Kitchen Team

Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. is a distinguished leader in the American Chinese restaurant industry, founded in 1983 in Glendale, California. Today, it stands as the largest family-owned Asian dining concept in the United States, boasting close to 2,800 locations globally. Known for delivering exceptional dining experiences, Panda emphasizes a supportive and inspiring work environment where team members are treated like family. The organization’s mission centers around enhancing lives—not just of its guests through quality food but also of its employees by fostering growth opportunities and community impact through initiatives like Panda Cares.

Joining Panda as a Kitchen Team Associate means becoming part of a vibrant and fast-paced team dedicated to delivering outstanding food and service. This role is crucial as the associate will be involved in multiple aspects of the dining experience—from greeting guests and serving food to maintaining cleanliness and safety standards in the kitchen. The position also offers comprehensive training, making it an excellent opportunity for individuals seeking to develop skills and build a career in the food service industry, even without prior experience.

The role requires flexibility and teamwork, with associates rotating through various positions such as front counter, drive-through, and kitchen. This variety helps to keep daily operations engaging while ensuring all team members gain a well-rounded skill set. Moreover, Panda's commitment to a positive workplace culture means employees work in a fun, respectful environment where success is a shared goal. Associates receive ongoing career and leadership development opportunities, and qualified individuals may grow into management roles, paving a path for long-term advancement.

Safety and quality are top priorities at Panda, reflected in strict adherence to operational and safety procedures to serve fresh, high-quality food. Associates operate in an environment that demands standing for extended periods, managing kitchen equipment like Chinese cook knives, and handling physical tasks such as lifting up to 50 pounds. The busy kitchen setting requires quick, accurate work while maintaining communication and collaboration with team members.

Employees benefit from a competitive pay range of $22 to $25 per hour, with exact compensation influenced by experience and location. Panda supports its workforce with numerous benefits including flexible scheduling, free meals during shifts, and comprehensive medical, vision, and dental insurance for full-time associates. Additionally, financial planning tools such as a 401K with company match, flexible spending accounts, and paid leaves contribute to an employee-focused compensation package.

Panda Restaurant Group stands as an Equal Opportunity Employer, fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace with accommodations for qualified individuals under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The company welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations during the hiring process.

In summary, a Kitchen Team Associate at Panda is more than just a kitchen role — it is an entryway into a supportive community of professionals dedicated to delivering culinary excellence and pursuing personal and professional growth. This position suits motivated individuals eager to learn, work in a dynamic environment, and contribute to a well-established brand that values teamwork, customer satisfaction, and social responsibility.