Kitchen Team

Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. is a renowned family-owned American Chinese restaurant concept founded in Glendale, California, in 1983. It has grown remarkably over the decades to become the largest family-owned American Chinese restaurant brand in the United States, boasting close to 2,800 locations globally. With a mission centered around delivering exceptional Asian dining experiences, Panda Restaurant Group continues to inspire its teams and positively impact the communities where it operates. The company prides itself on embracing strong family values and fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment. This commitment has allowed Panda Restaurant Group to build a culture where employees feel valued and inspired to better their lives through meaningful work and opportunities for personal and professional growth.

The role of Kitchen Team Associate is a vital position within the Panda Restaurant Group, designed for individuals who enjoy working in a dynamic, fast-paced culinary environment while providing outstanding customer service. This role involves assisting in preparing and serving delicious food to guests while maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness and safety within the kitchen and dining areas. The position is ideal for friendly team players eager to learn and grow, as new hires receive hands-on training that prepares them for success and offers pathways for career advancement, including management opportunities. The Kitchen Team Associate is responsible for working efficiently and collaboratively across various roles—such as the front counter, drive-through, and kitchen stations—to ensure a smooth operation that meets daily business goals in a positive, fun atmosphere.

This part-time or full-time role pays between $21 and $24 per hour, with pay determined based on factors like location and experience. Employees also benefit from a range of additional perks including flexible schedules, free meals while on shift, medical, vision, and dental insurance for full-time associates, and many other benefits aimed at supporting their well-being and growth. Beyond day-to-day responsibilities, the company encourages its team members to participate in the Panda Cares initiative to give back to the community, aligning with the organization’s broader values of social responsibility and community engagement.

In this physically engaging role, employees must be prepared to stand for extended periods, handle food preparation tools including Chinese cook knives, lift objects up to 50 pounds, and work in environments with heat and noise. Effective verbal communication skills and the ability to adapt to a rapidly changing workplace with shifting priorities are essential traits for success in this position. The company maintains a strong commitment to providing reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), ensuring an inclusive hiring process and workplace.

Overall, the Kitchen Team Associate position at Panda Restaurant Group offers a unique and rewarding opportunity to be part of a prominent restaurant group with a rich heritage, committed to fostering growth, community impact, and employee satisfaction. Whether you’re just starting your career in food service or looking to develop new skills in a supportive environment, Panda Restaurant Group provides a welcoming place to thrive and build a meaningful career.