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. With nearly 2,800 locations worldwide, Panda is dedicated to delivering exceptional Asian dining experiences to its guests. The company places a strong emphasis on family values, community involvement, and creating an inspiring work environment for its team members. Panda prides itself on building a culture where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to grow both personally and professionally. Through its Panda Cares initiative, Panda actively gives back to the communities where it operates, further establishing itself as an organization that cares about making a positive impact beyond just the food it serves.

The role of a Kitchen Team Associate at Panda offers an exciting opportunity for individuals who thrive in a fast-paced, energetic environment and enjoy working as part of a team. Whether you have prior experience or are new to the workforce, Panda provides hands-on paid training to help you develop the culinary and operational skills necessary to succeed. Kitchen Team Associates are involved in multiple aspects of the dining experience, including greeting guests, cooking and serving delicious food, handling payments, and maintaining cleanliness and safety standards in the store. This role is perfect for friendly, helpful individuals who appreciate working in a collaborative, positive atmosphere where they can continuously learn and take on new challenges. Employees often rotate through different stations such as the front counter, drive-through, and kitchen, ensuring the role remains dynamic and engaging.

Panda offers flexible schedules to accommodate a variety of lifestyles, along with competitive pay rates ranging from $19 to $22 per hour, based on location and experience. Full-time associates enjoy a comprehensive benefits package including medical, vision, and dental insurance, as well as voluntary short-term disability and cancer income protection coverage. Additional benefits include health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts, a 401K plan with company match, paid vacation and sick leave, bereavement/funeral leave, and a Leave Share Program for eligible team members. Panda also offers associate discounts, referral bonuses, and ongoing career and leadership development opportunities to help employees advance into management positions if desired.

The job requires a commitment to maintaining a safe and sanitary environment while working efficiently in a sometimes hot, noisy, and fast-paced kitchen setting. Physical demands include the ability to stand for extended periods, lift up to 50 pounds, and perform tasks requiring dexterity and speed without sacrificing accuracy. Effective verbal communication skills and adaptability in a dynamic workplace are essential, as is the ability to manage conflicts and difficult situations professionally. Candidates must meet local regulations concerning food handling certifications, which may need to be obtained at the employee's expense.

Joining Panda means becoming part of a dedicated team where respect, inclusivity, and equal opportunity are fundamental. The company complies with all federal, state, and local laws related to workplace accommodations and prohibits discrimination based on a variety of protected characteristics, ensuring a welcoming environment for all employees. Panda encourages individuals who require accommodations during the application or hiring process to reach out and request the support they need. This commitment to accessibility and diversity highlights Panda's values as a leading employer in the restaurant industry. Overall, the Kitchen Team Associate position at Panda is ideal for motivated individuals seeking a supportive workplace, skill development, and the chance to grow within a respected brand known for its quality food and strong community focus.