Cook

Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. is the largest family-owned American Chinese restaurant concept in the United States, founded in 1983 in Glendale, California. Boasting close to 2,800 locations globally, Panda is a leader in delivering authentic Asian dining experiences that blend quality food with cultural flair. The company is deeply committed to fostering a work environment that embraces family values and supports the growth and development of its associates. As a part of the Panda team, employees enjoy a vibrant work culture driven by passion for food, excellent service, and community impact.

Joining Panda as a Cook means stepping into a role that is vital to the success of the restaurant operations. This position is central to creating great food that meets the high standards of Panda’s menu while also maintaining a welcoming ambiance for guests. Cooks at Panda are more than just food preparers; they are leaders within the kitchen, responsible for guiding kitchen team members and contributing to their training and development. This role operates in a dynamic, fast-paced environment where accuracy, speed, and teamwork are essential.

The Cook position is ideal for individuals who have some high school education and preferably have some operations experience in food service. Candidates are required to have local or municipal food safety certifications such as Food Handler certification, which must be acquired at their own expense. The job requires the ability to perform all back-of-house responsibilities, including preparing dishes according to company recipes and standards, supporting a vibrant atmosphere, and assisting in kitchen leadership.

Panda offers flexible scheduling and competitive pay between $23.5 and $26.5 per hour, determined based on location and experience. Full-time associates receive benefits including medical, vision, dental coverage, voluntary short-term disability, and cancer income protection insurances. Additional perks include healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts, a 401K plan with company match, paid vacation, sick leave, bereavement leave, associate discounts, referral bonuses, and opportunities for professional growth through paid training and leadership development. Panda places a strong emphasis on career advancement and is committed to equal employment opportunities for all.

This role requires physical stamina, as employees must be able to stand for extended periods, lift up to 50 pounds, and work in hot, confined, and noisy kitchen environments. Effective communication skills and adaptability to changing priorities are critical for success in this fast-moving setting. The company complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and associates.

With a rich history and a commitment to its people and communities, Panda Restaurant Group offers not just a job but a chance to be part of a thriving enterprise where hard work and dedication are recognized and rewarded. This Cook position is a great opportunity for anyone passionate about food service and looking to build a career in a supportive and growth-oriented company environment.