Kitchen Team

Panda Restaurant Group; Salinas (CA); On-site; USD 30,307 - 34,440; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible schedules

Competitive pay

Free meals while working

Health insurance

Vision insurance

Dental insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Job summary

Panda Restaurant Group is hiring a Kitchen Team Associate in Salinas, CA. You’ll greet guests, take orders, handle payments, and keep the dining area clean in a fast-paced setting. You may fill positions across front counter, drive‑through, or kitchen based on daily needs.

No prior experience? We’ll train you and help you grow, with opportunities to rise in your career and give back to the community through Panda Cares. Some positions include Food Handler training as required by local rules.

Qualifications

• Friendly and helpful team player.
• Operations experience is a plus.
• Some high school education.
• Food Handler certification may be required depending on local requirements; the associate will be responsible for acquiring it at their expense.

Responsibilities

• Greeting guests, taking orders, and handling payments at the cash register to provide an exceptional dining experience.
• Maintain cleanliness and appearance of the store.
• Follow operations standards and safety procedures to serve fresh, quality food.
• Fill different positions—front counter, drive‑through, or kitchen—based on daily needs.
• Collaborate with team members to meet daily goals in a positive environment.

Skills

Team player

Operations experience

High school

Food Handler cert

Education

Some high school education

Tools

Cash register

Job description

Kitchen Team Associate

We’re looking for friendly team players to cook delicious food while maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness for our guests. Thrive in a safe and supportive work environment with teammates who become friends. There’s always something new to learn, do, and accomplish. If you don’t have experience, we’ll train you! You’ll get opportunities to gain skills that help you rise in your career, no matter where you go. We’re all about giving back, so you’ll also get the chance to impact your community through our Panda Cares initiative.

Essential Functions

• Provides an exceptional dining experience to guests by greeting them, serving food, and handling payments at the cash register.
• Maintains the cleanliness and appearance of the store.
• Follows operations standards and safety procedures to serve fresh, quality food.
• Works efficiently in a fast‑paced kitchen environment and may fill different positions—front counter, drive‑through, or kitchen—based on daily needs.
• Works effectively with team members to meet daily goals in a fun, positive environment.

Qualifications

• Friendly and helpful team player.
• Operations experience is a plus.
• Some high school education.
• Food Handler certification may be required depending on local requirements; the associate will be responsible for acquiring it at their expense.

Benefits

• Flexible schedules
• Competitive pay
• Free meals while working at Panda
• Medical, vision, dental, voluntary short‑term disability, and cancer income protection insurance for full‑time associates
• Health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• 401(k) with company match
• Vacation, sick leave, bereavement/funeral leave and Leave Share Program for eligible associates
• Associate discounts for many brands
• Referral bonus for eligible associates
• Opportunity to give back to your community
• Hands‑on paid training to prepare you for success
• On‑going career & leadership development
• Opportunities for growth into management positions
• Pre‑tax dependent care flexible spending account
• Read more about benefits here: https://www.pandacareers.com/files/PRG_HR_Recruiting_Benefits.pdf

Pay

Pay Range: $22 per hour – $25 per hour. Within the range, individual pay is determined using various factors, including work location and experience.

Equal Opportunity Employer / ADA Statement

Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all federal, state, and local laws regarding workplace accommodations. The Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals on the basis of disability. Applicants are entitled to reasonable accommodations, absent undue hardship, to effectively participate in the application and hiring process. If you need an accommodation, please reach out to [e-mail]. While performing duties, counter areas are often hot with steam and food vapors. Workspace is restricted; employees are typically standing for long periods. Responsibilities include preparing hot and cold foods, using specialized kitchen equipment, and working quickly while maintaining accuracy. Workers must lift up to 50 lbs., stand for up to four hours, and reach across 36‑inch counter tops. Fast‑paced environments, effective verbal communication, adaptability to changing priorities, and conflict management are essential.