Panda Express, the largest Asian fast-casual chain in the US, announces it is launching Beyond The Original Orange Chicken™ at all 2,300 US locations. Available for a limited time, the launch follows a highly successful regional launch in 2021, and makes Panda the first national Asian dining concept to offer Beyond Meat across its restaurants.
“We’re enabling people to enjoy their favorite dishes with the upsides of plant-based meat”
Co-developed with Beyond Meat, the new Orange Chicken features plant protein wok-tossed in Panda’s signature sweet, spicy and tangy orange sauce. According to Panda, the product offers fans all the classic crunchy texture and flavor of the chain’s beloved Original Orange Chicken.
“Our team has been overjoyed by the undeniable excitement and incredible demand generated when we first introduced Beyond The Original Orange Chicken last summer as an innovative twist on our most iconic dish,” says Andrea Cherng, Chief Brand Officer at Panda Express. “We’re continuously exploring creative ways to present our guests with the comfort and crave-ability they can expect from Panda while appealing to their evolving preferences and tastes.”
Successful trial
Panda originally debuted the Beyond Orange Chicken in a trial launch in Southern California and New York City in 2021. The item proved hugely successful, with several locations selling out of the dish in less than two weeks. Panda says demand forced its chefs to wok-fire over 1,300 lbs of the Beyond Orange Chicken on the first day alone.
From there, the trial expanded to 70 more locations in ten markets. To celebrate the nationwide launch, Panda is offering guests who purchase a Beyond Orange Chicken bowl online with the code “BEYOND” another free entree of their choice.
More plant-based dishes
Panda states it will continue offerings its existing plant-based dishes, including Eggplant Tofu, Super Greens, Chow Mein, Vegetable Spring Rolls and Steamed White and Brown Rice.
“We are thrilled to offer Beyond The Original Orange Chicken to consumers nationwide for the very first time,” said Dariush Ajami, Chief Innovation Officer at Beyond Meat. “By partnering with Panda Express to introduce new and innovative plant-based options that deliver the delicious taste and experience of their iconic menu items, we’re enabling people to enjoy their favorite dishes with the upsides of plant-based meat.”
