Restaurant Internship

Panda Restaurant Group is a renowned family-owned American Chinese restaurant concept, known for its commitment to delivering exceptional Asian dining experiences. Founded in 1983 in Glendale, California, the company has grown significantly, now operating nearly 2,800 locations globally. This expansive growth positions Panda Restaurant Group as one of the most influential brands in the fast-casual dining sector, celebrated for its strong emphasis on family values, people-first culture, and fostering a supportive workplace environment. The organization is dedicated to inspiring better lives not only for their customers but also for their employees, offering robust opportunities for professional development and personal growth. Panda is widely acknowledged for creating a high-performing yet happy team by maintaining a workplace culture that prioritizes employee wellbeing and inclusivity. Recognized as the only fast-casual restaurant brand awarded as one of the best places to work, Panda Restaurant Group continues to attract motivated and talented individuals eager to contribute to its success and share in its growth.

The internship position offered by Panda Restaurant Group provides an invaluable opportunity for students or emerging professionals to gain hands-on experience in the restaurant operations field. This is an on-site internship requiring presence inside Panda’s restaurants, ensuring immersive exposure to the real-time challenges and dynamics of the foodservice industry. The intern will play an active role in supporting various initiatives within the restaurant operations team, including assisting with food preparation, managing service quality, and maintaining ambiance standards that align with Panda’s renowned customer experience. This position offers a unique vantage point to observe and participate in multiple functions such as operations, training, quality assurance, food safety, and culinary development. Interns are expected to engage closely with restaurant managers and diverse team members, shadowing their activities to understand daily operations deeply and contribute thoughtful recommendations for process improvements.

The ideal intern will be pursuing a bachelor’s degree in hospitality, business administration, or a related field, preferably in their sophomore or junior year, reflecting a commitment to their career path. The role demands availability between June and August 2025, with a work schedule ranging from 30 to 40 hours per week. Panda seeks candidates who demonstrate strong leadership potential, excellent communication skills, and the enthusiasm to foster team growth while succeeding in a high-energy, fast-paced environment. The internship will develop the intern’s ability to delegate tasks effectively, provide constructive feedback, manage inventory, ensure compliance with food safety practices, and support operational excellence.

Panda Restaurant Group values interns who bring a proactive attitude and the capability to adapt swiftly to changing priorities and dynamic workplace settings. Flexibility to work weekends and holidays is also essential to meet the operational demands of this role. Benefits of this paid internship include competitive compensation, mentoring from seasoned industry professionals, networking opportunities, practical skill development, potential college credit, sick time, and even potential return offers for full-time employment upon successful completion. Overall, this position represents a strategic stepping stone for individuals aspiring to build a career in the hospitality or restaurant management industries under the guidance of a leading global brand.