Host/Hostess - Yakiya

Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. is a family-owned American Chinese restaurant concept founded in 1983 in Glendale, California. It has grown to become the largest of its kind in the United States, with nearly 2,800 locations worldwide. The company prides itself on delivering exceptional Asian dining experiences to guests while fostering a supportive, inclusive work environment built on family values. Panda Restaurant Group is committed to creating an inspiring workplace where employees, referred to as Associates, are empowered to improve their lives and pursue career growth opportunities. They emphasize integrity, ethics, and compliance with all company policies and regulations to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for both guests and employees. The company is also committed to equal opportunity employment, providing accommodations for applicants with disabilities, and adhering to fair employment practices, including those related to arrest and conviction records as required by law. Compensation at Panda is competitive, ranging from $17.81 to $20.81 per hour, based on location and experience, and the company offers a variety of benefits to full-time Associates to support their well-being and career development.

As a Host/Hostess at Panda Restaurant Group, the role is pivotal in shaping guests' first and last impressions of their dining experience. The Host/Hostess is responsible for welcoming guests warmly, managing seating arrangements efficiently to maximize table usage, and ensuring the smooth turnover of tables throughout the shift. This role demands excellent communication skills and deep knowledge of the menu, including tastes and ingredient profiles, to assist guests in their dining choices and suggestively sell menu items. The Host/Hostess also handles duties such as taking reservations and phone orders, managing "to-go" orders with accuracy, assisting servers by preparing beverages, and maintaining cleanliness in the front desk and lobby areas. Crucially, the Host/Hostess must be able to handle guest requests and resolve complaints by collaborating with servers and managers when necessary.

The position operates in a fast-paced, sometimes physically demanding environment where employees stand for long periods and work amidst steam and noise. Employees must handle workloads involving heavy lifting and quick, accurate food preparation. Panda Restaurant Group places a strong emphasis on safety, hygiene, courteous and enthusiastic guest interaction, and the ability to adapt to dynamic situations with professionalism and care. This role not only ensures guests enjoy excellent service but also supports the smooth functioning of the restaurant during opening and closing routines and other miscellaneous tasks assigned by management. The company offers structured paid training, ongoing career and leadership development, and numerous employee benefits including medical and dental insurance, 401K with company match, paid time off, and discounts on meals and merchandise. Ambitious Associates have clear paths for advancement into management positions, supported by a positive culture and flexible scheduling designed to promote work-life balance. The Host/Hostess at Panda is more than a greeter — they are a critical part of an efficient and hospitable dining experience that reflects the company’s core values and commitment to guest satisfaction.