Cook

Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. is a prominent family-owned American Chinese restaurant concept founded in 1983 in Glendale, California. Over the decades, it has grown into the largest chain of its kind in America with almost 2,800 locations worldwide. The company prides itself on delivering exceptional Asian dining experiences, emphasizing the importance of inspiring people to improve their lives both within the organization and in the communities they serve. Their restaurants are more than just places to eat; they are centers of hospitality where family values and passion for food come together to create memorable experiences. Panda Restaurant Group’s commitment extends beyond just food – they focus on leadership development, career growth opportunities, and fostering a welcoming environment for all employees. The company is also well known for its dedication to diversity and inclusion, abiding by equal opportunity employment laws, and providing reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This ensures all candidates can have fair access to employment opportunities irrespective of any protected characteristics.

As a Cook with Panda Restaurant Group, you play a central role in orchestrating the heart of their kitchens. This is a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment where culinary passion and service excellence meet. The role involves preparing dishes that adhere strictly to company recipes and standards, guaranteeing quality and consistency across the menu. Beyond food preparation, the Cook leads and mentors the kitchen team, helping train new associates to ensure high performance and smooth operations. This leadership position involves performing all back-of-house duties efficiently while maintaining a clean and safe workspace. Panda Cook associates are known as key leaders who contribute not only to food production but also to creating a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere for guests. The environment demands adaptability, effective communication, and the ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure. You will frequently work standing for long periods, handling hot foods and using specialized kitchen tools while assisting team members and managing difficult situations professionally.

In addition to the dynamic work environment, Panda Restaurant Group offers numerous benefits designed to reward dedication and hard work. Their comprehensive benefits package includes flexible scheduling, competitive pay, free meals during shifts, and medical, vision, and dental insurance for full-time associates. Other benefits such as short-term disability coverage, cancer income protection insurance, 401K plans with a company match, and various leave programs are also provided. Associates enjoy discounts, referral bonuses, paid training, ongoing career and leadership development, and opportunities for upward mobility, including advancement into management positions. With a strong focus on employee success and community impact, being a Cook at Panda Restaurant Group means joining a team where your growth, safety, and well-being are prioritized and valued. This role is suitable for individuals with some high school education and ideally some operations experience, including knowledge of food safety regulations specific to their locality which must be obtained at their own expense.