Kitchen Team

Walnut Creek, CA, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Part-time

Hourly

Compensation

Hourly

Range $23.00 - $26.00

Work Schedule

Flexible

Benefits

flexible schedules

Great pay

free meals while working

Medical insurance

Vision Insurance

Dental Insurance

Voluntary Short-Term Disability Insurance

Cancer income protection insurance

health care flexible spending account

Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account

401K with company match

Vacation leave

sick leave

bereavement/funeral leave

leave share program

associate discounts

Referral Bonus

opportunity to give back to community

Hands-on paid training

on-going career and leadership development

Opportunities for growth into management positions

Job Description

Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. is a prestigious family-owned American Chinese restaurant concept founded in 1983 in Glendale, California. Today, it boasts close to 2,800 locations worldwide, making it the largest family-owned business of its kind in America. The company prides itself on delivering exceptional Asian dining experiences to guests, focusing on quality food and outstanding service while fostering an inclusive workplace where employees feel valued and motivated to improve their skills and careers. Panda Restaurant Group is deeply committed to community involvement through the Panda Cares initiative, which enables team members to contribute positively to the societies in which they work and live. Its company culture emphasizes family values, teamwork, respect, and diversity, ensuring that employees have opportunities to grow, succeed, and make a meaningful impact both professionally and personally.

The role of a Kitchen Team Associate at Panda Restaurant Group offers an exciting opportunity to be part of a dynamic and supportive kitchen environment. This position focuses on preparing high-quality, delicious food while maintaining rigorous standards of cleanliness and safety. Whether working the front counter, drive-through, or various kitchen positions, associates contribute to providing exceptional dining experiences to guests with friendly and efficient service. Recognizing that many candidates may be new to the food service industry, Panda Restaurant Group provides hands-on paid training, empowering team members with the necessary skills to thrive in their roles and build a foundation for career advancement. The work environment at Panda is fast-paced but rewarding, designed to inspire collaboration, personal growth, and leadership development with opportunities to advance into management positions.

Compensation for the Kitchen Team Associate role ranges from $23 to $26 per hour, depending on experience and location. The company also emphasizes flexibility, offering varied schedules to suit employees’ lifestyles. In addition to competitive pay, full-time associates enjoy extensive benefits, including medical, vision, and dental insurance, 401K with company match, vacation and sick leave, associate discounts, and more. Panda Restaurant Group’s commitment to diversity and equal opportunity creates an inclusive workplace where all employees are respected and given equitable chances to succeed. The company also ensures compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), offering reasonable accommodations during hiring and employment to support qualified individuals with disabilities.

Overall, this position is ideal for those seeking a friendly, engaging workplace with growth potential and a chance to be part of a well-established, respected restaurant group that values its people and communities. Whether you are starting your career or looking to develop new skills, Panda Restaurant Group encourages applicants to join their team and contribute to their mission of delivering exceptional Asian dining experiences while fostering a strong, supportive corporate family.

Job Requirements

Some high school education
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
Ability to stand for up to four hours
Effective verbal communication skills
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
Ability to adapt to changing priorities
Food Handler certification may be required depending on local requirements, acquired at employee's expense

Job Qualifications

Friendly and helpful team members
Operations experience is a plus
Some high school education
Food Handler certification may be required depending on local regulations, acquired at employee's expense
Effective verbal communication skills
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 lbs
Ability to manage conflicts and adapt to dynamic work demands

Job Duties

Provide exceptional dining experience to guests by greeting them, serving food, and handling payments at the cash register
Maintain the cleanliness and appearance of the store
Follow operations standards and safety procedures to serve fresh and quality food
Work efficiently in a fast-paced kitchen environment, potentially rotating between front counter, drive-through, and kitchen positions
Collaborate effectively with team members to meet daily goals in a fun and positive environment
Adapt to changing priorities and manage conflicts or difficult situations professionally
Use kitchen equipment safely and accurately, including preparing hot and cold foods