Panda Express App Ranked One of the Top Ordering Apps in the Country — But These Restaurants’ Apps Also Get High Marks

Panda Express is one of the most beloved casual dining chains in the country, with its food getting high marks from customers. But recently, the company’s app received accolades as being one of the best ordering apps.

IPSOS recently released the 2024 QSR/Fast Casual Digital Ordering Performance Study. The research examines the quick-service restaurant (QSR) mobile app order-ahead environment, including the companies that lead the pack and the elements that keep customers returning.

Panda Express had the highest overall score among the 26 QSR brands reviewed in this year’s survey (80 out of 100). However, no single brand received top ratings across the board. While customers appreciated Panda Express’ app perks, Chick-fil-A had the highest-scoring app capabilities, and Whataburger outperformed the competition in terms of overall ordering experience.

“We are delighted to publish this study, given the increasing importance of mobile app experiences for limited-service restaurants. These results reflect the intensity of the competition and users’ heightened expectations — making it all the more important for brands to differentiate themselves through exceptional digital experiences,” noted Brad Christian, SVP of strategic growth, Ipsos Channel Performance, in a statement accompanying the announcement.

Per Nation’s Restaurant News, Panda Express has been improving its digital ordering experience over the last few years, such as by launching Panda Rewards, its first loyalty program, in May 2023.

“We think about the Panda Express mobile app not just as a simple utility for our guests to transact, but an opportunity to engage with them and bring our brand essence to life in an authentic and differentiated manner,” said Nidhin Mattappally, executive director of digital & restaurant experience at Panda Express, according to the outlet. “We’ve mirrored the app ordering experience to what’s in-store so that it’s really familiar to guests and made it streamlined so it’s easy to complete.”

Panda Express Recently Unveiled 5 New Menu Items

Panda Express customers can use this award-winning app to order five new menu items unveiled in January.

To satisfy a variety of dietary needs and lifestyle goals, the fast Chinese restaurant worked with nutritionist Kylie Sakaida, MS, RD, to create five balanced meals. These foods contain a lot of protein, but they also have a lot of carbohydrates and fiber, which will keep you full.

The Panda Express protein plates include:

• Double Protein Plate: Double-grilled teriyaki chicken with half white rice and half Super Greens as sides.
• Bold & Flavorful Plate: Kung Pao chicken and Black Pepper Sirloin Steak with Super Greens as a side.
• Power Packed Plate: Black Pepper Sirloin Steak and Broccoli Beef with Super Greens as a side.
• Protein & Fiber Plate: String Bean Chicken Breast and Kung Pao Chicken with Super Greens as a side.
• Harmonious Macros Plate: Grilled teriyaki chicken and Broccoli Beef with Super Greens as a side.

These dishes are only available to order online.