Restaurant Operations Intern

Job Description

About the Job: Restaurant Operations Intern

This is a non-remote, in-restaurant internship opportunity with Panda Restaurant Group, seeking a motivated and dynamic intern to join their team. This is an exciting chance to gain hands-on experience in restaurant operations and learn from industry professionals in a fast-paced and dynamic environment. The intern will support various initiatives within the restaurant operations team and gain exposure to functions including operations, training, quality assurance, food safety, and culinary development.

Panda emphasizes growth from day one, offering opportunities for personal and professional development. They are recognized as one of the best places to work in the fast-casual restaurant industry, providing a strong total rewards package, earning potential, and a workplace rooted in a people-first and purpose-driven culture.

Responsibilities

• Support store operations during shifts, ensuring quality food preparation, excellent service, and well-maintained ambiance.
• Manage and lead a team of associates during shifts, delegating tasks, and providing coaching and feedback for their growth.
• Assist with inventory management, ordering supplies, and ensuring adherence to proper food safety and sanitation practices.
• Shadow restaurant managers and team members to understand daily operations and provide recommendations for process improvements.
• Successfully complete all assigned modules.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the restaurant operations team.

Program Requirements

• Currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in hospitality, business administration, or a related field (sophomore and junior preferred).
• Must be available to work for the duration of the internship (approximately June-August 2025).
• Must be available to work 30-40 hours/week for the internship duration (approximately June-August 2025).
• Strong leadership skills, including the ability to motivate and manage a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to provide clear direction and feedback to team members.
• Proactive and self-starter with the ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including weekends and holidays.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in the hospitality industry is a plus.
• Student Organization Leadership experience is a plus.
• Prior restaurant working hours and a Food Safety card are preferred.

Benefits

• Paid internship at a competitive rate.
• Hands-on experience in restaurant operations and exposure to various functions within Panda Restaurant Group.
• Mentorship and guidance from industry professionals.
• Networking opportunities with other interns and industry leaders.
• Sick time.
• Potential for a return offer upon successful completion.

Compensation

• Paid internship commensurate with experience related to position requirements.
• Upon successful completion of the internship program, some participants may be offered full-time employment which includes a competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunity to receive college credit (dependent on college/university requirements).

To apply, please submit a resume. Only applicants authorized to work in the United States will be considered. Panda Restaurant Group is an equal opportunity employer.

Physical Demands (ADA Statement)

While performing duties, employees will encounter hot counter areas with steam and food vapors. The workspace is restricted, and employees are generally expected to remain standing for long periods. Tasks include preparing hot and cold foods, using a Chinese cook knife and other kitchen equipment, and working quickly with accuracy. Employees must be able to lift up to 50 lbs., stand for up to four hours, and reach across countertops (36 inches) to serve customers. Kitchens are hot, noise levels are usually high, storage space is limited, and shelving is high. Employees must be able to work in a fast-paced environment, possess effective verbal communication skills, adapt to a dynamic environment with changing priorities, and manage conflicts/difficult situations.

Panda Strong Since 1983

Founded in Glendale, California, Panda Restaurant Group is the largest family-owned American Chinese Restaurant concept in America. With close to 2,300 locations globally, their mission is to deliver exceptional Asian dining experiences by building an organization where people are inspired to better their lives. They embrace family values, impacting both their team and the communities they serve.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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 TASupport@PandaRG.com.