Cook

Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. is a renowned American family-owned company specializing in Asian dining experiences, founded in 1983 in Glendale, California. The company has grown impressively to become the largest family-owned American Chinese restaurant concept in the nation, with nearly 2,800 locations worldwide. Panda Restaurant Group embodies a commitment to quality, delivering exceptional food and service while fostering an environment that emphasizes family values and community impact. They prioritize creating an inspiring work environment that motivates employees to improve their lives and actively contribute to the communities they serve.

Joining the Panda Restaurant Group team as a Cook means becoming an integral part of a fast-paced, growth-oriented restaurant environment. The Cook role is a leadership position within the kitchen team, requiring individuals who are passionate about food, customer service, and creating a positive atmosphere for guests. The position involves preparing dishes according to company recipes and standards, guiding and training kitchen team members, and performing various back-of-house responsibilities. As a vital member of the restaurant, the Cook helps shape the overall dining experience by providing vibrant and welcoming service.

This role offers a competitive pay range of $20 to $23 per hour, with individual pay determined by factors such as work location and experience. The job demands physical stamina as employees are expected to work in a hot, noisy, and fast-paced kitchen setting, requiring standing for extended periods and the ability to lift up to 50 pounds. The position includes important safety and food hygiene responsibilities, with local food safety certification expected to be obtained by the employee. The Cook will use various kitchen tools, including Chinese cook knives, and must maintain accuracy and efficiency in food preparation despite the challenges posed by the environment.

Panda Restaurant Group values diversity and equal opportunity, ensuring an inclusive work environment free from discrimination based on legally protected characteristics. The company complies with all federal, state, and local laws regarding workplace accommodations and offers reasonable accommodations during the hiring process. Training and career development opportunities are provided to help employees advance into management roles and strengthen their leadership skills.

Working at Panda also comes with a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employees' work-life balance and well-being. Benefits include flexible schedules, competitive pay, free meals during shifts, medical, vision, and dental insurance options, and voluntary short-term disability coverage. The company also offers health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with company match, paid vacation, sick leave, and bereavement leave. Associates benefit from discounts on many brands, referral bonuses, community engagement opportunities, and ongoing paid training.

Overall, this Cook position at Panda Restaurant Group offers a rewarding opportunity for dedicated individuals eager to build a dynamic career in the restaurant industry within a supportive and family-oriented corporate culture. Candidates with some high school education and prior operations or food safety experience are preferred, with local food handler certification required to meet municipal standards. Joining Panda means joining an organization proud of its heritage and committed to excellence and employee growth.