Cook

Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. is a prominent family-owned American Chinese restaurant concept, founded in 1983 in Glendale, California. With nearly 2,800 locations globally, Panda Restaurant Group has become the largest of its kind in the United States, committed to delivering exceptional Asian dining experiences while fostering a workplace culture grounded in family values and community involvement. The company prides itself on inspiring its people to improve their lives through meaningful work and development opportunities. Panda’s restaurants serve as the heart and soul of the organization, and the company believes that its employees are the key recipe to its success.

The role of a Cook at Panda is a vital position within the team, responsible not only for food preparation but also for crafting an inviting ambiance and providing service with genuine care. As a Panda Cook associate, you will play a central role in a dynamic, fast-paced, and growth-focused environment. The position offers an opportunity to make a direct impact on the guest experience by supporting a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. You will be entrusted with preparing all dishes according to company recipes and standards to ensure quality and consistency, which are fundamental to the brand's promise. Moreover, you will help guide the Kitchen Team and assist with training new team members, contributing to the development of a skilled and cohesive kitchen staff.

This role involves executing all Back of House duties, requiring attention to detail, speed, and accuracy, as well as the ability to work under pressure. Physical demands include standing for extended periods and lifting up to 50 pounds. The work environment is typical of a busy kitchen—hot, noisy, and with limited storage—which demands resilience and adaptability. Strong communication skills and the ability to manage difficult situations or conflicts are also essential qualities for success in this role.

Panda Restaurant Group offers competitive pay ranging between $26 and $29 per hour, which is determined by factors such as work location and individual experience. The company supports its team members through comprehensive benefits, flexible schedules, free meals during shifts, and career advancement opportunities including leadership development and management growth paths. They also provide mandatory food safety certification at the applicant’s expense, ensuring adherence to local food handler requirements. Panda is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity and inclusion, providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals during the hiring process.

Joining Panda as a Cook means becoming part of a respected brand and a community-focused organization where passion for food, commitment to service, and pride in the workplace ambiance come together. This position not only demands culinary skills but also leadership, teamwork, and a dedication to upholding the standards that make Panda a trusted name in American Asian cuisine.