Kitchen Team

Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. is a renowned family-owned American Chinese restaurant concept founded in Glendale, California in 1983. Over the years, the company has experienced tremendous growth, now operating nearly 2,800 locations globally. Panda Restaurant Group is dedicated to delivering exceptional Asian dining experiences and prides itself on fostering an organizational culture where employees are inspired to improve their lives and grow professionally. The company is deeply committed to community engagement through its Panda Cares initiative and values family, teamwork, and personal development. The Panda brand is synonymous with quality food, excellent service, and a supportive work environment that encourages employees to pursue long-term career growth within the hospitality and food service industry.

The Kitchen Team Associate role at Panda Restaurant Group offers an exciting opportunity for individuals who thrive in fast-paced, dynamic environments and enjoy being part of a team. This position involves preparing and cooking delicious food while maintaining strict standards of cleanliness and food safety. The team associates are critical to ensuring a positive dining experience for guests by greeting them warmly, serving food efficiently, and handling transactions with care. Associates may rotate between various positions, including front counter, drive-through, and kitchen areas, which enriches their skill set and promotes versatility. This role is ideal for both experienced candidates and those new to the food service industry as Panda provides comprehensive, hands-on training to set you up for success.

Working as a Kitchen Team Associate places you in a vibrant workplace characterized by teamwork, respect, and mutual support. Panda is committed to offering its employees flexible schedules, competitive pay ranging from $17 to $20 per hour depending on location and experience, and a variety of benefits that promote well-being and work-life balance. Full-time employees can access medical, vision, dental, and various insurance options, including voluntary short-term disability and cancer income protection. Other significant perks include free meals while on shift, 401(k) plan with company matching, paid time off including vacation, bereavement, and sick leave, and associate discounts across multiple brands. Additionally, there are opportunities for career growth into management positions, alongside ongoing leadership development programs.

Panda Restaurant Group prioritizes a safe and inclusive work environment that complies with all federal, state, and local laws regarding workplace accommodation and non-discrimination. Employees are expected to have physical stamina as kitchen areas can be hot and demanding, involving standing for extended periods and lifting up to 50 pounds. Excellent verbal communication skills, adaptability, and the ability to manage conflict positively are essential traits for success in this position. Panda also values diversity and inclusion, ensuring equal employment opportunities regardless of gender, race, age, disability, or other protected characteristics.

Joining Panda Restaurant Group as a Kitchen Team Associate means becoming part of a community where your efforts are appreciated, your career path is supported, and you can make meaningful contributions to the guest experience and your local community. The company’s emphasis on team spirit ensures that your colleagues quickly become friends, fostering a welcoming and motivational workplace atmosphere. This position is not just a job; it is a chance to build valuable skills, pursue career advancement, and work for an organization that genuinely cares about its people and the communities it serves.