Panda ExpressCommunity Programs Platform

Background/Objective

Panda Express, the largest Asian restaurant chain in the United States, and a long-term client of Sonnenberg Creative Group, wanted a new platform that made it easier for schools and other organizations to request and host fundraising events that featured the brand’s signature cuisine.

In addition to fundraising, they wanted to create a digital presence for their other community programs, to maintain active participation and growth in the midst of a global pandemic.

Strategic Planning

By diving deep into the user experience for the various site audiences, we imagined a more efficient system using a proprietary interface we developed:

Reusable components that simplify request forms
Improved scheduling and forecasting with a longer planning horizon
Unified ‘hub’ platform with a single sign-on, cross-promoting multiple community programs
Integrated workflows between locations, systems, and programs, for operations to approve events, monitor results, and offer help desk support to participants.

Design

We designed the frontend of the Panda Express community page to visually highlight the significance of the brand’s community impact. Using custom illustrations, we showcased the unique personality of each program, enticing viewers to learn more.

After selecting a program, users land on a page that concisely explains the process step-by-step, answers frequently asked questions and delivers a compelling “get started” call to action.

The backend user experience is intuitive and streamlined, allowing users to request events of multiple types, manage events, and request help if needed.

Technology

The site is custom built from the ground up. We've created the site to be scalable and modular, developing several microservices that power various areas of the site, like a ticketing system and stats engine. This allows flexibility in the future and allows each component to be "right sized".

Outcome

This system is now the backbone of Panda’s community programs, serving as a tool to advance their brand mission, build strong relationships, and positively influence sales.

Since 2019, six programs have been launched successfully including:

Neighborhood Fundraisers
Virtual Fundraisers
School Lunch Program
Read with Me
Achievement Awards
Let’s Explore: Lunar New Year

Partnering with Panda Express, Sonnenberg continues to maintain, optimize and grow these programs for maximum impact.

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