Job Overview

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Employment Type

Full-time
Part-time
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Compensation

Hourly
Range $11.00 - $14.75
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Work Schedule

Flexible
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Benefits

flexible schedules
Great pay
Free meals while working at Panda
Medical insurance
Vision Insurance
Dental Insurance
Voluntary Short-Term Disability Insurance
Cancer income protection insurance
health care flexible spending account
Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
401K with company match
Vacation leave
sick leave
Bereavement leave
leave share program
associate discounts
Referral Bonus
Paid training
Career and leadership development
growth opportunities

Job Description

Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. is a leading family-owned American Chinese restaurant concept that has been proudly serving customers since its founding in 1983 in Glendale, California. With nearly 2,800 locations worldwide, Panda Restaurant Group is recognized as the largest family-owned Chinese restaurant brand in the United States. The company is deeply committed to delivering exceptional Asian dining experiences that are enriched by a strong culture grounded in family values and inspired by the goal of creating an organization where people are motivated to improve their lives both professionally and personally. Known for its vibrant and welcoming restaurant environments, Panda places great emphasis on the importance of its people, viewing its team members as the heart and soul behind its success. The organization is dedicated to fostering a workplace that promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring equal opportunity for all employees regardless of gender, race, age, disability, or other protected characteristics. This commitment is highlighted by the company's adherence to all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and by providing reasonable accommodations throughout the employment process.

The Cook position at Panda Restaurant Group offers associates an exciting and pivotal role within a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment. As an essential leader within the kitchen team, Panda Cook associates are responsible for creating food with passion, providing service that comes from the heart, and maintaining an ambiance that reflects pride and professionalism. This role gives individuals the opportunity to contribute significantly to the restaurant's ability to deliver high-quality dishes crafted to company recipes and standards. Beyond food preparation, the Cook plays a key role in guiding and training kitchen team members to ensure smooth kitchen operations and a strong team dynamic.

This position involves hands-on engagement in all Back of House responsibilities, requiring the ability to work efficiently under pressure while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail. Working at Panda means becoming part of a family-oriented culture that supports career growth and development, offering ongoing training and leadership development opportunities. The Cook position is designed not only to equip associates with valuable culinary and operational skills but also to provide pathways to management and higher-level positions within the company.

In addition to a fulfilling work environment, Panda Restaurant Group offers flexible schedules and competitive pay to support associates' work-life balance. Full-time employees are eligible for comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, voluntary short-term disability, and cancer income protection insurance plans. The company also provides health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with company matching, paid vacation and sick leave, bereavement and funeral leave, and additional programs such as a Leave Share Program. Employees benefit from free meals during their shifts, associate discounts across multiple brands, referral bonuses, and opportunities to engage in community service. Panda is committed to ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of its associates, maintaining well-equipped workspaces despite the fast-paced and physically demanding nature of kitchen work. The company acknowledges the physical requirements of the role, including standing for extended periods, lifting up to 50 pounds, and working with specialized kitchen equipment, all within a dynamic and sometimes high-noise environment.

Ultimately, joining Panda Restaurant Group as a Cook means becoming part of a respected and well-established brand that champions diversity, innovation, and excellence in every aspect of its operations. It is an opportunity to build a meaningful career in the restaurant industry with the support of a company that values its people and invests in their future success.

Job Requirements

  • Some high school education
  • Food Handler certification or local/municipal food safety certification acquired at applicant's own expense
  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
  • Ability to stand for up to four hours
  • Effective verbal communication skills
  • Ability to work quickly and accurately with kitchen equipment
  • Capacity to manage conflicts and difficult situations
  • Ability to work in hot, noisy, and restricted kitchen environments

Job Qualifications

  • Some high school education
  • Prefer some operations experience
  • Knowledge of food safety practices
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
  • Effective verbal communication skills
  • Ability to adapt to changing priorities
  • Strong teamwork and leadership abilities

Job Duties

  • Support in creating a vibrant and welcoming environment for our guests
  • Preparing all dishes to meet company recipes and standards
  • Guiding kitchen team and assisting with their training
  • Performing all Back of House responsibilities
  • Maintaining cleanliness and organization of kitchen workstations
  • Ensuring compliance with food safety and sanitation standards
  • Assisting with inventory management and stock replenishment

Job Criteria

Experience

Entry Level (1-2 years)


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