Kitchen Team

Panda Restaurant Group, Inc., founded in 1983 in Glendale, California, has grown to become the largest family-owned American Chinese Restaurant concept in the United States. With close to 2,800 locations worldwide, Panda Express is known for delivering exceptional Asian dining experiences. This success is deeply rooted in family values and a commitment to inspiring and improving the lives of their team members. Their mission extends beyond serving delicious food; they are actively involved in community engagement through programs like Panda Cares, which allows employees to give back to their communities.

The company prides itself on creating a work environment that is safe, supportive, and inclusive. They encourage personal and professional growth by providing training, career advancement opportunities, and fostering leadership development. Panda Restaurant Group is also an Equal Opportunity Employer, ensuring a diverse workforce and offering reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

The role of a Kitchen Team Associate is ideal for friendly, motivated individuals who enjoy teamwork and thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. Whether you have prior experience or not, Panda provides hands-on paid training to prepare you for success. As a Kitchen Team Associate, you will be involved in cooking delicious food while maintaining strict cleanliness and operational standards to ensure guests receive high-quality meals. Your work will not only focus on food preparation but also include customer interaction through greeting guests, serving food, and handling payments, depending on your assigned position.

This position requires adaptability, as you may work in various roles within the store, including front counter, drive-through, or kitchen stations. It demands efficient teamwork to meet daily goals, all while fostering a positive, fun work atmosphere. Panda Express offers flexible work schedules suitable for different lifestyles and provides competitive pay ranging from $22 to $25 per hour, depending on location and experience.

Working as a Kitchen Team Associate at Panda is more than just a job; it’s a chance to build a career in the restaurant industry with opportunities for promotion into management roles. The company supports continued education and skills development with ongoing career and leadership training. Additionally, employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, vision, dental insurance, and retirement savings plans with company matching. Other perks such as free meals while working, paid time off, associate discounts, referral bonuses, and participation in community service further enhance the employee experience.

This role requires physical stamina as it involves standing for extended periods, lifting up to 50 pounds, and working in a high-temperature kitchen environment with restricted space. Effective verbal communication skills and the ability to manage conflicts are essential to succeed. Embracing Panda’s family-oriented culture, you will contribute to creating an exceptional dining experience for guests and a rewarding workplace for fellow team members.