What do the p and f stand for in PF Chang's?

What’s in a Name? The Story Behind P.F. Chang’s

Next time you pass a P.F. Chang’s or order from its menu, you might wonder—what exactly do the letters stand for? It’s not some mysterious corporate code or an ancient Chinese phrase. The truth is far more personal and rooted in partnership.

P.F. stands for Paul Fleming, a restaurateur known for his savvy in the hospitality world, and Chang refers to Philip Chiang, whose family brought authentic Chinese flavors to the table. Together, they launched P.F. Chang’s in 1993, blending American dining culture with traditional Chinese cuisine in a way that felt both fresh and familiar.

The restaurant was born out of a shared vision: to offer high-quality, approachable Asian-inspired dishes in a stylish, modern setting. While Paul brought experience from his earlier success with restaurant concepts, Philip contributed deep culinary roots—his mother, Cecilia Chiang, was a pioneer in introducing authentic Chinese food to American audiences through her San Francisco restaurant, The Mandarin.

So, far from being a random or cryptic name, P.F. Chang’s is a tribute to its founders. It’s a nod to collaboration and cultural fusion—one letter and one surname telling the story of a bold idea that took root in Scottsdale, Arizona, and grew into a nationwide favorite.

Today, whether you’re digging into an entree of sizzling chicken or sipping lychee martinis, you’re tasting more than just food. You’re experiencing the legacy of two people who bet on flavor, authenticity, and a name that, as it turns out, says it all.