Kitchen Team

Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. is a renowned family-owned American Chinese restaurant concept that was established in 1983 in Glendale, California. Over the years, it has grown to become the largest restaurant group of its kind in America, boasting nearly 2,300 locations globally. The company takes pride in delivering exceptional Asian dining experiences to its guests while fostering an environment where team members are inspired to improve their lives. Panda Restaurant Group is not just about food; it's about fostering family values, supporting communities through initiatives like Panda Cares, and offering career opportunities where team members can grow and thrive.

The role of Kitchen Team Associate at Panda Restaurant Group is designed for friendly and motivated individuals who are passionate about cooking delicious food and providing high standards of cleanliness and service. This is an entry-level position that welcomes both experienced individuals and those new to the food service industry, as comprehensive training is provided. The work environment is safe, supportive, and team-oriented, allowing employees to build lasting friendships while learning new skills.

Kitchen Team Associates are essential to creating an exceptional dining experience for guests. They are responsible for greeting customers, serving food, handling payments, and maintaining the overall cleanliness and appearance of the store. The position involves working efficiently in a fast-paced kitchen setting and may include rotating through various roles such as front counter, drive-through, or kitchen duties. Efficiency, teamwork, and a positive attitude are important as Associates collaborate to meet daily goals.

Employees in this role can expect to benefit from competitive pay within the range of $22.5 to $25.5 per hour, with the specific wage dependent on factors such as location and experience. Alongside financial compensation, Panda Restaurant Group offers a rich suite of benefits and rewards such as flexible schedules, free meals during shifts, medical, vision and dental insurance options, along with voluntary disability and cancer income protection insurance for full-time associates. Other benefits include health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts, 401K with company match, holiday and sick leave, associate discounts, referral bonuses, paid hands-on training, and opportunities for career advancement into management positions.

The workplace embraces diversity and is dedicated to equal opportunity employment. It complies with all federal, state, and local laws concerning workplace accommodations, ensuring a supportive environment for individuals with disabilities. The company also openly encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply, reflecting its commitment to inclusivity and respect.

The role demands physical stamina and resilience, as employees often work in warm, noisy kitchens and must stand for extended periods while performing duties that require lifting up to 50 pounds. Effective verbal communication, adaptability to a dynamic environment, and conflict management skills are key to success in this fast-paced role. Overall, joining Panda Restaurant Group as a Kitchen Team Associate offers the chance to be part of a welcoming and driven team, develop useful skills, and be valued within a company committed to its people and community.