The International Association for Food Protection (IAFP) has selected Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. as the 2017 recipient of the prestigious Black Pearl Award. Sponsored by F&H Food Equipment Company, the Black Pearl Award will be presented at IAFP’s Annual Meeting in Tampa, FL in July.

This honor is given annually to one company for its efforts in advancing food safety and quality through consumer programs, employee relations, educational activities, adherence to standards, and support of the goals and objectives of IAFP.

Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. (PRG), the world leader in Asian dining experiences and parent company of Panda Inn, Panda Express and Hibachi-Sun, is dedicated to becoming a world leader in people development. Whether through sharing good food with guests or providing opportunities for professional and personal growth with associates, all are embraced in a genuine family environment that is uniquely Panda.

Through the 44-year leadership of its founders, Andrew and Peggy Cherng, Panda has grown from a small family operation to more than 1,900 stores globally, becoming America’s largest family-owned Chinese restaurant with more than 30,000 associates and more than $2 billion in sales. Food safety is Panda’s number one priority to ensure the health and safety of all who come through its doors. 

The company’s culture is guided by its mission: To deliver peace of mind by maintaining exceptional food safety and quality standards in support of our people, guests and financial goals.

Along with its focus on food safety, quality and service, Panda also brings hope to children in need with Panda Cares, a community involvement program established in 1999. Panda Cares has contributed millions of dollars of in-kind donations to numerous non-profit organizations, schools, and hospitals, promoting the spirit of giving and establishing a caring presence in communities where PRG guests and associates live.

Previously, the Black Pearl Award has been given to Meijer, Tyson Foods, Sodexo and Publix.