What is The Japanese Kitchen Owned By Panda Express?
A well-known American chain of Chinese fast-food restaurants is called Panda Express. But did you know that Panda Express is also the owner of the Hibachi-san brand of Japanese eateries?
Panda Express is a larger chain, but Hibachi-san only has a few locations in the US. But unlike Panda Express, Hibachi-san has been around for more than 30 years & offers a distinctive dining experience.
We shall examine the Japanese Kitchen Owned By Panda Express in more detail in this article. We’ll talk about the chain’s history, the food & the dining experience. We’ll also respond to a few of the most Often-asked questions concerning Hibachi-san.
You should read this article to find out more about the Japanese Kitchen Owned By Panda Express, Whether you like Japanese food or not.
The Japanese Kitchen Owned By Panda Express
What should you do if you run a network of fast-casual Chinese restaurants, like Panda Express, and you fear you might lose clients to more recent Asian eateries that offer take-out cuisine, including sushi? You have several choices.
One is the sensible but dull choice to stay in your lane and believe that your USP will still attract buyers. The chaotic-neutral option two is to essentially become the rival.
Panda Express owners, Andrew and Peggy Cherng, selected option two. According to Fortune, they had been serving Chinese food to American consumers for 20 years and were well-liked, especially in California, where they first launched their first restaurant.
They may have simply continued traveling. However, they opened Hibachi-san, a fast-casual Japanese restaurant that specializes in sushi and teppanyaki, since they were concerned that they could lose clients to newer establishments.
According to the couple, it was a “defensive strategy to prevent Japanese restaurants from competing with Panda Express’s Chinese food by selling against it.” A risky action with great potential.
The Origin of The Japanese Kitchen
The Japanese Kitchen concept was born out of Panda Express’s desire to diversify its offerings and cater to a wider range of customers.
Building upon its successful foundation in Chinese cuisine, the company saw an opportunity to introduce the rich and intricate flavors of Japan to its menu.
With meticulous research and collaboration with culinary experts, Panda Express ventured into the art of Japanese cooking.
Hibachi-San Has Not Hit The Heights of Panda Express
After 30 years, it is still unclear whether their venture into Japanese fast-casual food was successful or whether the Cherngs misjudged the competition’s threat.
Think about how many Hibachi-san restaurants there are. Compared to the 2,300 Panda Express Locations nationwide, there are just 10 Hibachi-san outlets in the US, all of which are located in malls or universities.
The locations in Chandler, Arizona, Washington, DC, and Santa Rosa, California, according to reviews on Yelp and Google directory searches, appear to have closed.
It is obvious that Panda Express and American-Chinese food are related to the Panda Restaurant Group.
Also present is parental favoritism. Years after its debut, Hibachi-san is still referred to as the “lesser known sibling.”
There are no menus or price lists to be found on Hibachi-san’s website, and their Facebook page has not been updated in years.
Additionally, there are no eye-rolling puns to be found, such as “we wok for you,” which is printed in large, bold text on the Panda Express website.
Finally, the consumer feedback is inconsistent, with statements like “The sashimi is not great” and “Just think of this place as a bit more expensive Panda Express” being commonplace.
The latter phrase may come out as a backhanded praise, but it arguably better captures what the brand’s proprietors intended.
Hibachi-San is Still Evolving
However, we might be unduly criticizing Hibachi-san. Perhaps it would be more accurate to describe it as the experimental branch of the Panda Restaurant Group ecology.
Although Corporate may have begun as a sushi and teppanyaki restaurant, it knew when to change.
Instead of providing a stock-standard menu at each location, there are variants with a rising focus on poke bowls and a build-your-own option for customers who are accustomed to restaurants like Chipotle and Subway.
For instance, a phone call to the Camp Pendleton, California, Hibachi-san site revealed that they no longer had hibachi grills and only served sushi in the morning.
What do they consume instead, 24 hours a day? sushi rice as the base, hot or cold proteins like shrimp tempura or spicy yuzu salmon, and toppings like edamame or ginger are all available in poke bowls.
Although it’s possible that the Cherngs didn’t have this in mind when they opened Hibachi-san, it’s obvious that they have the ability to adapt.
What could be more American than an American-Chinese company launching a Japanese restaurant before changing its menu to include American-Hawaiian-Japanese cuisine?
The Japanese Kitchen Owned By Panda Express Reviews
→”My favorite Japanese eatery is Hibachi-San! The chefs are quite talented & the cuisine is always fresh & excellent. Both the sushi & the teppanyaki come highly recommended.
→It’s a terrific idea to celebrate a memorable event at Hibachi-san. Although the Cuisine is pricey, the high quality & distinctive dining experience make it worthwhile.
→”Hibachi-san overcharges and provides slow service. Although the meal is wonderful, the wait is not worthwhile.
→”Hibachi-san is a fantastic choice for a memorable dinner Experience. The cuisine is adequate but not Outstanding. Although the costs are a little exorbitant, the experience is worthwhile.
→It’s fun to go to Hibachi-san for a Special occasion, but the meal isn’t worth the expense. Also, the service is sluggish.
Overall, the opinions of Hibachi-san are unresolved. While some patrons adore the restaurant, Others are unimpressed. It’s crucial to read reviews & make your own judgment about whether Hibachi-san is the ideal place for you if you are thinking about going there for dinner.
Opening and Closing Hours
Day
Opening Hours
Closing Hours
Monday
10:30 AM
9:30 PM
Tuesday
10:30 AM
9:30 PM
Wednesday
10:30 AM
9:30 PM
Thursday
10:30 AM
9:30 PM
Friday
10:30 AM
10:00 PM
Saturday
10:30 AM
10:00 PM
Sunday
10:30 AM
9:30 PM
Important Links
Here is a list of links to important information about Panda Express restaurants, like where they are, what they serve, how to work there, and much more.
➥ Panda Express Corporate Phone Number: (626) 799-9898
➥ Panda Express Toll-Free Number: (800) 877-8988
Conclusion
An extension of the well-known Panda Express brand, The Japanese Kitchen, has made a successful foray into the world of Japanese food.
The Japanese Kitchen offers a delightful eating experience that mixes the best of Japanese and American flavors thanks to its fusion approach, attention to authenticity, and commitment to client pleasure.
The Japanese Kitchen distinguishes itself as a distinctive and intriguing addition to the culinary scene by embracing tradition, encouraging cross-cultural interaction, and placing a high priority on sustainability.
FAQs About The Japanese Kitchen Owned By Panda Express
How can I find the nearest Japanese Kitchen location?
To find the nearest Japanese Kitchen location, you can visit the official Panda Express website and use the store locator tool. It will provide you with the most up-to-date information on nearby Japanese Kitchen restaurants.
Are the ingredients used in The Japanese Kitchen sourced locally?
The Japanese Kitchen prioritizes the use of locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. By supporting local farmers and suppliers, the restaurant ensures freshness and contributes to the local economy.
Can I customize my order at The Japanese Kitchen?
Yes, The Japanese Kitchen offers customization options for its dishes. You can make specific requests or modifications to suit your preferences, ensuring a personalized dining experience.
Does The Japanese Kitchen offer vegetarian or vegan options?
Absolutely! The Japanese Kitchen understands the importance of catering to different dietary needs. The menu includes vegetarian and vegan options, allowing individuals with specific dietary preferences to enjoy a diverse range of flavorful dishes.
Is The Japanese Kitchen affiliated with Panda Express?
Yes, The Japanese Kitchen is a concept introduced by Panda Express. It combines Panda Express’s expertise and brand recognition with the art of Japanese cuisine, creating a unique dining experience for customers.
What is the menu at Hibachi-san?
Sushi, sashimi, tempura & teriyaki are just a few of the Japanese foods available on the menu at Hibachi-san. A selection of sake & other alcoholic beverages from Japan are also available from Hibachi-san.
What is the dining experience at Hibachi-san?
In contrast to Panda Express, Hibachi-san delivers a special dining experience. During their meal at Hibachi-san, diners watch the chef prepare their dish while they are sitting around a big grill. The chef employs a range of culinary methods, such as yakitori, teppanyaki & stir-frying.
Is Hibachi-san expensive?
Panda Express costs a little less than Hibachi-san. Even so, Hibachi-san’s rates are still fair, especially when you consider the high caliber of the food & the distinctive dining experience.
Does Hibachi-san offer catering?
Hibachi-san does really provide catering. For your upcoming event, you can order a wide range of foods, including sushi, sashimi, tempura & teriyaki. For catering, Hibachi-san also provides a selection of sake & other Japanese alcoholic drinks.
Does Hibachi-san offer delivery?
Hibachi-san does not deliver food, sorry. However, you can place a pick-up order for Hibachi-san meals online or by calling the restaurant.
This article gives complete information about The Japanese Kitchen Owned By Panda Express.
The Japanese Kitchen Owned By Panda Express and other information I provided may have been helpful for you. If you think anything is missing, please leave a comment.
