Busser

Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. is a family-owned and operated company that has been a leader in the Asian dining industry since its inception in 1983. Known as the largest family-owned American Chinese restaurant concept in America, Panda has grown its presence with nearly 2,800 locations globally. The company operates several distinct dining brands, including Panda Express—the popular fast casual Gourmet Chinese food concept, Panda Inn—a fine dining experience, and Hibachi San—a Japanese grill concept. Rooted deeply in family values and community-driven principles, the company is headquartered in Rosemead, California, and remains under the leadership of its founders, Andrew and Peggy Cherng.

Panda Restaurant Group has a mission to deliver exceptional Asian dining experiences by building an organization where people are inspired to better their lives. This mission is embodied in the company’s culture, where the core values of being proactive, showing respect with a win-win mindset, focusing on growth, delivering great operations, and giving back to the community are deeply ingrained. Employees, or associates as referred to within the company, often mention a strong sense of belonging and hard work rewarded with opportunities for advancement. The company invests heavily in its people, believing that great operations come from great people working together to exceed guest expectations.

The employment opportunities at Panda span from entry-level roles to leadership positions. The company provides comprehensive training, career development programs, and hands-on learning opportunities, empowering associates to grow within the organization and advance into management roles. With positions available nationwide in restaurants as well as in the corporate support center, Panda offers competitive pay within the range of $16.9 to $19.9 per hour, depending on experience and location. In addition, the company emphasizes a positive work environment that fosters teamwork, communication, and a shared goal to provide excellent customer service consistently.

The role being described is that of a Busser, a key frontline position vital to the smooth operation of the dining experience. Bussers play an essential role in supporting servers and ensuring guests receive exceptional service. Responsibilities include clearing and resetting tables according to Panda’s exacting standards, refilling water and serving tea, restocking clean plates, silverware, and glassware, and assisting servers throughout the meal service. The Busser helps maintain a welcoming and orderly dining environment and contributes significantly to turning tables efficiently without compromising on guest comfort or satisfaction.

This position demands a high level of attentiveness and coordination to support the server team effectively and enhance the overall dining experience. The work environment is fast-paced and often physically demanding—requiring standing for extended periods, lifting up to 50 pounds, and working in hot, sometimes crowded kitchen and dining areas. Communicating effectively with fellow associates and adapting quickly to dynamic priorities is crucial. The company also prioritizes the safety and cleanliness of the workplace, expecting bussers to be vigilant about hazards and maintain high standards of sanitation.

As a part of the Panda team, employees enjoy a range of benefits including flexible scheduling, competitive pay, free meals during shifts, health insurance options (medical, dental, vision), a 401K plan with company match, paid time off such as vacation and sick leave, associate discounts, referral bonuses, and ongoing career and leadership development. Panda also has strong commitments to equal opportunity employment and accessibility, ensuring inclusive hiring practices and accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

In summary, joining Panda means becoming part of a thriving and expanding organization that values people, purpose, and exceptional service. Whether you are just starting out in the foodservice industry or looking to build a rewarding career path, Panda offers an environment where your work is valued, your contributions matter, and you have the support to succeed and grow over time.