Kitchen Team

Panda Restaurant Group, Inc., founded in Glendale, California in 1983, is the largest family-owned American Chinese restaurant concept in the United States. With nearly 2,800 locations worldwide, Panda Restaurant Group is known for delivering exceptional Asian dining experiences that focus on quality, service, and operational excellence. This expansive network of restaurants prides itself on its commitment to family values, community impact, and creating workplace environments where employees are inspired to better their lives. The company is dedicated to its mission of serving delicious Asian cuisine while fostering a culture of teamwork, respect, and personal growth among its associates.

The role of Kitchen Team Associate at Panda Restaurant Group offers an exciting opportunity for individuals who are passionate about food and providing excellent customer service in a fast-paced environment. This position is ideal for both those with prior experience and those eager to learn new skills, as Panda provides hands-on paid training to prepare new associates for success. Kitchen Team Associates play an essential role in maintaining the restaurant’s high standards for food quality, cleanliness, and customer experience. Working in various positions such as front counter, drive-through, or kitchen stations, associates develop versatility and teamwork skills while contributing meaningfully to daily operations.

A Kitchen Team Associate's primary responsibilities include greeting guests warmly, serving meals, handling cash register transactions, and ensuring the kitchen and dining areas adhere to safety and operational protocols. The role often requires standing for long periods, lifting up to 50 pounds, and working efficiently under pressure without compromising accuracy or food safety. Candidates must be able to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment that values communication, adaptability, and conflict resolution. The company also emphasizes community involvement via its Panda Cares initiative, giving associates the chance to make a positive impact beyond the workplace.

Employment with Panda Restaurant Group as a Kitchen Team Associate is part-time or full-time with competitive pay ranging approximately from $19.7 to $22.7 per hour, influenced by factors such as location and experience. Benefits for full-time associates are comprehensive, including medical, dental, vision insurance, voluntary short-term disability, cancer income protection, flexible spending accounts, and a 401K with company matching. Other workplace perks include flexible schedules, paid meals during shifts, vacation and sick leave, associate discounts, referral bonuses, and opportunities for career advancement into management roles. This position offers a supportive, safe work environment with team members who often become lifelong friends and mentors. Enthusiastic individuals seeking growth, learning, and a rewarding career in the restaurant industry will find the Kitchen Team Associate role at Panda Restaurant Group a fulfilling choice.