Panda Express Launches Wok Smart(TM) Symbol to Highlight Healthier Eating Options

Thu Jul 9, 2009 6:45pm EDT
 
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  ROSEMEAD, CA, Jul 09 (MARKET WIRE) -- 
Panda Express launches its Wok Smart(TM) concept today to educate guests
about the wide variety of healthy eating options available on their menu.
Wok Smart(TM) identifies the 18 sides, entrees and appetizers that are
250 calories or less per serving. Each of Panda Express' 1263 units
nationwide will feature the Wok Smart(TM) symbol on menu slats alongside
the entrees, nutritional brochures and on the website.

    "Wok Smart(TM) items have always been a part of the Panda Express menu
choices. Our entrees feature nutritious and vitamin-packed vegetables such
as broccoli, string beans and button mushrooms," said Glenn Lunde, Senior
Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. "We want to help our
calorie-conscious guests take the guess-work out of planning their meals
at Panda Express."

    A 2-entree plate of Mix Veggies, Black Pepper Chicken and Broccoli Beef is
540 calories, which is 27% of a daily 2000 calories diet and contains the
5 daily recommended servings of vegetables. More information on the Wok
Smart (TM) menu items and sample meals can be found on
www.pandaexpress.com

    Launching Wok Smart(TM) is also timely given the recent menu labeling
legislations across the country requiring chain restaurants to display
nutritional information.

    In California, where there are over 460 Panda Express restaurants, Senate
Bill 120 by Senator Alex Padilla (D-Pacoima) implemented on July 1, 2009
requires all restaurants with more than 20 units in the State to publish
its calorie and nutritional content. In compliance with the new law, Panda
Express is publishing a brochure with the information in addition to
implementing the Wok Smart(TM) symbol.

    "I applaud Panda Express for going above and beyond the legislation and
making it easier for consumers to select more nutritious menu items," said
California Senator Alex Padilla, author of SB 1420. "I believe this is
just the beginning. As customers come to expect nutritional information,
more restaurants will see the benefit of providing healthier food
options," Padilla added.

    Image Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=1019986


Media Contacts:
Thien Ho
(626) 372-8478
thien.ho@pandarg.com

Copyright 2009, Market Wire, All rights reserved.

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