Kitchen Team

Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. is the largest family-owned American Chinese Restaurant concept in the United States, founded in 1983 in Glendale, California. With almost 2,800 locations worldwide, Panda is renowned for delivering exceptional Asian dining experiences while embracing strong family values and a commitment to inspiring people to improve their lives. As a company, Panda Restaurant Group fosters a supportive and engaging work environment where team members become friends and grow their careers. The company proudly upholds equal opportunity employment and consistently complies with federal, state, and local laws regarding workplace accommodations, ensuring a diverse and inclusive culture for all employees.

The Kitchen Team Associate role at Panda Restaurant Group is an exciting opportunity for individuals who are friendly, team-oriented, and passionate about delivering great food and excellent customer service. This position offers not only a competitive pay range of $23 to $26 per hour dependent on location and experience but also the benefits of working in a safe, positive, and collaborative environment. As a Kitchen Team Associate, you will be responsible for cooking delicious meals to the highest quality standards, maintaining the cleanliness and appearance of the store, and greeting guests to provide them with an exceptional dining experience. Whether you have prior experience or are new to the food service industry, Panda provides hands-on paid training that prepares you for success and career growth within the company. Working in a fast-paced kitchen setting, you will learn to efficiently handle different roles such as front counter, drive-through, and kitchen positions, gaining valuable skills transferable to future career paths.

In addition to on-the-job responsibilities, Panda Restaurant Group encourages community engagement through initiatives such as Panda Cares, allowing employees to give back to their communities. The company values flexibility in scheduling, offering employee-friendly hours to accommodate diverse availability. Full-time associates are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, vision, dental insurance, voluntary short-term disability, cancer income protection, and flexible spending accounts for health and dependent care. Financial benefits also include a 401K plan with company match, vacation, sick leave, bereavement leave, and other paid time off. Furthermore, employees receive free meals while working, associate discounts, referral bonuses, and ongoing career and leadership development opportunities, with clear pathways to management roles.

The physical demands of the Kitchen Team Associate role are clearly outlined by Panda, emphasizing the need for employees to work efficiently in a hot, noisy kitchen environment with restricted workspace while maintaining accuracy and safety. Employees must be able to stand for extended periods, lift up to 50 pounds, and use kitchen equipment such as Chinese cook knives. Excellent communication skills and adaptability in handling dynamic priorities and potentially challenging situations are essential for success. Panda Restaurant Group is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), thus supporting an accessible workplace.

Overall, this role is ideal for someone seeking a career in the food services industry with a reputable, family-oriented company that offers competitive pay, a supportive work culture, comprehensive benefits, and numerous opportunities for personal and professional development. Whether starting fresh or bringing prior experience, the Kitchen Team Associate position at Panda Restaurant Group promises an enriching work experience where employees are valued and encouraged to thrive.