Cook

Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. is the largest family-owned American Chinese Restaurant concept in the United States, founded in 1983 in Glendale, California. With close to 2,800 locations globally, the company has established itself as a leader in the Asian dining experience industry by consistently delivering exceptional food and service. The organization is deeply rooted in family values and community commitment, fostering an environment where both employees and guests feel valued and inspired. Panda’s restaurants are known for their vibrant and welcoming atmosphere, created by passionate team members who play a critical role in the company's ongoing success and growth.

As a Cook at Panda, you become an essential member of the kitchen team, representing the heart and soul of the restaurant’s culinary operations. This is a full-time position offering a competitive pay range of $24 to $27 per hour, with individual compensation determined by factors such as work location and experience. The role focuses on preparing high-quality dishes that adhere strictly to company recipes and standards, ensuring consistency and excellence in every meal served. Beyond cooking, you will support team leadership by guiding kitchen staff and assisting in their training, helping to maintain a smooth and efficient kitchen environment. This fast-paced and growth-oriented role offers exciting opportunities for hands-on learning, career advancement, and leadership development within a company that values its employees as the key ingredient to success.

Panda Cook associates are more than just kitchen workers; they are vital leaders who contribute to creating an atmosphere of pride and passion in every aspect of the dining experience. Working in the kitchen involves multitasking between food preparation, supporting the Back of House responsibilities, and maintaining food safety protocols consistent with local and municipal requirements, including obtaining any necessary certifications such as the Food Handler certification. The Cook position demands energy, attention to detail, and an ability to work efficiently in a busy environment where team collaboration and adaptability are essential.

Employees should be prepared to work in a kitchen environment that is physically demanding and often hot, requiring the ability to lift up to 50 pounds and stand for extended periods. Effective communication skills and the capacity to handle conflicts or challenging situations calmly and professionally are vital traits for success. Panda values diversity and inclusion, providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified candidates regardless of race, gender, disability, or other protected characteristics. The company also complies with all ADA regulations, offering reasonable accommodations during the hiring process and employment to ensure equal participation and access.

Joining Panda means becoming part of a vibrant community focused on both personal and professional development. The company supports flexible scheduling and delivers a robust benefits package including medical, dental, vision insurance, 401K with company match, paid time off, and more. The work environment at Panda is fast-paced but rewarding, where employees have the opportunity to grow into management positions and take advantage of ongoing career and leadership development programs. Whether you are passionate about cooking, enjoy working with a dedicated team, or desire to build a long-term career in the restaurant industry, Panda Restaurant Group offers a supportive and dynamic workplace where your contributions will be recognized and valued.