Kitchen Team Associate

Role Overview

We are hiring a Kitchen Team Associate to join a friendly, service-focused crew. In this role, you will help prepare tasty food, keep the restaurant clean, and support a safe, upbeat workplace. If you are new to the field, training is provided. You’ll also have chances to build practical skills, grow your career, and contribute to the community through Panda Cares.

Core Duties

• Create a positive guest experience by welcoming customers, serving food, and processing payments at the register.
• Keep the store clean, organized, and visually presentable.
• Follow operating standards and safety practices to ensure food is served fresh and to quality expectations.
• Work quickly in a busy kitchen and may be assigned to front counter, drive-through, or kitchen tasks as needed.
• Collaborate with coworkers to hit daily goals in a friendly, energetic setting.

Qualifications

• A helpful, approachable, and team-oriented attitude.
• Prior operations experience is beneficial but not required.
• Some high school education.
• Food handler certification may be required based on local rules, and any related cost would be paid by the employee.

Benefits and Rewards

• Flexible scheduling.
• Competitive pay.
• Complimentary meals during shifts.
• Medical, vision, dental, voluntary short-term disability, and cancer income protection coverage for full-time associates.
• Health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
• 401(k) plan with company match.
• Vacation time, sick leave, bereavement/funeral leave, and a leave share program for eligible associates.
• Employee discounts across many brands.
• Referral bonus for eligible associates.
• Opportunities to support the community.
• Hands-on paid training.
• Continuous career and leadership development.
• Pathways for advancement into management roles.
• Pre-tax dependent care flexible spending account.

Work Conditions

This position involves working around hot counter areas, steam, and food vapors. The workspace can be tight, and long periods of standing are expected. The job includes preparing hot and cold foods, using a Chinese cook knife and other kitchen tools, and working accurately at speed. You must be able to lift up to 50 lbs, stand for up to four hours, and reach across 36-inch counters to serve guests. The kitchen environment may be hot and noisy, with limited storage and high shelving. Success in this role also requires clear verbal communication, flexibility in a changing environment, and the ability to handle conflicts or difficult situations.

About the Company

Founded in Glendale, California in 1983, the company has grown into the largest family-owned American Chinese restaurant concept in the United States, with nearly 2,800 locations worldwide. Its mission is to create outstanding Asian dining experiences by building a workplace that helps people improve their lives. The organization emphasizes family values and community impact.

Equal Opportunity and Accommodations

The employer is an equal opportunity organization and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including sex, pregnancy-related conditions, gender expression, race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, or veteran status. The company follows applicable federal, state, and local laws related to workplace accommodations. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, qualified individuals with disabilities are entitled to reasonable accommodations unless doing so would create undue hardship. Applicants needing help with the application or interview process may contact [email protected].