Kitchen Team

Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. is a nationally recognized family-owned American Chinese restaurant concept that was founded in 1983 in Glendale, California. With nearly 2,800 locations worldwide, Panda Restaurant Group has grown into the largest family-owned Asian dining restaurant chain in the United States. The company is dedicated to delivering exceptional Asian dining experiences while fostering a work environment that supports growth, respect, and community involvement. Their commitment to family values is central to every aspect of their operations, creating a welcoming environment for both employees and guests alike. The organization places a strong emphasis on teamwork, integrity, and service, aiming to positively influence both their workforce and the communities in which they operate.

The Kitchen Team Associate role at Panda Restaurant Group is an exciting entry-level position ideal for individuals who are passionate about food service and eager to grow their careers in a supportive and dynamic environment. This role involves not only preparing high-quality food but also ensuring the cleanliness and safety of the kitchen and dining areas. Employees in this position benefit from hands-on training that equips them with essential culinary and operational skills, even without prior experience. The job is well-suited to candidates who thrive in fast-paced environments, enjoy teamwork, and have a desire to provide exemplary customer service.

Kitchen Team Associates are versatile team members who may rotate among different positions, such as the kitchen, front counter, and drive-through operations. They play a vital role in creating an exceptional dining experience by greeting guests warmly, efficiently serving made-to-order meals, handling transactions, and maintaining a clean, organized workspace. The position requires employees to follow strict operational standards and safety protocols, ensuring that food quality remains fresh and consistently meets company guidelines.

Panda Restaurant Group offers competitive pay ranging between $21.50 and $24.50 per hour, with individual compensation determined by factors including work location and experience. The company also offers flexible schedules to accommodate work-life balance, making this role accessible for a diverse range of applicants, including students and part-time workers. Moreover, full-time associates are provided with a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision insurance, voluntary disability coverage, and access to flexible spending accounts.

In addition to financial and health-related benefits, Panda Restaurant Group provides paid vacation, sick leave, bereavement leave, and a unique Leave Share Program. The company fosters career and leadership development opportunities, helping employees grow within the organization and advance to management roles. Associates also receive free meals during shifts, employee discounts across various brands, and referral bonuses when they help the company to recruit new talent.

Panda Restaurant Group is not only focused on business success but is also deeply committed to social responsibility through its Panda Cares initiative. This program allows employees to contribute meaningfully to their communities, reinforcing the company's family-oriented values and dedication to making a positive difference. The work environment is carefully designed to be safe and supportive, encouraging employees to thrive personally and professionally.

Candidates interested in joining Panda Restaurant Group as Kitchen Team Associates should be prepared for the physical demands of the role. Responsibilities include standing for extended periods, lifting up to 50 pounds, working in hot and noisy kitchen environments, and accurately handling kitchen tools such as Chinese cook knives. Strong verbal communication, adaptability in a fast-paced setting, and the ability to manage challenging situations effectively are essential for success in this position.

Panda Restaurant Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer that embraces diversity and provides reasonable accommodations during the hiring process and employment. The company actively prohibits discrimination based on a wide range of protected characteristics and complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Applicants requiring accommodations are encouraged to reach out proactively to ensure an accessible and inclusive hiring experience.