Kitchen Team

Panda Restaurant Group, Inc., founded in 1983 in Glendale, California, is the largest family-owned American Chinese restaurant concept in the United States. With close to 2,800 locations globally, the company has earned a reputation for delivering exceptional Asian dining experiences rooted in strong family values. Panda Restaurant Group continues its mission to inspire its team members to improve their lives and make a positive impact on the communities where they operate. The company fosters a welcoming and supportive environment where diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity are prioritized. They value teamwork, dedication, and community involvement, as demonstrated through their Panda Cares initiative, which encourages associates to give back to their local areas.

The Kitchen Team Associate role at Panda Restaurant Group is a dynamic and rewarding position designed for individuals who are enthusiastic about food preparation, customer service, and working in a fast-paced environment. Whether you are an experienced food service worker or completely new to the industry, Panda provides hands-on paid training to ensure your success. This position offers flexible scheduling, competitive pay ranging from $17 to $23.80 per hour (dependent on location and experience), and numerous opportunities for career advancement within the organization.

Kitchen Team Associates play a vital role in creating an outstanding dining experience for guests by cooking delicious food, maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness, and delivering friendly service. Associates may work at different positions such as the front counter, drive-through, or kitchen, requiring adaptability and teamwork. Besides preparing fresh, quality food following all safety procedures, kitchen team members are responsible for keeping the store clean and presentable. The workplace environment is fast-moving, but the culture is fun and positive, with team members often becoming close friends. This role requires standing for extended periods, lifting up to 50 pounds, and thriving under high-volume, high-temperature conditions. Verbal communication skills and the ability to manage difficult situations effectively are essential.

In addition to valuable work experience, being part of Panda means gaining access to a comprehensive benefits package. Full-time associates benefit from medical, vision, dental, voluntary short-term disability, and cancer income protection insurance. Flexible spending accounts for health care and dependents are also available, along with a 401K plan with company matching. Employees enjoy paid time off including vacation, sick leave, bereavement leave, and participation in the Leave Share Program. Free meals while on duty, associate discounts, and referral bonuses provide further rewards. Ongoing career and leadership development opportunities support upward mobility into management positions. Panda Restaurant Group is committed to accommodating applicants and employees with disabilities, emphasizing an inclusive work environment where everyone can thrive.