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 blends subtle nods to Panda’s iconic dishes with authentic storytelling, making the brand part of the modern Lunar New Year experience. Supported by paid media, social, in-store activations, and campus events, the campaign bridged cultural tradition 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
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.
in store activationS
Pandaoke: turned heads and turned up the volume—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: We brought vintage meets modern to life with a ribbon-cutting and gala that blended timeless elegance with fresh energy. Guests gathered to celebrate the iconic brand’s next chapter.
