Panda Express' Anju Jason Qualifies for Beijing Olympics

2008-07-24 14:55:02 -

- Morgan Marketing and Public Relations LLC Ann Moreno, (949) 261-2216 or (951) 233-4142 cell ann@mmpr.biz Panda Express is proud to announce that Anju Jason, a chef at its Moana Lua location on Oahu, Hawaii, has qualified for the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing. Jason will be competing in the men's Taekwondo event on the Marshall Islands' team. Panda Express has made the commitment to pay Anju during the time that he is competing.

Jason's participation has historic significance. Born in the Marshall Islands, 20-year-old Anju Jason has the distinction of being the first Marshallese athlete ever to qualify and compete in the Olympic Games. He will represent his birth country in Beijing and is among a handful of Hawaii residents to qualify for this year's Olympics.

"I am extremely proud to have this opportunity to represent the Marshall Islands and the State of Hawaii in a sport that I love so much, on such a major level," said Jason. "I am grateful for the support of my family, friends, girlfriend and co-workers at Panda Express. I am especially thankful to my friends in Taekwondo who have helped me get to this point."

Jason's dream of becoming an Olympic athlete began 11 years ago when he was a 4th grader at Aliamanu Elementary School. Since then, Jason has earned a black belt and consistently medaled in a variety of Taekwondo tournaments.

Jason fulfilled another of his ambitions--he loves food and wanted to learn Asian cooking--when he started working at Panda Express. Anju was attracted to Panda Express because of its positive and supportive culture. He became a chef at the Moana Lua Panda Express location after attending Radford High School in Salt Lake, where he and his family still reside.

All of Panda Express' more than 18,000 associates are proud of having an Olympic athlete among their ranks. "Anju's dedication, work ethic, and spirit exemplify Panda's mission, which is to deliver an exceptional Asian dining experience by building an organization where people are inspired to better their lives," said John Zhang, Panda Express' Area Coach of Operation. "We are very fortunate to have so many talented associates such as Anju at Panda. Anju's accomplishments are an inspiration to everyone, we are extremely proud of him."

About Panda Restaurant Group

With more than 1,120 locations in 36 states, the privately held Panda Restaurant Group (www.pandarg.com) is the world's largest and fastest growing Asian restaurant chain. Its successful chain of concepts includes Panda Express, Panda Inn, and Hibachi-San. Panda Express offers fresh, high quality Chinese food in a quick-service environment. In 2008, the company celebrates the 25th anniversary of Panda Express, the 35th anniversary of Panda Inn, and the 21st anniversary of Panda Express in Hawaii. More than 18,000 associates are employed by Panda Restaurant Group.

Oahu Chef to Be First Olympian Ever to Compete for the Marshall
Islands