Kitchen Team Associate

About the Role

We are hiring a Kitchen Team Associate for an on-site position in Athens, Georgia. The role is ideal for friendly, team-oriented people who enjoy preparing quality food, keeping work areas spotless, and delivering a welcoming guest experience. If you are new to this kind of work, training will be provided. The role also offers opportunities to build practical skills, grow professionally, and contribute to community-focused efforts through Panda Cares.

What You Will Do

• Create a positive experience for guests by greeting them, serving food, and handling payments at the register.
• Keep the restaurant clean and maintain a neat, presentable store environment.
• Follow operating standards and food safety procedures to ensure fresh, high-quality food is served.
• Work efficiently in a busy kitchen environment and, when needed, support multiple areas such as the front counter, drive-through, or kitchen.
• Collaborate with teammates to meet daily targets in an upbeat, productive setting.

What We’re Looking For

• A friendly, helpful, and cooperative team player.
• Prior operations experience is an advantage, but not required.
• Some high school education.
• A food handler certification may be needed depending on local rules, and any associated cost will be borne by the candidate.

Perks and Benefits

• Flexible scheduling.
• Competitive pay.
• Free 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, sick leave, bereavement/funeral leave, and Leave Share Program for eligible associates.
• Discounts with many partner brands.
• Referral bonus for eligible associates.
• Opportunities to support the community.
• Paid hands-on training.
• Ongoing career and leadership development.
• Growth opportunities into management roles.
• Pre-tax dependent care flexible spending account.

Additional Information

This role may require working in hot kitchen conditions with steam and food vapors, in tight workspaces, and standing for long periods. You must be able to prepare both hot and cold items, use a Chinese kitchen knife and other equipment, and work quickly without sacrificing accuracy. The job may require lifting up to 50 lbs., standing for up to four hours, and reaching across 36-inch counters to serve guests. Kitchens can be noisy, storage may be limited, and shelving may be high. Strong verbal communication, flexibility in a changing environment, and the ability to handle difficult situations or conflicts are important.

Company Overview

Founded in Glendale, California, 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 while building a workplace and community culture rooted in family values.

Equal Opportunity and Accommodation

The employer provides equal employment opportunity and does not discriminate based on protected characteristics such as sex, pregnancy, 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 also follows applicable federal, state, and local accommodation laws. If you need a reasonable accommodation for the application or interview process, or for the position itself, you may contact the support team at TASupport@PandaRG.com.