Kitchen Team Associate

About the Role

We are hiring a Kitchen Team Associate to help prepare quality food, keep the workplace clean, and contribute to a welcoming guest experience. This role suits people who enjoy teamwork, a fast-moving environment, and learning new tasks on the job. Prior experience is not required because training is provided.

What You Will Do

• Create a positive dining experience by greeting guests, serving food, and handling register payments when needed.
• Keep the store, kitchen, and service areas clean and presentable.
• Follow operating rules and safety procedures to ensure food is fresh and prepared to standard.
• Work efficiently in a busy kitchen and may be assigned across front counter, drive-through, or kitchen stations.
• Collaborate with teammates to meet daily targets in a supportive, upbeat setting.

What We’re Looking For

• A friendly, helpful attitude and strong team spirit.
• Operations experience is helpful but not mandatory.
• Some high school education.
• A food handler certificate may be required based on local rules, and any related cost is the applicant’s responsibility.

Benefits and Rewards

• Flexible work schedules.
• Competitive pay.
• Free meals while on shift.
• Medical, vision, dental, voluntary short-term disability, and cancer income protection coverage for full-time associates.
• Health care and dependent care flexible spending options.
• 401(k) plan with company match.
• Vacation, sick leave, bereavement/funeral leave, and Leave Share Program for eligible associates.
• Employee discounts across many brands.
• Referral bonus for eligible associates.
• Chance to contribute to the community through Panda Cares.
• Paid hands-on training to support success.
• Ongoing career and leadership development.
• Opportunities to grow into management roles.
• Pre-tax dependent care flexible spending account.

Workplace Conditions

The role involves working around hot surfaces, steam, and food vapors. Space can be tight, and the job usually requires long periods of standing. You must be able to prepare both hot and cold foods, use a Chinese cook knife and other kitchen tools, and work quickly while maintaining accuracy. Physical demands include lifting up to 50 lbs., standing for up to four hours, and reaching across 36-inch counters to serve guests. Kitchens may be hot and noisy, with limited storage and high shelving. The job also requires clear verbal communication, flexibility in a changing environment, and the ability to handle conflicts or difficult situations professionally.

About the Company

Founded in Glendale, California, this family-owned restaurant group is now the largest American Chinese restaurant concept in the country, with close to 2,800 locations worldwide. The organization focuses on delivering great Asian dining experiences while building a culture rooted in family values and community impact.

Equal Opportunity and Accommodation

The employer provides equal employment opportunity and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including sex, gender, pregnancy, gender expression, race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, and veteran status. The company follows all applicable federal, state, and local accommodation laws. Qualified individuals with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations to participate in the hiring process, such as a sign language interpreter, unless doing so would create undue hardship. Accommodation requests for the application or interview process can be sent to TASupport@PandaRG.com.