Cook

Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. is the largest family-owned American Chinese restaurant concept in the United States, founded in Glendale, California, in 1983. With close to 2,800 locations globally, Panda Restaurant Group continues its mission of delivering exceptional Asian dining experiences through a dedication to quality, innovation, and family values. The company emphasizes building an organization where people are inspired to better their lives, both within their team and in the communities they serve. Panda is proud of its family-oriented culture and inclusive workplace, offering equal employment opportunities regardless of sex, gender identity, race, religion, or disability status. The company promotes diversity and supports workplace accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), ensuring all qualified individuals have the opportunity to succeed.

The Cook position at Panda is a pivotal role that lies at the heart of the kitchen and involves leadership and active participation in delivering an outstanding guest experience. As a Panda Cook, you will be responsible for preparing dishes in accordance with company recipes and standards, providing service with enthusiasm and pride, and fostering a vibrant welcoming environment for guests. This role goes beyond food preparation—it includes guiding and assisting with kitchen team training to maintain a high-performing and cohesive crew. Working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment requires ability to multitask, maintain accuracy, and uphold safety and sanitation standards. The position involves performing back-of-house responsibilities, from handling ingredients to operating kitchen equipment, while standing for extended periods in a hot and sometimes noisy setting. Physical stamina is essential to manage lifting up to 50 pounds and reaching across counters.

Panda offers a rewarding work environment with flexible schedules, competitive pay ranging from $25 to $28 per hour depending on location and experience, and a rich set of benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance for full-time associates. Employees enjoy free meals during shifts, retirement planning with 401K and company match, paid vacation and sick leave, employee discounts, referral bonuses, and ongoing career development opportunities aimed at promoting growth into management positions. The company provides hands-on paid training and actively supports associates in leadership development and community involvement, reinforcing its commitment to both professional and personal growth.

Candidates for this role should possess at least some high school education and preferably some operational experience. Food safety knowledge and compliance with local food handler certification requirements are necessary. The Cook role is a rewarding position for individuals passionate about food and service excellence and who thrive in collaborative, fast-moving environments. Panda Restaurant Group’s dedication to quality, employee well-being, and community connection makes it an exceptional place to work and grow your culinary career.