Kitchen Team

Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. is a well-established and renowned American Chinese restaurant concept founded in 1983 in Glendale, California. Today, it stands as the largest family-owned chain of its kind in the United States, boasting nearly 2,300 locations globally. The company has built a strong reputation not only for delivering exceptional Asian dining experiences but also for fostering a workplace environment that embraces family values and inspires employees to improve their lives. Panda Restaurant Group strongly emphasizes community impact through initiatives like Panda Cares, which enables team members to contribute meaningfully to their local communities.

The role of Kitchen Team Associate at Panda Restaurant Group offers a unique opportunity for friendly, motivated individuals to join a fast-paced, supportive, and dynamic work environment. This position focuses on preparing delicious food while maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness and safety. Whether you are an experienced kitchen worker or a newcomer eager to learn, Panda provides thorough hands-on training designed to develop your skills and open pathways for career growth. Associates work collaboratively with their teammates to meet daily goals in a positive setting, offering service to guests at the front counter, in the drive-through, or directly in the kitchen.

Kitchen Team Associates are essential to the Panda experience, responsible not only for food preparation but also for providing exceptional customer service. Greeting guests warmly, serving food efficiently, and handling transactions at the cash register are part of the daily responsibilities. Associates are expected to maintain clean and organized work areas by adhering to operational and safety protocols that ensure the food served is fresh and of high quality. The role demands working effectively under the pressures of a busy restaurant environment, utilizing various kitchen equipment safely and working quickly without compromising accuracy.

Employees should be prepared to stand for long periods and handle physically demanding tasks, including lifting up to 50 pounds. The kitchen environment can be hot and noisy, with limited and high shelving, which requires associates to stay adaptable and focused. Strong verbal communication and conflict management skills are important to help navigate the dynamic workplace environment and work harmoniously within the team.

Panda Restaurant Group values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity employment. They comply fully with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and strive to provide reasonable accommodations throughout the application and hiring process. Applicants needing accommodations are encouraged to reach out for support to ensure an inclusive experience.

The position offers competitive pay ranging approximately from $20.8 to $23.8 per hour, with pay rates varying by location and experience. Panda Team Associates enjoy a broad range of benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; a 401K plan with company match; paid time off; and employee discounts. The company is dedicated to employee growth, offering ongoing career and leadership development opportunities and the chance to advance into management roles. In addition to the practical experience gained, working with Panda allows associates to become part of a company whose culture emphasizes community involvement and personal development. Joining Panda means joining a team that functions like a family and is committed to creating not only great dining experiences for customers but also meaningful careers for its employees.