Over $100K Potential Annual Earning - Restaurant Manager

Panda Express is a leading family-owned American Chinese restaurant concept, part of the larger Panda Restaurant Group which also includes Panda Inn and Hibachi-San. Founded in 1983 in Glendale, California, Panda Express has grown phenomenally to become America's favorite Chinese restaurant with close to 2,400 locations globally and an ongoing expansion of over 100 restaurants annually. Known not only for its delicious and authentic Asian dining experiences, Panda Express prides itself on its mission to "Deliver exceptional Asian dining experiences by building an organization where people are inspired to better their lives." This mission shapes a unique family-oriented work environment where employees are valued and provided with opportunities for both professional and personal growth. Panda Express has been recognized as one of "America's Best Employers," is Great Place to Work certified, and was acknowledged as the safest restaurant chain in the US during the pandemic, underscoring its commitment to employee and guest welfare.

The General Manager role at Panda Express embodies a high level of responsibility, entrepreneurial spirit, and leadership within a fast-paced and hands-on environment. As a General Manager, you will be tasked with overseeing a substantial business operating between 1 to 2 million dollars annually. Your leadership extends to managing and developing your team to ensure optimal performance, guest satisfaction, and achievement of financial goals. The position involves comprehensive control over hiring, directing, and managing associates, applying business acumen to maintain profitability, and delivering a consistently exceptional dining experience. The role demands a strategic leader who is equally skilled in people management, operational excellence, and financial oversight, ensuring the restaurant runs smoothly and efficiently.

To prepare candidates for success, Panda Express offers a detailed 6-plus week Store Leadership Training Program covering essential skills like people development (hiring, training, coaching, and staff development), guest experience management (upholding food quality and service standards), financial knowledge (sales growth, cost management, and profit optimization), kitchen management (food safety, inventory, and culinary expertise), and operations (cleanliness, safety, and policy adherence). This comprehensive training aims to cultivate high-performing and inspiring leaders.

Additionally, Panda Express provides a competitive compensation package for its full-time management team that includes a progressive salary structure with uncapped profit-sharing bonuses tied to restaurant growth. Starting salaries are $83,000 per year for General Managers and $59,000 for Assistant Managers, with significant earning potential above $120,000 and $75,000 respectively with bonuses. The benefits also feature medical, dental, vision insurance, 401(k) with company match, paid time off and holidays, associate discounts at Panda Express and sister brands, free meals during work shifts, lucrative referral bonuses, and flexible spending accounts for dependent care.

Joining Panda Express as a General Manager means stepping into a role that combines the excitement of leading a rapidly expanding global brand with the rewarding challenge of driving business success while fostering a positive workplace culture. The company values flexibility, requiring managers to potentially relocate within a 50-mile radius of their home and work flexible schedules including weekends. Physical demands include working in hot, fast-paced kitchen environments and performing tasks that require standing for long periods, lifting up to 50 pounds, and maintaining focus under busy service conditions.

Overall, this opportunity invites experienced operations leaders who are motivated by growth, leadership development, and the chance to be part of a trusted and beloved Asian dining brand. Panda Express offers not just a job but a career pathway with extensive training, robust support, and the possibility to lead a business that makes a tangible impact on the community and guests it serves.