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 nearly 2,800 locations worldwide, Panda is renowned for its commitment to delivering exceptional Asian dining experiences. The company takes pride in fostering an environment inspired by family values where team members are motivated to improve their lives and grow professionally. This commitment extends beyond just providing outstanding food; it also includes strong community involvement through initiatives like Panda Cares, which allows employees to make a meaningful impact in their communities. Known for its friendly, supportive atmosphere, Panda Restaurant Group emphasizes teamwork, safety, and continuous learning. This creates a unique workplace culture where colleagues often become friends and every day presents new opportunities to learn, accomplish goals, and progress in one’s career.

As a Kitchen Team Associate at Panda Restaurant Group, you will be an essential part of creating a memorable dining experience for guests. This role involves much more than just cooking; it requires dedication to cleanliness, maintaining high operational and safety standards, and working efficiently in a fast-paced environment. Whether it’s manning the front counter, managing the drive-through, or handling kitchen responsibilities, this position offers a dynamic work experience that fosters collaboration among team members. The role is perfect for individuals who thrive in active, team-oriented settings and are eager to learn new skills. While prior experience in operations or food service is a plus, Panda provides comprehensive training for those new to the industry, ensuring every associate is well prepared for success. This job offers flexible schedules, competitive pay, and a variety of benefits including health, dental, and vision insurance for full-time employees, 401K with company match, paid time off, and career advancement opportunities. You will also enjoy free meals during shifts and have access to associate discounts on many brands. Panda’s commitment to employee growth means there are clear paths to leadership and management roles through ongoing career and leadership development programs.

Working in Panda’s kitchen area requires the ability to work quickly without sacrificing accuracy and quality. Associates must be able to stand for long periods, lift up to 50 lbs, and handle kitchen equipment safely, including a Chinese cook knife. The environment can be hot and noisy, requiring strong communication skills, adaptability, and the ability to manage conflicts effectively. Panda Restaurant Group is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to inclusive hiring practices, and it provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. Overall, this role is ideal for those seeking a supportive and engaging work environment within a company that values family, community, and personal development.