Job summary
Job post source
This job is directly from Panda Restaurant Group
Job overview
The Cook role at Panda Restaurant Group is central to kitchen operations, responsible for preparing food, leading kitchen team members, and ensuring a welcoming environment for guests in a fast-paced restaurant setting.
Responsibilities and impact
The Cook will prepare dishes according to company standards, support kitchen team training, perform back-of-house duties, and help create a vibrant guest experience.
Compensation and benefits
The position offers pay between $26 and $29 per hour, flexible schedules, free meals during shifts, medical, vision, dental insurance for full-time associates, 401K with company match, paid vacation and sick leave, associate discounts, referral bonuses, and ongoing career development opportunities.
Experience and skills
Candidates should have some high school education and preferably some operations experience; food safety certification is required at the applicant's expense.
Career development
The company provides hands-on paid training, leadership development, and opportunities for growth into management positions.
Work environment and culture
Panda Restaurant Group values diversity and workplace equality, fostering a creative and inclusive environment with family values and community impact.
Company information
Founded in 1983 in Glendale, California, Panda Restaurant Group is the largest family-owned American Chinese restaurant concept with nearly 2,300 locations globally, focusing on exceptional Asian dining experiences.
Unique job features
The job involves working in a fast-paced, hot kitchen environment requiring physical stamina and effective communication skills, with a strong emphasis on safety and adaptability.
Company overview
Panda Restaurant Group is a leading American Chinese restaurant chain known for its flagship brand, Panda Express. Founded in 1983 by Andrew and Peggy Cherng, the company has grown to over 2,200 locations worldwide, offering a variety of Chinese-inspired dishes. They make money primarily through their fast-casual dining model, focusing on high-quality food and customer service. The company emphasizes a strong corporate culture and community involvement, which are key aspects candidates should be aware of.
How to land this job
Position your resume to highlight your passion for food preparation, ability to work in fast-paced environments, and experience in supporting kitchen teams and training colleagues, as these are core to the Cook role at Panda Restaurant Group.
Emphasize your knowledge of food safety standards, any relevant certifications like Food Handler, and your adaptability to dynamic kitchen environments with strong communication and conflict management skills.
Apply through multiple platforms including Panda Restaurant Group's official careers site and LinkedIn to maximize your application visibility and increase your chances of being noticed.
Connect with current Panda Restaurant Group employees on LinkedIn, especially those in kitchen operations or management roles; use ice breakers like complimenting their commitment to team development or asking about growth opportunities within the kitchen team.
Optimize your resume for ATS by incorporating keywords from the job description such as 'food safety,' 'kitchen team training,' 'fast-paced environment,' 'food preparation,' and 'customer service' to ensure your resume passes initial automated screenings.
Jennie Johnson's Power Apply feature can automate applying through multiple channels, tailor your resume with relevant keywords, and identify LinkedIn contacts to network with, saving you time and increasing your chances of landing the Cook position at Panda Restaurant Group.
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