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 Express remains committed to delivering exceptional Asian dining experiences. The company prides itself on fostering a supportive, family-oriented work culture that inspires team members to improve their lives and grow professionally while positively impacting the communities they serve through initiatives like Panda Cares.

Panda Restaurant Group is currently seeking enthusiastic and friendly individuals to join their team as Kitchen Team Associates. This role is ideal for those who thrive in a fast-paced environment and enjoy working collaboratively with others. Candidates don’t need prior experience as training is provided, empowering newcomers to develop valuable culinary and customer service skills. This position offers flexible schedules and competitive pay ranging from $22 to $25 per hour depending on location and experience. Panda values diversity and inclusivity, welcoming applicants from all backgrounds and providing accommodations during the hiring process as required under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

As a Kitchen Team Associate, your primary responsibilities will include preparing and serving delicious food while maintaining excellent cleanliness and operational standards within the store. You will engage directly with guests—greeting them, serving food, handling transactions at the cash register—and ensure a high-quality dining experience is delivered every visit. The role involves rotating through various positions such as front counter, drive-through, and kitchen, offering versatility and variety in daily tasks. Working closely with your teammates in a positive atmosphere helps achieve daily goals and fosters a fun, engaging workplace.

Physical demands of this role include standing for extended periods, lifting up to 50 pounds, and navigating a kitchen environment with heat from steam tables and noise from equipment. Team members must be able to adapt to changing priorities, communicate effectively, and manage difficult situations calmly. Food handler certification may be required depending on local regulations, which candidates must obtain at their own expense.

Panda Restaurant Group emphasizes career growth and leadership development for its employees. Hands-on paid training and ongoing opportunities to advance into management positions enable associates to build rewarding careers within the company. Additional benefits for full-time associates include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) with company match, flexible spending accounts, paid time off, and generous associate discounts. Through these offerings and a family culture, Panda Restaurant Group creates a supportive environment where employees can thrive, learn, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.