children’s hospitals since its founding in 1999. In 2021, the Panda established the Panda CommUnity Fund — a five-year $10 million community investment and response program that supports immediate and sustainable solutions from national and local organizations to uplift diverse groups, including people of color and other marginalized communities.