Cook

Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. is a renowned family-owned American Chinese restaurant concept founded in Glendale, California in 1983. With nearly 2,800 locations globally, Panda Restaurant Group has grown to become the largest family-owned Asian dining establishment in the United States. The company is deeply rooted in family values and community involvement, striving to inspire its employees while delivering exceptional Asian cuisine. Known for its commitment to quality food, outstanding service, and a welcoming atmosphere, Panda continues to expand while maintaining its core mission of impacting the lives of its team members and the communities where it operates.

Joining Panda as a Cook means becoming an essential part of the heart and soul of the kitchen team. The Cook role is a leadership position within the kitchen that bridges quality food preparation and an excellent customer experience. At Panda, cooks are expected to prepare dishes with passion, meet company recipes and standards, and contribute to creating a vibrant, welcoming environment for guests. This role is perfect for individuals who thrive in fast-paced environments and are eager to grow their career in the restaurant industry. Additionally, cooks play a key role in guiding and training kitchen team members, helping foster a collaborative and efficient back-of-house operation.

The position offers a competitive pay range between $24 and $27 per hour, with exact compensation determined by factors such as location and experience. Panda values flexibility and offers schedules that accommodate the needs of its associates. One of the unique benefits includes free meals during shifts, which reinforces the company’s commitment to taking care of their team. Moreover, full-time associates have access to comprehensive insurance plans, including medical, dental, vision, short-term disability, and cancer income protection. The company also supports financial wellbeing through 401(k) plans with company match and various flexible spending accounts.

Panda is committed to equal employment opportunities and fostering a diverse workplace. They do not discriminate on the basis of any legally protected characteristic and provide reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities to ensure their participation in hiring and employment processes. The work environment in the kitchen is dynamic and demanding, often involving working in high temperatures, standing for extended periods, and handling kitchen equipment safely and efficiently. Cooks must be able to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, communicate effectively, and adapt quickly to changing priorities.

As part of Panda’s culture, ongoing career and leadership development opportunities are provided to support long-term growth, including pathways into management roles. This emphasis on professional development, paired with a supportive work environment and competitive benefits, makes a career at Panda a rewarding experience for those passionate about culinary arts and service excellence. Candidates interested in contributing to a family-oriented, culturally rich, and fast-growing company will find Panda to be an exciting and fulfilling workplace.