Kitchen Team Associate

Description:

Panda Restaurant Group, America’s largest family-owned Asian dining concept, is looking for energetic and friendly individuals to join its Kitchen Team in Denver, CO. This is an exciting opportunity to work in a fun, fast-paced, and team-oriented environment while learning valuable culinary and operational skills that can support your long-term career growth.

As a Kitchen Team Associate, you will play a vital role in preparing high-quality food, maintaining a clean and safe kitchen environment, and providing guests with exceptional service. Panda offers a welcoming workplace where every team member is encouraged to grow, learn, and make a positive impact on the community through initiatives like Panda Cares.

Key Responsibilities:

• Food Preparation & Cooking: Prepare and cook delicious Asian-inspired dishes while maintaining Panda’s high standards of taste, quality, and presentation.

• Guest Service: Greet customers warmly, take and serve orders, and handle cash register transactions efficiently.

• Cleanliness & Safety: Maintain the cleanliness and organization of the kitchen and dining area, following strict safety and sanitation protocols.

• Team Collaboration: Work effectively with team members to meet daily operational goals in a supportive and positive environment.

• Operational Excellence: Adhere to company operational standards and food safety procedures to ensure consistency and quality.

• Flexibility: Perform various roles as needed, including working at the front counter, drive-through, or kitchen.

Qualifications:

• Friendly, reliable, and team-oriented attitude.

• Prior food service or operations experience is a plus but not required.

• Some high school education preferred.

• Must be able to obtain a Food Handler Certification if required by local law (at own expense).

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, stand for extended periods, and work efficiently in a high-heat, fast-paced environment.

• Effective verbal communication skills and the ability to adapt to changing priorities.

Benefits and Rewards:

• Competitive hourly pay: $20.50–$23.50.

• Flexible scheduling options.

• Free meals during shifts.

• Comprehensive health benefits for full-time associates, including medical, dental, vision, and voluntary short-term disability and cancer insurance.

• 401(k) plan with company match.

• Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, bereavement, and family leave.

• Career advancement opportunities with leadership and management development programs.

• Employee referral bonuses and exclusive brand discounts.

• Opportunities to give back to the community through Panda Cares initiatives.

Work Environment:

• Work is primarily performed standing in a kitchen environment with exposure to heat, steam, and cooking equipment.

• Limited workspace; requires the ability to multitask and move quickly without compromising accuracy.

• Must be able to work effectively under pressure in a dynamic, fast-paced atmosphere.

About Panda Restaurant Group:
Founded in 1983 in Glendale, California, Panda Restaurant Group has grown to operate over 2,300 locations globally, delivering exceptional Asian dining experiences through its brands, including Panda Express. The company is driven by a mission to inspire better lives—whether through guest satisfaction, team member growth, or community impact. Panda embraces family values, continuous improvement, and cultural diversity, making it one of the most inclusive and respected employers in the restaurant industry.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
Panda Restaurant Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. It does not discriminate based on gender, race, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. The company complies with all federal, state, and local employment laws and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.