Cook

Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. is a leading family-owned American Chinese restaurant concept founded in 1983 in Glendale, California. With nearly 2,800 locations worldwide, Panda Restaurant Group continues to expand its mission of delivering exceptional Asian dining experiences. The company prides itself on fostering an organization where people are inspired to better their lives and where family values guide all aspects of the business. Known for its vibrant dining environments and commitment to community, Panda is dedicated to impact not only its guests but also its associates and the neighborhoods it serves. As a dynamic and growth-oriented company, Panda fosters a workplace culture built on respect, diversity, and equal opportunity, welcoming candidates from all backgrounds and ensuring compliance with all applicable laws.

The Cook position at Panda Restaurant Group is a vital role within the company’s kitchen team. As a Panda Cook, associates are considered important leaders and the heart of the kitchen, where they contribute significantly to the overall guest experience. This role is perfect for individuals passionate about food preparation and service who thrive in a fast-paced environment. The Cook is responsible for creating food with passion, delivering service with heart, and maintaining the ambiance with pride. They prepare all dishes according to company recipes and quality standards, ensuring consistency and excellence in every meal served. Additionally, the Cook supports and guides the kitchen team while assisting with training new team members, fostering a collaborative and skilled work environment.

Panda Cooks perform various back-of-house responsibilities, including food preparation, maintaining cleanliness, and adhering to food safety protocols. Working mostly in a bustling kitchen environment with high noise levels and limited workspace, Cooks must be able to adapt to changing priorities and maintain accuracy despite the pace. Physical demands include standing for long periods, lifting up to 50 pounds, and working around hot surfaces and kitchen equipment. Effective verbal communication skills and the ability to manage conflicts or difficult situations are also essential for success in this role.

Employment at Panda as a Cook is offered on an hourly basis, with pay ranging from $24 to $27 per hour, dependent on location and experience. Panda provides flexible scheduling to accommodate the needs of its associates, making it easier to balance work with other life priorities. The company offers robust benefits for full-time associates, including medical, vision, dental insurance, and various voluntary coverages such as short-term disability and cancer income protection. Panda also supports associate wellness and financial security through health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts, a 401K plan with company match, and paid leave options including vacation, sick leave, bereavement, and a Leave Share Program. Additionally, associates can enjoy free meals while working, employee discounts on many brands, referral bonuses, and opportunities for paid training and ongoing career development.

In summary, joining Panda Restaurant Group as a Cook offers a rewarding opportunity to be part of a passionate team dedicated to delivering quality Asian cuisine and exceptional customer experiences. The role offers hands-on training, career advancement potential, and a supportive work environment enriched by the company’s strong values and commitment to diversity and inclusion. Candidates interested in culinary arts and hospitality who want to grow with a reputable and expanding company will find a fulfilling career at Panda.