Panda Express is about to join the chicken sandwich wars with its new Orange Chicken Sandwich.
Panda Express' Orange Chicken is one of the chain's most popular and beloved dishes. Now the brand is looking to re-package that dish for a new generation in the form of a portable chicken sandwich. The new Orange Chicken Sandwich consists of a crispy chicken filet glazed with the brand’s signature Orange Sauce, and then paired with pickles and sriracha aioli on a soft potato bun.
The big catch is that the new Orange Chicken Sandwich is currently a test item and is only available at select locations in Southern California and Colorado now through July 11, 2023. As Adrian Lok, Panada Express' Senior Culinary Innovation Manager explains, the sandwich initially went through a phase of testing last year at the Panda Express Innovation Kitchen in Pasadena and received "a great response from both our guests and operators. [Now] it’s moved on now to the next stage."
Zesty Orange Chicken Sandwiches
Panda Express is Testing a New Orange Chicken Sandwich
Trend Themes
1. Chicken Sandwich Wars - The trend towards chicken sandwiches in the fast food industry presents an opportunity for Panda Express to enter the market and compete with popular brands like Chick-fil-A and Popeyes.
2. Repackaging of Popular Dishes - Repackaging popular menu items as sandwiches is a trend that provides an opportunity for restaurants to attract new customers and offer a unique twist on classic dishes.
3. Limited Time Offerings - The popularity of limited time offerings in the fast food industry presents an opportunity for Panda Express to create buzz around its brand and generate hype for its new Orange Chicken Sandwich.
Industry Implications
1. Fast Food - The fast food industry is a competitive market with a growing trend towards chicken sandwiches, presenting an opportunity for Panda Express to expand its menu and attract new customers.
2. Casual Dining - The casual dining industry could benefit from the trend of repackaging popular dishes as sandwiches to offer unique menu items that appeal to a wider customer base.
3. Food and Beverage Retail - The food and beverage retail industry could take advantage of the popularity of limited time offerings by partnering with restaurants like Panda Express to offer exclusive products to their customers.