Kitchen Help - Yakiya

Panda Restaurant Group, Inc., founded in Glendale, California in 1983, is the largest family-owned American Chinese restaurant concept in the United States. With nearly 2,800 locations globally, Panda Restaurant Group is dedicated to delivering exceptional Asian dining experiences, emphasizing family values and inspiring its team members to improve their lives. The company prides itself on a culture that embraces diversity, equity, and inclusivity, providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, disability, or other legally protected characteristics. Panda Restaurant Group is committed to maintaining a safe, welcoming, and supportive work environment for both its guests and employees.

This role is centered around maintaining a clean, organized, and efficient kitchen environment to support the preparation of high-quality meals in accordance with company specifications and health regulations. The primary responsibility is to ensure a constant and sufficient supply of ingredients, including meats, fish, and vegetables, are ready for cooking, properly marinated and prepared using various kitchen tools such as Chinese knives, meat slicers, and food processors. The associate in this position plays a vital supporting role in maintaining kitchen safety and sanitation standards by regularly cleaning work surfaces, floors, and equipment. They will assist with receiving shipments, inspecting for quality and freshness, and storing ingredients efficiently. The position requires physical stamina and the ability to stand for extended periods, lift heavy containers, and perform repetitive cutting motions in a fast-paced environment.

Additionally, the role supports the kitchen team by replenishing spices, assisting dishwashers during peak times, and performing various side duties as needed to ensure smooth kitchen operations. This position demands adherence to company policies and procedures and the ability to work well under pressure while responding quickly to instructions. Employees must also demonstrate excellent personal hygiene and maintain a professional and courteous attitude when interacting with team members and the public in an open kitchen setting.

Panda Restaurant Group offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, vision, dental, and voluntary short-term disability insurance for full-time associates, as well as cancer income protection. Additional benefits include health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts, a 401K plan with company matching, paid vacation, sick leave, bereavement leave, and a leave share program. Employees enjoy flexible shifts, associate discounts on many brands, referral bonuses, and opportunities to participate in community service. The company also provides hands-on paid training, ongoing career and leadership development programs, and opportunities for advancement into management positions.

The work environment can be demanding, with hot and noisy kitchen conditions, limited workspace, and high shelves requiring physical agility and endurance. Candidates must be able to lift up to 50 lbs, stand for several hours, and perform precise tasks quickly and safely. Effective communication skills and adaptability to changing priorities are essential. Panda Restaurant Group is proud of their commitment to fair hiring practices, including considerations for individuals with arrest or conviction records in line with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance and California Fair Chance Act. Prospective employees who require accommodations during the application or employment process can request reasonable assistance in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).