ROSEMEAD, Calif., Feb. 11, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Chinese New Year is a holiday filled with rich cultural traditions, one of which is to enjoy symbolic foods representing well wishes for the new year. Egg rolls, for example, are a representation of gold bars symbolizing wealth and prosperity in the coming year.
On February 19, the first day of Chinese New Year, Panda Express, America's favorite Chinese restaurant, is giving away free "gold bar*" egg rolls to wish our family of guests and communities a prosperous new year. Guests can download the coupon at pandaexpress.com and redeem it at any participating Panda Express location. Guests joining us in-store on February 19 will also receive a traditional red envelope (hong bao) with a coupon (while supplies last) redeemable for a free entrée of Firecracker Chicken Breast and a 22 oz Pepsi drink.
"As America's largest Chinese restaurant, Panda has the privilege of inviting our guests to come together with those they love and join in this celebration," said Dave Wallinga, Vice President of Guest Marketing for Panda Express. "Offering our guests free "gold bar*" egg rolls and hong bao of "good fortune" is a fun way to encourage people to participate and learn more about a holiday so close to our hearts."
The 15-day Chinese New Year celebration begins with a family feast (the most important meal of the year) and culminates with a Festival of Lanterns to light the way to the new year. Panda Express has created various ways for guests to experience the tradition of Chinese New Year, both in-store and online with their Learn With Me free educational curriculum, Unlock Secrets of the Zodiac online game, DIY Chinese New Year Celebration board on Pinterest and the return of Firecracker Chicken Breast entree (available for a limited time).
Panda also offers several ways to easily order a Chinese New Year meal to be shared with family and friends. The Family Feast of 3 large entrees and 2 large sides; catering orders for larger groups; or group orders - all of which can be done through Panda's online ordering or mobile app so you can quickly pick up your celebration meal. For sample Chinese New Year menu ideas, visit pandaexpress.com.
"Chinese New Year is a time to reunite with family and friends to honor traditions that will usher in happiness and good fortune in the new year. It is a holiday that can be embraced and celebrated by people from all cultural backgrounds," said Wallinga. "We hope that many will take this opportunity to celebrate the Chinese New Year with us."
About Panda Express
Panda Express, America's favorite Chinese restaurant, is best known for its wide variety of original recipes including its famous Orange Chicken™, SweetFire Chicken Breast®, award-winning Honey Walnut Shrimp™ and Shanghai Angus Steak™. Founded in 1983 and now with more than 1,700 locations throughout the U.S., Puerto Rico, Guam, Canada, Mexico, Dubai and Korea, Panda Express is part of the family owned and operated Panda Restaurant Group, the world leader in Asian dining experiences that also includes Panda Inn and Hibachi-San. For more information, visit www.pandaexpress.com, or become a fan on Facebook or follow on Twitter.
*Free gold bar refers to one chicken egg roll. Get it? We couldn't possibly give away free gold bars.
A photo accompanying this release is available at: http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=30696
