Cook

Panda Restaurant Group, Inc., founded in 1983 in Glendale, California, is the largest family-owned American Chinese restaurant concept in the United States. With nearly 2,800 locations worldwide, the company is dedicated to delivering exceptional Asian dining experiences while fostering an environment inspired by family values. Panda is known for its commitment to creating vibrant restaurant atmospheres that not only provide outstanding food but also foster a welcoming and inclusive community for guests and associates alike. The company continues to grow and evolve, driven by a deeply embedded mission to impact positively both the teams that work within the restaurants and the diverse communities they serve. This growth is supported by a culture that values teamwork, leadership, and continuous opportunity for career development.

The position of Cook at Panda Restaurant Group is central to the company's success and vibrant kitchen culture. This role requires an individual who is passionate about food preparation and service excellence, ready to embrace a fast-paced, dynamic working environment. As a Panda Cook, you will be responsible for creating dishes that adhere strictly to company recipes and quality standards, ensuring that every guest experiences the authentic flavors and exceptional taste that Panda is known for. You will play a leadership role within the kitchen, guiding and assisting kitchen team members in training and daily operations, contributing to a smooth and efficient back-of-house environment. This role demands a high level of accuracy, speed, and safety awareness as you prepare both hot and cold food items, manage kitchen equipment including specialized utensils like Chinese cook knives, and maintain a clean and organized workspace despite challenging conditions such as high heat and limited storage.

The Cook position offers flexible scheduling to accommodate a variety of lifestyles, and competitive wage offerings ranging from $24.5 to $27.5 per hour, determined by factors including experience and location. Full-time associates benefit from comprehensive insurance plans including medical, vision, dental, short-term disability, and cancer income protection, with additional voluntary options. The company supports financial wellness through 401K plans with company match and flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses. Other benefits include paid leave options, associate discounts, referral bonuses, paid hands-on training programs, and opportunities for advancement into management roles. Panda fosters inclusive hiring practices and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities throughout the application and employment process.

Working as a Cook at Panda means more than just food preparation; it means being part of a family-oriented team that values dedication, respect, and community involvement. The environment is fast-paced and energetic, requiring team members to adapt quickly to changing priorities while maintaining effective communication and conflict management skills. Physical demands include standing for extended periods, lifting up to 50 pounds, and working efficiently in noise-prone, space-restricted kitchen settings. If you thrive in a role where passion meets precision and leadership blends with hands-on work, Panda is the ideal place to build and grow your culinary career while making a meaningful impact every day.