Panda Express Franchise Analysis

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Panda Express is graded based on our most recent FDD research!

Franchise Info

In 1983, the first Panda Express provided the opportunity to share the bold flavors of Chinese cuisine with their guests. A family's inspiration to bring people together began in Glendale, California and is now available around the world.

How much does an Panda Express business cost to open?

Panda Express has an initial franchise fee of up to $25,000, with a overall initial investment range of $510,000 to $3,268,000.

  • Initial Franchise Fee: $25,000
  • Total Investment: $510,000 to $3,268,000
  • Working Capital: $18,000 to $30,000
  • Royalty Fee: 8.0%

The initial cost of any franchise opportunity includes many fees. Explore this investment opportunity to better understand the initial costs required to buy an Panda Express, such as franchise fees, leasehold improvement costs, grand opening marketing, and furniture and fixtures purchases. It should be noted that, franchisors are required to disclose all initial fees. These fees include those that are actually paid when signing the franchise agreement and commitments to fees you are required to pay.

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How much does an Panda Express owner make?

As with any new business, the franchise owner's salary and the profits from a Panda Express business depends on a lot of different factors. One way to validate the potential revenues or profits earned from a Panda Express franchise investment is to review the franchisor's Item 19 within their Franchise Disclosure Document. Typically, profits and owner's income are equitable to the size of the investment and number of locations you purchase. Demand for your products, your labor costs, commercial lease rates and several other variables also play a huge role in your profit margin and your personal salary

For additional information and franchise specific on the profits of an Panda Express franchise opportunity, unlock this franchise

How many franchise locations does Panda Express franchise system have?

As of the 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, there are 165 franchised Panda Express locations across the United States.

Did you know there are over 3,000 franchise opportunities across the United States. More than 80% have less than 10 locations.

Are there any Panda Express franchise opportunities near me?

Based on 2024 FDD analysis, Panda Express has franchised locations in 35 states. There may be no locations in several states as each franchise company plans their growth strategy differently. Specific states also require franchise companies to register their franchise opportunity and file their Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) with state examiners prior to offering franchise opportunities to residents in that state. These registration states have examiners review a franchisor's FDD to ensure it satisfies state regulatory requirements. In addition to registration states, additional states have enacted supplemental franchise or business opportunity laws that require franchise companies to provide their franchise within the state. In most instances the filing is a notice within the state. Unlike franchise registration states, the franchise filing states do not examine a franchisor's FDD.

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Based on the data collected this franchise opportunity is growing into new locations and might be available in your city.

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Last Reviewed: 2024

Sector: Quick Service Restaurants

Category: Ethnic

Panda Express Franchise INFORMATION

Total Investment
$510,000 - $3,268,000
Franchise Fee
$25,000
Franchise agreement
Initial Term
10 Years
Renewal Term
5 Years
Franchise outlet growth
2015
85
2023
165
Ongoing fees
Royalty
8.0%
ad fees
0.0%
# of franchised outlets
165

EXTRA INFORMATION

Do they provide any initial training and opening assistance?

Yes, they have an initial training program of 1435.00 hours. This includes 267.00 hours of classroom training, 1168.00 hours of on-the-job training, and 0.00 hours of online training. In their FDD they outline who's in charge of the training. Unlock to find out more.


Online 0.00
On-the-Job 1168.00
Classroom 267.00
Total 1435.00

Do they provide Territory Rights?

Panda Express does NOT offer territory protections. For an explanation of territory rights, unlock this franchise for important details.

Do they have marketing and technology support in place?

Yes, Panda Express offers comprehensive support for franchisees. Unlock this franchise to find out more.


How long ago did Panda Express start franchising?

They began franchising in . The average Ethnic franchise began franchising in 2013.


Do they offer lending options?

1, but you can click here to fill out our affordability calculator and understand your financing options.

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  • What are the historical franchisee earnings?
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  • How many new outlets have they opened in the last 5 years?
  • How many franchised outlets have closed in the last 5 years?
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  • Do they operate any corporate or affiliate owned outlets?
  • How long is their initial and renewal term lengths?
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  • Why has new franchise outlet growth been so low?
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  • Will they refund the franchise fee under certain circumstances?
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