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 close to 2,800 locations globally, Panda Restaurant Group has built a strong reputation for delivering exceptional Asian dining experiences. The company is deeply rooted in family values and is committed to inspiring individuals to improve their lives through meaningful work and community involvement. Panda is not just a restaurant chain; it’s a place where team members grow, thrive, and support each other like family. It prides itself on maintaining a friendly, positive work environment where employees are encouraged to learn new skills and take on new challenges. The company also emphasizes giving back to the community through its Panda Cares initiative, highlighting its dedication to social responsibility and making a positive impact beyond the kitchen.

The role of Kitchen Team Associate at Panda Restaurant Group is designed for friendly and enthusiastic team players who are passionate about cooking delicious food while upholding the highest standards of cleanliness and safety. This position involves working in a fast-paced kitchen environment, where associates may be positioned at the front counter, drive-through, or kitchen areas. Kitchen Team Associates are crucial in delivering an exceptional dining experience to guests, greeting them warmly, serving food efficiently, and handling transactions at the cash register. They maintain the cleanliness and appearance of the store and strictly follow operational standards and safety procedures to ensure that fresh and quality food is served.

This role offers a tremendous opportunity for individuals with or without prior experience—Panda provides comprehensive training to prepare associates for success. The company fosters a safe and supportive workplace where team members build friendships and work together to meet daily goals in a fun, positive setting. Moreover, Kitchen Team Associates gain valuable skills that can help them advance within the company or in their careers elsewhere, with opportunities for growth into management roles and ongoing career and leadership development programs.

In addition to an engaging work environment, Panda offers flexible schedules, competitive pay, and benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance for full-time employees. Other benefits include a 401K plan with company matching, paid vacation and sick leave, and associate discounts. The company also recognizes the importance of work-life balance and offers voluntary insurances, flexible spending accounts, referral bonuses, and a leave share program. For individuals passionate about community involvement, there are opportunities to participate in local initiatives through Panda Cares.

The position requires the ability to handle the physical demands of kitchen work, including standing for extended periods, lifting up to 50 pounds, and working in hot and noisy environments. Associates must be able to work efficiently and communicate effectively, adapting to changing priorities in a dynamic environment. Panda Restaurant Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer, dedicated to providing accommodation and support for individuals with disabilities throughout the application and employment process. This commitment ensures that all employees have the opportunity to succeed regardless of their background or personal circumstances.

Overall, becoming a Kitchen Team Associate at Panda Restaurant Group means joining a company that values teamwork, growth, and community impact while delivering quality dining experiences. It is an excellent entry-level role offering training, development, and meaningful rewards in a supportive and friendly atmosphere.