Cook

Panda Restaurant Group, founded in 1983 in Glendale, California, is the largest family-owned American Chinese restaurant concept in the United States. With nearly 2,800 locations globally, Panda Restaurant Group is a leader in delivering exceptional Asian dining experiences. The company has built a strong reputation by embracing family values and fostering an environment where employees feel inspired to grow and improve their lives both professionally and personally. The company is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring an equal opportunity workplace free from discrimination in any form. Employees at Panda are not just workers; they are part of a family that values their contributions and supports their career development.

The role of Cook at Panda Restaurant Group is central to maintaining the quality and ambiance that define the brand. As a Panda Cook associate, you become a vital part of the team and the heart of the kitchen. This position requires passion for food preparation, dedication to service, and pride in creating a welcoming atmosphere for our guests. Working as a Cook in Panda's fast-paced, growth-oriented environment means you will not only prepare dishes according to company recipes and standards but also play a leadership role in guiding and training the kitchen team.

The Cook position at Panda offers a dynamic work environment filled with opportunities for personal and professional growth. It requires the ability to perform multiple back-of-house responsibilities efficiently, often under hot and noisy conditions where stamina is essential. This job demands the capability to follow food safety guidelines, use various kitchen tools such as the Chinese cook knife, and maintain accuracy while working quickly. Physical requirements include standing for long periods, lifting up to 50 pounds, and reaching across counters. The role also requires effective verbal communication skills and the ability to adapt to changing priorities while managing conflicts or difficult situations.

Panda values its employees by providing competitive pay, flexible schedules, and a comprehensive benefits package for full-time associates. These benefits include medical, vision, dental, voluntary short-term disability, and cancer income protection insurance, as well as health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts, a 401K plan with company match, and paid time off including vacation, sick leave, and bereavement leave. Furthermore, associates receive free meals while working, discounts on many brands, referral bonuses, paid hands-on training, ongoing career and leadership development, and opportunities for advancement into management roles.

Panda Restaurant Group is known for its commitment to equal opportunity and accommodating individuals with disabilities throughout the hiring process. The company complies fully with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), offering reasonable accommodations such as sign language interpreters to ensure all qualified applicants can participate in the application and hiring process effectively. The company’s inclusive culture, combined with its dedication to high-quality food and service, makes the Cook position not only a job but a valuable career path within a respected and family-oriented organization.