Cook

Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. is a leading family-owned American Chinese Restaurant concept founded in Glendale, California in 1983. Boasting close to 2,800 locations globally, Panda is recognized as the largest family-owned Asian dining chain in the United States. The company is deeply rooted in strong family values and is committed to enriching the lives of its employees and communities alike. Panda’s mission is to deliver exceptional dining experiences while fostering a workplace where team members are supported and inspired to grow personally and professionally. The organization prides itself on embracing diversity and inclusion, ensuring a welcoming environment for all individuals, regardless of their backgrounds or characteristics protected by law. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Panda Restaurant Group adheres to all federal, state, and local regulations, including provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, providing reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants during the hiring process.

The Cook position at Panda plays a vital leadership role within the restaurant kitchen, directly contributing to creating outstanding food and a positive dining atmosphere. This role is centered in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment, offering an exciting opportunity for cooks who take pride in their passion for food preparation and service excellence. As a Panda Cook, the associate will uphold the company’s standards and recipes, ensuring every dish meets quality expectations. Beyond just cooking, the position involves guiding and assisting the kitchen team with training, creating a supportive and vibrant work environment. The cook will perform essential back-of-house responsibilities, maintaining efficiency and safety throughout the kitchen operations. Working at Panda provides more than just a job; it offers a sense of family and purpose, with opportunities for career advancement into management roles.

This role is well-suited for individuals who thrive in dynamic work environments and who have a commitment to food safety and quality. Responsibilities include preparing dishes according to standardized recipes to delight guests, supporting a welcoming atmosphere, and contributing to the overall guest experience with heart and pride. Panda invests in its associates by offering hands-on paid training and continuous leadership development, equipping team members with the skills needed for success. Employees also benefit from flexible schedules and competitive pay. The company values the health and well-being of its full-time associates by providing comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as additional voluntary insurance options. Other offerings include retirement plans with company match, paid time off, and employee discounts across various brands. Panda supports work-life balance and community involvement, fostering a workplace where associates feel valued and empowered.

Applicants must have some high school education, preferably with some operations experience. Food safety certification such as Food Handler eligibility, complying with local or municipal requirements, is necessary and must be acquired at the applicant’s expense. The physical demands of the role include the ability to stand for extended periods, handle hot and cold foods, manage kitchen tools safely, and work efficiently under pressure in a noisy, fast-moving setting. Panda encourages candidates prepared to embrace these challenges with enthusiasm and dedication to apply and become part of a team where passion for food meets excellent service and operational expertise.