Cook

Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. is a leading family-owned American Chinese restaurant concept founded in 1983 in Glendale, California. With nearly 2,300 locations worldwide, Panda Restaurant Group has grown to become one of the largest and most respected brands in the Asian dining industry. The company is committed to delivering exceptional Asian dining experiences while fostering an inspiring workplace where team members are empowered to improve their lives. Rooted in strong family values, Panda Restaurant Group connects deeply with its communities and team members, embracing diversity and inclusion across all aspects of its operations. This commitment extends to providing equal opportunities irrespective of sex, gender, race, religion, disability, or veteran status, and ensuring workplace accommodations for qualified individuals under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

As a Cook at Panda Restaurant Group, you will play a pivotal role in the heart of the kitchen, regarded as important leaders within the team. This role is designed for individuals who are passionate about food preparation, service excellence, and creating a welcoming ambiance. Cooks are responsible for preparing dishes that meet company recipes and quality standards, ensuring the consistency and excellence that customers expect. They contribute directly to fostering a vibrant and hospitable environment for guests while also guiding and assisting in the training of kitchen team members. This position offers a fast-paced, dynamic work environment with significant opportunities for growth into management roles, making it an excellent fit for individuals aiming to build a long-term career in the restaurant industry.

The hourly pay for this role ranges between $26 and $29, determined by factors such as geographic location and individual experience. Candidates will appreciate a flexible schedule, competitive wages, and a supportive team culture committed to professional development. Full-time associates are eligible for comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance, voluntary short-term disability coverage, cancer income protection, and access to flexible spending accounts for health and dependent care. Additionally, associates benefit from a 401K plan with company match, paid leave including vacation, sick, and bereavement, as well as various employee discounts and referral bonuses. Panda Restaurant Group’s hands-on paid training and ongoing leadership development programs ensure that all cooks are well equipped to succeed in their roles and pursue upward mobility within the company.

The work environment at Panda involves some physical demands such as standing for extended periods, lifting up to 50 pounds, and working in a kitchen that can be hot and noisy due to steam and food preparation equipment. Effective communication skills, the ability to adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced setting, and conflict management capabilities are essential to thrive in this role. Associates are expected to adhere to local food safety requirements including obtaining their own food handler certifications. This position supports an inclusive, respectful workplace where diversity of background and thought is welcomed, making Panda Culinary teams a diverse yet tightly knit family. By joining Panda Restaurant Group as a Cook, candidates will become part of a company that values its people as the core of its recipe for success and offers meaningful opportunities to impact both the guest experience and their personal career trajectory.