Kitchen Team

Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. is a renowned American Chinese restaurant company that has been bringing authentic and exceptional Asian dining experiences to guests since 1983. Founded in Glendale, California, Panda has grown to become the largest family-owned American Chinese restaurant concept in the United States, with nearly 2,300 locations worldwide. This impressive expansion is a testament to the company’s commitment to quality, hospitality, and community impact. Panda Restaurant Group is proud of its family-oriented culture and values, which foster an inclusive and supportive workplace where every team member is valued and empowered. The company is dedicated to creating an environment where employees can develop their skills, advance their careers, and contribute meaningfully to their communities through initiatives like Panda Cares.

The role of Kitchen Team Associate at Panda offers a fantastic opportunity for individuals who enjoy working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and want to be part of a friendly, team-oriented workplace. The Kitchen Team Associate position is an entry-level role designed for individuals who are passionate about food and hospitality, whether or not they have previous experience. Panda provides comprehensive, hands-on training to prepare new team members for success in the kitchen and on the front lines of service.

As a Kitchen Team Associate, you will be instrumental in ensuring guests have an exceptional dining experience. This includes greeting guests warmly, serving food with care and precision, and handling payments efficiently at the cash register. The role involves maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness and food safety in accordance with operational protocols, which guarantees that every dish served is fresh, safe, and of great quality. You will work alongside a dedicated team, sharing responsibilities across various positions such as kitchen duties, front counter, and drive-through operations. This variety keeps the work engaging and offers opportunities to gain diverse skills.

Panda values flexibility and positivity in its work environment, and the Kitchen Team Associate role reflects these values. New hires can expect a fun, supportive atmosphere where teamwork is celebrated, and daily goals are met together. Moreover, the company emphasizes career growth, offering ongoing leadership development and chances to move up into management roles. The compensation for this position is competitive, with a pay range of $22 to $25 per hour depending on the location and experience of the associate, highlighting the company’s commitment to rewarding its hard-working employees.

Working at Panda also entails enjoying a broad range of employee benefits, including flexible schedules, free meals during shifts, medical, vision, and dental insurance for full-time associates, and participation in a 401K plan with company matching. Additionally, there are options for health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts, paid time off including vacation and sick leave, associate discounts, and referral bonuses. This comprehensive package is designed to support the well-being and financial security of every team member.

The company is also deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring equal opportunity employment and accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Panda’s culture embraces all individuals regardless of their background, and respects the varied needs of its workforce. The ADA statement clarifies that the role requires physical stamina, the ability to work in hot and fast-paced conditions, and strong communication skills to thrive in a bustling kitchen setting.

In summary, joining Panda Restaurant Group as a Kitchen Team Associate means becoming part of a respected and well-established brand that values its people and strives for operational excellence. Whether you are looking to start your career in the food service industry or are eager to grow within a reputable company, Panda offers the resources, environment, and opportunities to achieve your professional goals while making a positive impact on the community.