Panda Express gives Americans a taste of Lunar New Year with charming family tale

Opinionated created a two-minute film with a young man meeting his girlfriend’s family for the first time

Published On
Jan 22, 2025

Editor's Pick

Panda Express, the American Chinese restaurant chain, spreads the joy of Lunar New Year to U.S. viewers with a humorous and heartwarming family story from agency Opinionated, featuring a man trying to impress his girlfriend’s family upon meeting them for the first time.

In the two-minute spot, directed by Max Sherman of Anonymous Content, the girlfriend’s two aunts team up to grill the man about his background. He’s nervous at first, but manages to win them over by the end.

While Lunar New Year meals are typically home cooked, there are nods to the Panda Express menu, with spring rolls and The Original Orange Chicken appearing, along with a fateful fortune cookie.

Opinionated was named Panda Express’ creative agency of record last year.

Also read: Why Panda Express named Opinionated its creative AOR—behind the pitch and strategy

“We wanted to capture the quirks and pride of real-life Chinese American family dynamics while also appealing to a broader audience—even those who may be unfamiliar with Lunar New Year or Panda Express—through universal themes of family and togetherness,” said Chris Le, senior copywriter at Opinionated. “‘Have You Eaten Yet?’ is a phrase deeply rooted in so many immigrant cultures, and this film truly reflects Panda Express’ values of warmth, family and joy through food.”

“Food has the power to bring people together in the most heartfelt and joyful ways, and through our dishes and relatable, everyday stories, we aim to bring a taste of American Chinese culture to tables across America as we celebrate the spirit of togetherness that is so central to this holiday,” said Fabiola Del Rio, VP of integrated marketing communications at Panda Express.

The film will run on paid channels including YouTube and social. The brand is also launching in-store promotions and activations near college campuses.

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Credits

Date
Jan 22, 2025
Client :
Panda Express
Agency :
Opinionated
Executive Creative Director :
Mark Fitzloff
Executive Creative Director :
Rob Palmer
President :
Trish Adams
Associate Creative Director :
Cameron Soane
Copywriter :
Chris Le
Senior Producer :
Cole Davenport
Associate Producer :
Bhavishya Sharadhi
Director of Strategy :
Dave Daines
Junior Strategist :
Ethan Jone
Account Supervisor :
Meg Ellis-Palmer
Account Director :
Marcelina Ward
Business Affairs :
Krista Horn
Agency :
TDW+Co
CEO :
Julie Lee
Chief Creative Officer :
Bernice Chao
Production Company :
Anonymous Content
Director :
Max Sherman
Executive Producer :
SueEllen Clair
Director of Photography :
Daisy Zhou
Line Producer :
Hayley Betts Brown
Production Manager :
Sebastian Mirecki
Digital Imaging Technician :
Ryan Alexander
Editorial Company :
Arts Academy
Editor :
Peter Wiedensmith
Assistant Editor :
Charlee Mackey
Producer :
Annie Armitage
Executive Producer :
Carolina Padilla
Additional Support :
Kris Faris
Color/Online :
Black Hole
Color & VFX :
Steven San Miguel
Executive Producer :
Casey Cayko
Post Sound :
Field Day Sound
Executive Producer :
Leslie Carthy
Sound Designer :
Morgan Johnson
Mixer :
Noah Woodburn

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Industry
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