Kitchen Team

Panda Restaurant Group, Inc., established in 1983 in Glendale, California, is the largest family-owned American Chinese Restaurant concept in the United States, boasting nearly 2,800 locations worldwide. With a mission to deliver exceptional Asian dining experiences, Panda emphasizes building an organization that inspires people to better their lives. The company is deeply rooted in family values and prides itself on making a positive impact both on its team members and the communities it serves. Panda’s growth and success over the years speak to its commitment to quality, customer satisfaction, and a supportive workplace culture. The company remains dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring equal opportunities for all employees regardless of their background or personal attributes. Panda Restaurant Group also complies with all federal, state, and local laws concerning workplace accommodations and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), fostering an inclusive and ethical working environment.

The position of Kitchen Team Associate is a vital role at Panda, offering individuals the chance to be part of a friendly, engaging, and fast-paced team that produces delicious food while maintaining sanitary and operational excellence. This role is perfect for those who enjoy working with others in a dynamic setting and are eager to learn new skills. Panda welcomes applicants without prior experience, providing comprehensive hands-on training to promote success and career progression within the company. The Kitchen Team Associate contributes directly to creating exceptional dining experiences by adhering to company operations standards, safety protocols, and food quality guidelines. Responsibilities include greeting guests, serving food, handling payments, and ensuring the store's cleanliness and appearance are up to marked standards.

Associates work efficiently across various positions such as front counter, drive-through, or kitchen, thriving in a supportive work environment where teamwork and positive attitudes lead to daily goal achievements. Panda values employee development, offering ongoing career and leadership training to foster growth opportunities, including paths into management positions. In addition to a competitive pay range of $17 to $23.80 per hour (varied by experience and location), the company provides flexible scheduling and a comprehensive benefits package for eligible full-time associates. This includes medical, vision, dental insurance, and voluntary benefits like short-term disability and cancer income protection. Additional support like health care flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) with company match, vacation, sick leave, and associate discounts further enhance the overall employee experience.

Panda also encourages its associates to engage with the community through its Panda Cares initiative, highlighting the company’s commitment to giving back. Working as a Kitchen Team Associate at Panda means being part of a family-oriented organization that nurtures friendships, develops talent, and fosters a safe and respectful work environment where every member can thrive. This role demands physical stamina, with associates expected to stand for extended periods, lift up to 50 pounds, and work quickly yet accurately in a high-energy kitchen setting. The company ensures all health and safety measures are met to create a workplace that supports both employee wellbeing and guest satisfaction.