Kitchen Team

Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. is a renowned family-owned American Chinese restaurant concept founded in Glendale, California, in 1983. Today, it proudly operates close to 2,300 locations globally, making it the largest family-owned American Chinese restaurant chain in the United States. The company’s core mission focuses on delivering exceptional Asian dining experiences by fostering an inspiring organizational culture where employees are motivated to improve their lives. At Panda Restaurant Group, the philosophy revolves around embracing family values, encouraging community impact, and ensuring employees feel part of a supportive and inclusive team environment.

Panda Restaurant Group is currently seeking enthusiastic and friendly individuals to join their team as Kitchen Team Associates. This position offers an excellent opportunity for individuals who enjoy working in fast-paced environments and value teamwork. The Kitchen Team Associate role is essential in maintaining the high standards of food quality, cleanliness, and guest service that Panda is known for. It is an entry-level position, and the company welcomes candidates with little to no prior experience, as comprehensive training will be provided. Individuals hired for this role can expect a supportive work environment where there is always an opportunity to learn, grow, and accomplish new goals.

The hourly pay for the Kitchen Team Associate position ranges between $23 and $26, with specific pay rates determined by factors such as location and experience. Employees benefit from flexible scheduling, allowing them to balance work with other life commitments. As part of their commitment to employee development, Panda provides hands-on paid training that equips team members with the skills necessary to succeed. Additionally, there are various growth opportunities, including career and leadership development programs that pave the way for advancement into management roles.

The Kitchen Team Associate’s responsibilities involve a variety of tasks essential to delivering outstanding dining experiences to guests. These include greeting guests warmly, serving delicious food efficiently, and handling payments accurately. Maintaining an orderly and clean store environment along with adhering strictly to operational standards and safety procedures is crucial for ensuring food quality and guest satisfaction. Associates will often work across multiple positions such as front counter, drive-through, and kitchen, contributing flexibility and versatility to daily operations. The role requires effective communication and collaboration with teammates to meet daily goals in a fun and positive atmosphere.

Panda Restaurant Group also emphasizes social responsibility, allowing team members opportunities to participate in the Panda Cares initiative, which enables employees to give back to the community. Regarding workplace accommodations, Panda Restaurant Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to inclusivity and non-discrimination based on legally protected characteristics. The company provides reasonable accommodations to support qualified individuals throughout the application and employment process.

This position requires employees to be physically capable of working in a dynamic kitchen environment—handling equipment such as Chinese cook knives, standing for extended periods, lifting up to 50 pounds, and managing fast-paced work with accuracy. The safety and well-being of team members are priorities, ensuring conditions adhere to ADA guidelines and provide a respectful environment for everyone. If you are a motivated individual seeking a rewarding opportunity with a respected leader in the restaurant industry, Panda Restaurant Group’s Kitchen Team Associate role offers a promising and fulfilling career path.