Cook

Panda Restaurant Group, Inc., established in 1983 in Glendale, California, has grown to become the largest family-owned American Chinese restaurant concept in the United States. With close to 2,800 locations globally, Panda Restaurant Group continues its mission of delivering exceptional Asian dining experiences. The company takes pride in fostering a work environment that embraces family values, encourages personal growth, and inspires its team members to improve their lives. The organization is committed to diversity and equal opportunity, ensuring a welcoming and inclusive workplace for all employees regardless of race, gender, age, or disability. Panda Restaurant Group’s focus on community impact and strong team culture makes it a leading employer in the restaurant industry.

The Cook role at Panda Restaurant Group is central to the success of its restaurants and ultimately, the entire company. As a Cook, you will be a vital leader within the kitchen team, responsible for creating and preparing food with passion, serving with heart, and contributing to a vibrant and welcoming environment for guests. This fast-paced and growth-oriented role presents an exciting opportunity to hone your culinary skills while working alongside supportive colleagues who share a commitment to quality and service excellence. The position offers competitive pay ranging from $24 to $27 per hour, with actual compensation determined by factors such as location and experience. Additionally, Panda provides full-time associates with comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and various insurance options.

In this role, you will be responsible for adhering to company recipes and standards to ensure every dish served meets Panda’s high-quality expectations. You will also play a key role in guiding and assisting with the training of the kitchen team, fostering a collaborative and efficient work environment. The position requires performing all back-of-house responsibilities, from food preparation to maintaining cleanliness and safety standards. Working in the kitchen demands physical endurance, as employees are expected to stand for long periods, maneuver in limited workspace, and handle equipment safely, including the use of Chinese cook knives. The work environment is dynamic with fast-paced demands, requiring excellent communication skills, adaptability, and the ability to manage conflicts or difficult situations professionally.

Panda is strongly committed to the professional development of its employees. The Cook position includes hands-on paid training and ongoing career and leadership development opportunities. This pathway supports growth into management roles for those seeking to advance within the company. Flexible scheduling helps associates balance work and personal commitments, while free meals during shifts demonstrate Panda’s care for its team’s well-being. The company also offers referral bonuses and associate discounts for many brands, reflecting a supportive culture that values employee contributions.

Working at Panda means being part of a family-oriented company dedicated not only to high-quality Asian dining but also to building a strong and positive workplace. Equal opportunity employment practices ensure fair treatment and accommodation for all candidates and employees, including those requiring assistance with the application process. With over three decades of experience and nearly three thousand locations worldwide, Panda Restaurant Group represents a promising career destination for individuals passionate about culinary arts and hospitality, seeking growth, stability, and a meaningful place to work.