Cook

Panda Restaurant Group, Inc., founded in Glendale, California, is the largest family-owned American Chinese restaurant concept in the United States with nearly 2,800 locations worldwide. Since its establishment in 1983, Panda has been dedicated to delivering exceptional Asian dining experiences through an organization that values family principles and inspires its employees to improve their lives. At Panda, the restaurants are more than places to eat — they are centerpieces of community engagement and cultural connection, offering memorable food and service that customers trust and cherish.

As a vibrant and fast-growing restaurant brand, Panda places strong emphasis on leadership and teamwork, with its associates considered the heart of every restaurant. The company fosters a work environment that is dynamic, inclusive, and supportive, committed to diversity and equal opportunity across all areas of employment. Panda also provides extensive training and career development opportunities, empowering employees to grow into leadership and management roles. This is especially true in our kitchen teams, where cooks play a crucial role not only in food preparation but also in shaping the guest experience and mentoring fellow team members.

The Cook position at Panda is vital and multifaceted, requiring individuals who combine passion for food with a heart for service and pride in maintaining a welcoming ambiance. This role places you at the forefront of our kitchen operations where speed, precision, and teamwork meet quality and hospitality. As a Panda Cook, you will be responsible for preparing dishes that adhere strictly to company recipes and quality standards, ensuring every plate served upholds the Panda promise of excellence. In addition to cooking, you will also support the kitchen team by guiding and assisting in their training, fostering a cohesive and effective working environment. This includes handling all back-of-house responsibilities that keep the kitchen running smoothly and efficiently.

This role requires an individual who is adaptable and thrives in a fast-paced setting. You must be able to work standing for long periods and be comfortable handling kitchen tools and equipment, including Chinese cook knives, while maintaining speed and accuracy. Physical stamina is important as the work environment can be hot and noisy, and may require lifting up to 50 pounds. Effective communication and the ability to manage dynamic priorities and conflicts are crucial skills for success in this position.

Panda offers flexible schedules and competitive pay, ranging from $22.80 to $25.80 per hour depending on location and experience. Our comprehensive benefit package for full-time associates includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, voluntary short-term disability, cancer income protection insurance, health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts, and a 401K plan with company match. We also provide paid vacation, sick leave, bereavement leave, and other supportive programs that promote work-life balance. Employees enjoy free meals during their shifts and associate discounts on many brands. Additional perks include referral bonuses, community engagement opportunities, hands-on paid training, ongoing career and leadership development, and opportunities to advance into management. Panda is dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace where every team member is valued, accommodated, and empowered to succeed.