PAnDA EXPRESS: HAVE YOU EATEN YET?
Celebration of Lunar New Year
Insight:
In many Asian cultures, love isn’t always spoken—it’s shown through food. The simple question “Have you eaten yet?” is a universal gesture of care, connection, and belonging.
Strategic Solution:
To honor this tradition, Panda Express launched “The Invitation”—a two-minute film centered on Diego, who meets his girlfriend’s family for the first time during Lunar New Year. Through the humor and nerves of facing discerning aunties, Diego ultimately finds acceptance through a shared meal.
The film seamlessly blends subtle nods to Panda’s iconic dishes with authentic storytelling, making the brand an integral part of the modern Lunar New Year experience. Supported by paid media, social media, in-store activations, and campus events, the campaign bridged cultural traditions with broad, relatable themes of family and togetherness.
Results:
31M+ views across digital and social
Significant engagement and overwhelmingly positive sentiment
“The Invitation” reinforces Panda’s belief that food is more than a meal—it’s an expression of love.
FILM
Concepted and executed in-store activations for Panda Express to drive awareness around store openings, limited-time menu items, as well as larger brand campaigns. Elevated in-store engagement and purchases through newsworthy themes, original swag, and culturally resonant experiences.
in store activationS
I Love Orange Chicken: Panda Express brought National Orange Chicken Day to life with lines down the block and fans raving about the swicy new flavor—transforming key locations into bold, crave-worthy celebrations where the love for Orange Chicken became a shared cultural moment.
Lunarsgiving: Panda Express brought Lunarsgiving to life with lines out the door and students calling it their favorite fast food—transforming locations near Columbia, Tempe, and Orlando campuses into vibrant cultural hubs where the simple act of sharing a meal became a celebration of belonging.
Pandaoke: turned heads and turned up the volume with Pandaoke—a giant takeout box transformed into a larger-than-life karaoke stage, popping up in five cities nationwide. Crowds showed up, sang their hearts out, and food sales followed, proving that good vibes (and good eats) go hand in hand.
Panda Inn: To celebrate the newly remodeled original Panda Inn, we brought the festivities in full force. With a ribbon-cutting and a gala that blended vintage charm with modern flair, the event captured the spirit of timeless elegance and fresh energy. Guests came together to honor the brand’s rich legacy and toast to its exciting new chapter.