Cook

Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. is a renowned leader in the American Chinese restaurant industry, proudly rooted in Glendale, California since its founding in 1983. As the largest family-owned American Chinese Restaurant concept in America, Panda Restaurant Group has expanded to nearly 2,800 locations globally, reflecting its commitment to delivering exceptional Asian dining experiences to a diverse and loyal customer base. The company prides itself on being more than just a restaurant chain; it embraces family values and fosters a positive, inspiring workplace culture where employees are motivated to improve their lives and contribute meaningfully to their communities. The restaurants serve as the heart and soul of the company, and it is the people behind the scenes who are considered the recipe for their long-lasting success.

The role of a Panda Cook is central to the operation of the kitchen and overall guest experience. This position demands passion for food preparation, dedication to service, and pride in contributing to a warm, welcoming ambiance that guests can enjoy. Panda Cooks are key leaders within the kitchen, tasked with creating dishes that adhere strictly to company recipes and standards, ensuring quality and consistency across every meal prepared. They also play a vital role in supporting and guiding other kitchen team members, offering assistance with training and fostering a collaborative team environment that contributes to the smooth running of the back-of-house operations.

This is a fast-paced, dynamic role well-suited to individuals who thrive in growth-oriented settings and are eager to develop their culinary skills. The position requires stamina and physical resilience as employees often stand for long periods, handle kitchen tools such as Chinese cook knives, and work amid the heat and noise of the kitchen. The pay range for this hourly role is $19 to $22, with the exact rate determined by factors such as location and experience. Panda Restaurant Group offers flexible schedules and values work-life balance, making this an attractive opportunity for those seeking meaningful employment in the food service industry.

Beyond the day-to-day responsibilities, Panda Cook associates benefit from comprehensive training programs that prepare them for success and growth into management roles within the company. The restaurant group offers competitive benefits, including medical, vision, dental insurance, and short-term disability coverage for full-time associates. Additionally, the company provides a 401K with a company match, health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts, and a variety of leave options such as vacation, sick leave, bereavement leave, and even a Leave Share Program for eligible employees. Employees also enjoy perks like free meals during shifts, associate discounts, referral bonuses, and opportunities to give back to their communities.

Panda Restaurant Group is deeply committed to equal opportunity employment and strives to create an inclusive workplace free from discrimination on the basis of legally protected characteristics. The company also adheres strictly to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements, providing reasonable accommodations during the hiring process and throughout employment to support employees with disabilities. The group’s dedication to family values, community involvement, and employee growth makes it a distinguished and rewarding employer in the hospitality sector.