Kitchen Team

Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. is the largest family-owned American Chinese restaurant concept in the United States, founded in Glendale, California, in 1983. With nearly 2,800 locations globally, Panda is dedicated to delivering exceptional Asian dining experiences to its guests by building an organization where people are inspired to improve their lives. The company emphasizes family values and community impact, fostering a workplace culture where employees are more than just team members—they become friends. Panda is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring equal opportunity for all employees and applicants regardless of gender, race, religion, or any other protected characteristic. They also abide by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to provide reasonable accommodations during the hiring process and employment.

The role of a Kitchen Team Associate at Panda Restaurant Group is an excellent opportunity for friendly, motivated individuals who want to join a dynamic, fast-paced environment. This position involves cooking delicious food while maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness to ensure an exceptional guest experience. As a Kitchen Team Associate, you will work collaboratively with your teammates in a positive and supportive atmosphere where personal and professional growth is highly encouraged. Whether you have previous experience or not, Panda offers hands-on paid training to prepare you for success. The role encourages skill development that supports career advancement within the restaurant group or elsewhere in the hospitality industry.

Working as a Kitchen Team Associate, you will provide outstanding dining experiences by greeting guests, serving food, and handling cash register transactions. Maintaining store cleanliness and appearance is vital, as is following operational standards and safety protocols to serve fresh, quality food. Given the lively kitchen atmosphere, you may be expected to rotate across different stations including front counter, drive-through, and kitchen duties. This role requires physical stamina to stand for long hours, lift heavy items up to 50 lbs, and work amidst heat and noise. Strong verbal communication skills and the ability to manage challenges in a fast-paced setting are important.

Panda’s Kitchen Team Associates benefit from flexible schedules, competitive pay ranging from $23 to $26 per hour depending on experience and location, and free meals during shifts. Full-time employees gain access to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans, voluntary short-term disability and cancer income protection, 401K with company match, and generous paid leave including vacation, sick, bereavement, and funeral leave. The company also offers associate discounts, referral bonuses, and opportunities to engage in community giving through the Panda Cares initiative. Ongoing career and leadership development is supported with clear pathways for growth, including promotion into management roles.

This position embodies the spirit of teamwork and dedication to quality service that has made Panda Restaurant Group a recognized leader in the casual dining sector. Joining Panda means being part of a family-oriented culture that values hard work, integrity, and community impact. If you are eager to learn, grow, and help create memorable dining experiences, the Kitchen Team Associate role is the perfect starting point in your hospitality career.