Cook

Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. is a leading family-owned American Chinese restaurant concept founded in Glendale, California since 1983. With close to 2,800 locations globally, Panda prides itself on delivering exceptional Asian dining experiences. The company emphasizes family values and is deeply committed to inspiring its people to better their lives while positively impacting the communities it serves. Panda's restaurants are central to its identity, forming the heart and soul of the organization. These restaurants focus on creating welcoming environments where guests can enjoy authentic American Chinese cuisine prepared with passion and care. The company fosters a culture of respect and equality, maintaining a strong stance on providing equal employment opportunities and accommodating employees as required by law. Panda Restaurant Group is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, actively supporting diversity and inclusion across all facets of its operations.

For the role of Panda Cook, you will play a vital role in the kitchen, serving as a key leader responsible for food quality, kitchen operations, and team support. This position offers an exciting opportunity to thrive in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment where your culinary skills and leadership will directly contribute to the restaurant’s success. As a Panda Cook, you will be entrusted with supporting a vibrant and welcoming ambiance for guests, preparing dishes to exact company recipes and standards, and guiding kitchen team members by assisting with their training and development. This hands-on role encompasses performing comprehensive back-of-house responsibilities, ensuring that operational procedures and food safety standards are strictly upheld. The position requires dedication, speed, accuracy, and the ability to work efficiently amid bustling kitchen activity.

The role supports flexible scheduling with competitive pay ranging from $24 to $27 per hour depending on location and experience. This hourly wage reflects the company's commitment to fairly compensate employees for their skills and contributions. Panda Cook associates receive continuous paid training and opportunities for career and leadership development, with clear pathways for growing into management positions. The environment is fast-paced, interactive, and dynamic, ideal for individuals who enjoy working with culinary teams and contributing to delivering memorable dining experiences. Physical demands include standing for prolonged periods, handling kitchen equipment such as the Chinese cook knife, lifting up to 50 pounds, and effectively communicating in a noisy and busy setting.

In addition to role-specific responsibilities and development opportunities, the company provides comprehensive benefits including medical, vision, dental coverage, and various insurance options for full-time employees. Flexible spending accounts and a 401K plan with company match assist associates in planning for their financial security and health needs. Paid time off benefits such as vacation, sick leave, and bereavement leave are offered along with associate discounts, referral bonuses, and opportunities for community involvement. Panda Restaurant Group values safety and compliance with food safety certifications, requiring associates to acquire certifications such as Food Handler permits where locally mandated.

Joining Panda means becoming part of a company that is not only passionate about Asian cuisine but also genuinely cares about its people, creating a workplace motivated by teamwork, respect, and shared success. This role is ideal for individuals who are passionate about cooking, eager to develop their skills in a supportive kitchen team, and looking for stable career growth within a renowned restaurant group recognized nationwide.