Kitchen Team

Panda Restaurant Group, Inc., founded in 1983 in Glendale, California, is the largest family-owned American Chinese restaurant concept in the United States, boasting nearly 2,800 locations worldwide. This company is committed to delivering exceptional Asian dining experiences by fostering a workplace where employees are inspired to enhance their lives. With a strong emphasis on family values, Panda not only aims to impact their teams but also the communities in which they operate, reflecting their mission through initiatives like the Panda Cares community support program.

Panda Restaurant Group is currently seeking Kitchen Team Associates to join their dynamic workforce. This role is ideal for friendly team players who thrive in a fast-paced environment and are passionate about preparing delicious food while upholding the highest standards of cleanliness and food safety. As a Kitchen Team Associate, you will be entering a supportive and safe work setting where colleagues become friends, and personal development is encouraged through continuous learning and leadership opportunities. Even candidates without prior experience are welcomed and provided with hands-on training to ensure success in their new role.

The primary responsibility of the Kitchen Team Associate is to provide an exceptional dining experience to guests. This includes greeting customers, serving food, handling payments at the cash register, and ensuring that the restaurant maintains a clean and inviting atmosphere. Associates are expected to adhere strictly to operational standards and safety procedures to consistently serve fresh and quality food. The position requires flexibility, as associates may work in different roles such as front counter, drive-through, or kitchen positions, adapting to the daily needs of the restaurant.

Working at Panda involves collaboration with team members to meet daily goals in an upbeat and positive environment. Employees must handle a workspace that can be hot and noisy, use kitchen tools such as Chinese cook knives, and maintain the ability to work quickly without sacrificing accuracy. Physical demands include standing for long periods, lifting up to 50 pounds, and reaching across counters. Effective verbal communication and the ability to adapt to a dynamic environment with changing priorities are essential for success in this role.

Panda Restaurant Group also places strong importance on equal employment opportunities, fully complying with federal, state, and local laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). They are committed to providing reasonable accommodations so all candidates have an equal chance to participate in the hiring process. The company fosters an inclusive workplace free from discrimination based on gender, race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, age, and other protected characteristics.

The compensation for the Kitchen Team Associate role ranges from $22 to $25 per hour, with pay determined by factors such as work location and experience. Beyond competitive pay, Panda offers an impressive suite of benefits designed to support their employees' well-being and career advancement. These include flexible schedules, medical, vision, dental insurance options for full-time associates, paid time off including vacation and sick leave, 401K with company matching, employee discounts across multiple brands, and opportunities for growth into management roles.

Joining Panda Restaurant Group means becoming part of a family-oriented company that values its employees and their communities. Those who join as Kitchen Team Associates will not only gain valuable skills and experience but will also have the chance to contribute meaningfully through the company’s community engagement programs. This is an excellent opportunity for individuals looking to start or grow their careers in a positive, fast-paced, and rewarding environment with room for upward mobility.