Kitchen Team

Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. is a renowned family-owned American Chinese restaurant company, originating in Glendale, California. Since its founding in 1983, Panda Restaurant Group has grown into one of the largest and most respected Asian dining concepts in the United States with nearly 2,800 locations worldwide. The company is dedicated to delivering exceptional dining experiences by fostering a culture centered on family values and a commitment to inspiring individuals to better their lives both personally and professionally. Panda Restaurant Group emphasizes community involvement, creating opportunities for its employees to contribute through initiatives like Panda Cares, which supports local communities. The company’s dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion ensures a welcoming environment for all employees regardless of gender, race, national origin, sexual orientation, disability status, or other legally protected characteristics. Panda Restaurant Group invests in its workforce by providing comprehensive benefits, career development, and leadership training to help employees grow within the organization.

The role of Kitchen Team Associate offers an exciting opportunity to join a vibrant, fast-paced kitchen environment committed to delivering exceptional food and service to guests. As a Kitchen Team Associate, you will be valued as a friendly team player who contributes to cooking delicious food while upholding the highest standards of cleanliness and operational safety. This position requires working effectively as part of a team at different kitchen stations, including the front counter, drive-through, and cooking areas. No prior experience is necessary because Panda provides robust paid hands-on training designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge to succeed and grow. You will develop transferable skills that can support your career advancement, with opportunities available to move into leadership and management roles within the company.

The workplace culture is supportive and positive, encouraging collaboration and teamwork among employees who often become friends. The Kitchen Team Associate role involves greeting guests, serving food, handling payment processes, and maintaining cleanliness and safety standards throughout the store. The company prioritizes the health and safety of its employees, enforcing operations standards and safety procedures designed to provide a safe working environment. This is a physically demanding role that requires standing for extended periods, lifting up to 50 pounds, working in a heat-intense setting with steam and food vapors, and adapting to a dynamic environment with changing priorities. Effective communication and conflict management skills are also essential to thrive in this position.

The pay range for this role is competitive, offering between $22 and $25 per hour depending on location and experience. Benefits include flexible scheduling, free meals on shift, medical, dental, and vision insurance options, a 401(k) retirement plan with company match, paid vacation and sick leave, associate discounts, referral bonuses, and opportunities to participate in community support programs. This role is instrumental in maintaining high guest satisfaction and contributes significantly to the company's ongoing success and reputation as a leader in the American Chinese dining space. Overall, this position is ideal for individuals seeking an inclusive, team-oriented workplace with room for growth and the chance to make a positive impact both within the company and the community.