Cook

Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. is a prominent family-owned American Chinese restaurant concept that has been serving customers since its founding in 1983 in Glendale, California. As the largest family-owned entity in the sector with nearly 2,800 locations globally, Panda is well-recognized for delivering exceptional Asian dining experiences and maintaining a strong commitment to its values of family and community engagement. Panda Restaurant Group prides itself on fostering an inclusive and inspiring work environment where team members are encouraged to improve their lives and contribute meaningfully to their communities. The company emphasizes leadership development and career growth opportunities within a vibrant and fast-paced setting, making it a preferred employer in the restaurant industry. They uphold equal employment opportunities, ensuring a diverse and supportive workplace that complies with all federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

The role of Panda Cook Associate is integral to the success of Panda Restaurant Group. Cooks at Panda serve as vital leaders within their teams and are considered the heart of the kitchen. Their role goes beyond food preparation; they are ambassadors of the company’s passion for quality food, service with heart, and creating a proud ambiance. This position offers the opportunity to work in a growth-oriented, fast-paced environment where each day brings new challenges and chances to demonstrate culinary skills and team leadership. This role involves supporting a welcoming and dynamic environment for guests, preparing dishes strictly according to company recipes and standards, guiding kitchen teams, and actively participating in the training of new team members. Additionally, Cook Associates handle all Back of House responsibilities, contributing to the smooth operational flow of the kitchen.

Panda Cook Associates must be ready to engage physically and mentally with the demands of culinary work, including working long periods on their feet, managing hot and noisy kitchen environments, and maintaining composure under pressure. With the expectation of managing and preparing both hot and cold foods efficiently, proficiency with specific kitchen tools such as Chinese cook knives is essential. This role demands strength, stamina, and excellent communication skills, as cooks must be capable of adapting to dynamic priorities and managing difficult situations pragmatically.

Employment with Panda offers various benefits including flexible schedules to accommodate personal and professional needs, competitive pay, and free meals during working hours. Full-time associates receive comprehensive healthcare benefits including medical, vision, and dental coverage, along with voluntary short-term disability and cancer income protection insurance. Additional benefits include participation in Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, a 401K plan with company match, paid vacation, sick leave, bereavement leave, and leave sharing programs. Employees are also eligible for associate discounts on many brands, referral bonuses, and opportunities to engage in community outreach. Panda invests in its workforce through hands-on paid training, ongoing career and leadership development programs, and a clear pathway for advancement into management roles. These comprehensive benefits and the company’s commitment to an inclusive culture make Panda Restaurant Group a resilient and engaging place to build a long-term career in the culinary and hospitality industries.