Restaurant Cook

Panda Restaurant Group Inc; La Palma (CA); On-site; USD 28,929 - 33,062; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible schedules

Competitive pay

Free meals

Medical, vision, dental insurance

401(k) with company match

Vacation and sick leave

Job summary

Panda Restaurant Group Inc is looking for a dedicated cook in La Palma, California, to prepare stir-fry dishes following company recipes while maintaining high standards of quality and safety. Duties include adjusting cooking procedures, operating kitchen equipment, and assisting in training staff.

Key benefits include flexible scheduling, competitive pay ranging from $21 to $24 per hour, and comprehensive medical benefits for full-time associates.

Qualifications

• Ability to lift up to 20 lbs with one hand.
• Stand continuously for up to 5 hours.
• Follow instructions and procedures without deviation.
• Experience in high-pressure kitchen environments.

Responsibilities

• Prepare all stir‑fry dishes according to company recipes.
• Cook ingredients for all menu items as directed.
• Adjust seasoning and cooking procedures as needed.
• Assist management in training hourly staff.

Skills

Stir-fry preparation

Food safety compliance

Knife skills

Inventory management

Time management

Tools

Chinese cook’s knife

Kitchen equipment

Job description

As a cook at Panda, you will prepare all stir‑fry dishes according to company recipes and guest orders while maintaining high standards of quality and safety.

Responsibilities

• Prepare all stir‑fry dishes, especially those requiring advanced skill, following company recipes and health regulations.
• Cook ingredients for all menu items as assembled by the Apportioner.
• Respond promptly to the Apportioner, correctly identifying the dish to be cooked and preparing it promptly.
• Adjust seasoning, cooking procedures and times as needed to meet company standards for color, flavor and aroma.
• Execute company recipes and procedures for all dishes.
• Mix sauces and marinades according to company recipes and procedures; ensure an adequate supply at all times.
• Follow local health department regulations in food handling, preparation and storage.
• Operate all kitchen equipment (range, BBQ, oven, deep fryer, knives, etc.) safely.
• Assist management in developing menu specials by suggesting, testing and refining recipes.
• Assist the management team in training hourly staff and ensuring smooth back‑of‑house operations.
• Assist others in preparing ingredients and cooking dishes to ensure adequate supplies.
• Assist the Kitchen Manager or Assistant Kitchen Manager in counting and controlling inventory.
• Assist the manager in receiving all delivered goods, checking samples for freshness/quality, and verifying delivery against order.
• Perform duties that include handling hot surfaces, steam tables, and high noise levels while maintaining accuracy and safety.

Requirements

• Lift up to 20 lbs with one hand, stand continuously for up to 5 hours, and reach at least 36 inches horizontally or vertically.
• Handle small and medium‑size woks for up to 4 hours continuously.
• Perform repetitive cutting/slicing motions at high speed and in a safe manner using a Chinese cook’s knife.
• Practice good personal hygiene at all times.
• Follow instructions and procedures without deviation through many repetitions and without constant supervision.
• Work under pressure during peak periods.
• Pay attention to details of food quality, preparation and presentation.

Benefits

• Flexible schedules
• Competitive pay
• Free meals while working at Panda
• Medical, vision, dental, voluntary short‑term disability, 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
• Ongoing career and leadership development
• Opportunities for growth into management positions
• Pre‑tax dependent care flexible spending account
• For details, refer to https://www.pandacareers.com/files/PRG_HR_Recruiting_Benefits.pdf

Pay

Pay Range: $21 per hour - $24 per hour

*Within the range, individual pay is determined using various factors, including work location and experience.

ADA Statement

While performing duties, counter areas are often hot with steam from steam tables and food vapors. Workspace is restricted and employees are generally expected to remain standing for long periods of time. Employees must prepare hot and cold foods, use a Chinese cook’s knife and other kitchen equipment, and work quickly without losing accuracy. Employees must be able to lift up to 50 lbs., stand up to four hours, and reach across counter tops measured at 36 inches to serve customers. Kitchens are hot and noise levels are usually high; storage space is limited and shelving is high. Employees must be able to work in a fast‑paced work environment, have effective verbal communication skills, the ability to adapt to a dynamic environment with changing priorities, and the ability to manage conflicts/difficult situations.

Equal Opportunity & ADA Compliance

Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal opportunity, and does not discriminate on the basis of any characteristic protected by law, including but not limited to sex/gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, lactation and related conditions), gender expression, race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, and veteran status. Additionally, Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. complies with all federal, state, and local laws regarding requests for workplace accommodation. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) 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, for example, sign language interpreters. If you believe you require an accommodation for the application or interview process or for the position for which you are applying, please reach out to [e-mail].