$100K Potential Annual Earning - Restaurant Manager

Panda Express, a renowned leader in the Asian dining industry, is a premier restaurant chain with nearly 2,400 locations globally. Founded in 1983 in Glendale, California, Panda Express is the largest family-owned American Chinese restaurant concept in the United States. With continuous growth averaging over 100 new restaurants annually, Panda Express has established itself as America's favorite Chinese restaurant by consistently offering exceptional dining experiences. The brand is part of the larger Panda Restaurant Group, which also includes Panda Inn and Hibachi-San, creating a comprehensive portfolio of Asian dining experiences. Panda Express prides itself on its family-oriented culture that inspires its associates to better their lives and positively impact their communities. The company has garnered multiple accolades including being named one of "America's Best Employers," certified as a Great Place to Work, and recognized as the safest restaurant chain in the U.S. during the pandemic.

The role of a General Manager at Panda Express presents a unique opportunity for those looking to embody an entrepreneurial spirit within a fast-paced and hands-on environment. As a General Manager, you will oversee a business generating between $1 to $2 million in revenue, managing all aspects of your restaurant's operations, and driving both profitability and exceptional guest satisfaction. This role is pivotal in developing and leading your team, ensuring high standards in food quality, guest service, and operational efficiency.

Panda Express invests significantly in its leaders through a comprehensive six-plus week Store Leadership Training Program designed to set a strong foundation for success. This training covers key areas including people development—honing the ability to hire, train, coach, and develop associates to build a capable and motivated team. Another focus is on guest experience, emphasizing the delivery of outstanding food quality and service while fostering marketing skills to drive traffic and sales.

Financial acumen is also a critical component of the training, enabling managers to effectively understand sales growth, cost management strategies, and profit maximization. Additionally, the program includes kitchen management, where managers learn to uphold food safety standards, manage inventory, and master culinary skills to maintain consistent product excellence. Operational knowledge rounds out the curriculum, with managers ensuring cleanliness, safety compliance, and adherence to all company policies and procedures.

Working full-time as a management team member at Panda Express offers a progressive compensation package with an attractive bonus structure, including uncapped profit sharing tied to personal and store performance. The starting salary for General Managers is around $75,000 annually plus potential bonuses, with earnings exceeding $100,000 possible. Assistant Managers start at about $58,000 per year plus bonuses, with the potential to earn over $75,000 annually. In addition to competitive pay, Panda Express provides extensive benefits such as medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan with company match, paid time off, paid holidays, and generous associate discounts on food and theme parks.

In this role, your responsibilities will span hiring and training associates, managing daily operations, driving sales, and ensuring a safe and clean workplace that complies with all regulations. This is a demanding yet rewarding career with opportunities for ongoing leadership development and growth within a supportive and family-like company culture. Panda Express is committed to equal opportunity employment and maintaining an environment where all employees can thrive.