Kitchen Team

Panda Restaurant Group, Inc., founded in Glendale, California, has grown to become the largest family-owned American Chinese restaurant concept in America, operating approximately 2,800 locations worldwide. Known for delivering exceptional Asian dining experiences, Panda Restaurant Group has built a reputation for emphasizing family values and fostering a supportive and inspiring workplace environment that empowers its team members to improve their lives and contribute positively to their communities. The company is deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring equal opportunities for all applicants without discrimination and providing reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

The Kitchen Team Associate role at Panda Restaurant Group is a dynamic position ideal for individuals who enjoy working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment while delivering high-quality meals and exceptional guest experiences. This role offers the opportunity to learn and grow, whether you have prior experience or are just beginning your career in the food service industry. Trainers provide hands-on instruction to help new associates build valuable skills that support career advancement within the company or beyond. Working alongside friendly team members who become like family, Kitchen Team Associates help maintain the cleanliness, safety, and smooth operation of the kitchen, front counter, and drive-through areas.

In this role, associates contribute to guest satisfaction by greeting customers, serving food, handling transactions, and ensuring the overall dining experience meets Panda’s high standards. The job requires flexibility, as associates may rotate through various positions and must adapt quickly to changing priorities while working efficiently under pressure. Physical demands include standing for long periods, lifting up to 50 pounds, and managing tasks in a kitchen environment with heat and noise. Safety and operational standards are strictly observed to guarantee the preparation and serving of fresh, quality food.

Panda offers a competitive hourly wage between $19 and $22, adjusted based on location and experience, alongside a comprehensive benefits package for full-time associates. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance, flexible spending accounts, a 401K plan with company matching, paid time off policies including vacation and bereavement leave, associate discounts, referral bonuses, and opportunities for career development and leadership advancement. The company also values community engagement, encouraging participation in initiatives like Panda Cares, which allow employees to give back locally.

Overall, the Kitchen Team Associate position at Panda Restaurant Group presents a meaningful opportunity for individuals seeking employment in a thriving and supportive environment that prizes teamwork, continual learning, and fairness. Whether you are looking to start your career or develop new skills in the hospitality industry, this role provides a foundation for growth.

Panda Restaurant Group stands out as an employer that prioritizes equal employment opportunities and inclusivity, committed to fostering an accessible workplace and helping all employees succeed. The company’s emphasis on safety, quality, and guest satisfaction reflects its broader mission of delivering excellent dining experiences while nurturing a company culture that feels like family.