Panda Chain in Joint Venture for Cajun Eatery

Panda Management Co., the Pasadena-based operator of the Panda Express Chinese food chain, has linked with a Cajun cousin to further its expansion. Panda and EATertainment International said they formed a joint venture to open a Panda Express-style Cajun restaurant, Orleans Express, in a Honolulu mall. Boca Raton, Fla.-based EATertainment has operated two Cajun restaurants in Santa Barbara for 13 years. Panda has about 260 outlets worldwide, mostly in shopping malls and grocery stores. Panda spokeswoman Karen Withem said those venues are also prime targets for Orleans Express, whose menu will include jambalaya and beignets.