Restaurant Operations Intern

Job Description

THIS IS NOT A REMOTE POSITION- THIS INTERNSHIP TAKES PLACE INSIDE OUR RESTAURANTS.

Panda Restaurant Group is offering an exciting internship opportunity for motivated and dynamic individuals to gain hands-on experience in restaurant operations. Interns will work directly in Panda restaurants, learning from industry professionals in a fast-paced environment. This role supports various initiatives within the restaurant operations team, providing exposure to a wide range of functions.

About Panda Restaurant Group

Panda Restaurant Group, founded in Glendale, California in 1983, is the largest family-owned American Chinese Restaurant concept in America, with nearly 2,300 locations globally. The company is committed to delivering exceptional Asian dining experiences and building an organization where people are inspired to better their lives. Panda is recognized as one of the best places to work in the fast-casual restaurant industry, offering a people-first and purpose-driven culture, stellar total rewards, and unparalleled earning and growth potential.

Internship Overview

This internship provides a comprehensive learning experience, focusing on operational excellence, team leadership, and strategic improvements within a restaurant setting. Interns will be integral to daily operations while also contributing to broader organizational goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Support store operations during shifts, ensuring high standards for food preparation, customer service, and restaurant ambiance.
• Manage and lead a team of associates during shifts, including delegating tasks, providing coaching, and offering constructive feedback to foster their growth and development.
• Assist with inventory management, including ordering supplies and ensuring strict adherence to food safety and sanitation practices.
• Shadow restaurant managers and team members to develop a deep understanding of day-to-day operations and identify opportunities for process improvements.
• Successfully complete all assigned learning modules relevant to restaurant operations and management.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the restaurant operations team and overall business objectives.

Program Requirements

• Education: Currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in hospitality, business administration, or a related field. Sophomore and junior students are preferred.
• Availability:
  • Must be available to work for the duration of the internship (approximately June-August 2025).
  • Must be available to work 30-40 hours per week during the internship period.
• Skills & Attributes:
  • Strong leadership skills, including the ability to motivate and effectively manage a team in a fast-paced environment.
  • Excellent communication skills with the ability to provide clear direction and constructive feedback to team members.
  • Proactive and self-starting individual who thrives in a collaborative team environment.
  • Ability to work efficiently and adapt in a fast-paced and dynamic work setting.
  • Willingness to work a flexible schedule, which may include weekends and holidays.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in the hospitality industry is a significant plus.
• Leadership experience within student organizations is also beneficial.
• Prior restaurant working hours and a Food Safety card are preferred.

Benefits of the Internship

• Paid internship at a competitive rate.
• Valuable hands-on experience in restaurant operations and exposure to various functions within Panda Restaurant Group.
• Mentorship and guidance from experienced industry professionals.
• Networking opportunities with other interns and industry leaders.
• Accrued sick time.
• Potential for a return offer for full-time employment upon successful completion of the internship.

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 who are authorized to work in the United States will be considered.

ADA Statement

The role requires physical stamina and the ability to work in a demanding environment. Counter areas are often hot with steam and food vapors. Employees are generally expected to remain standing for long periods. Responsibilities include preparing hot and cold foods, using kitchen equipment, and working quickly and accurately. 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 typically hot and noisy, with limited storage space. Successful candidates must be able to work in a fast-paced environment, possess effective verbal communication skills, adapt to dynamic environments with changing priorities, and manage conflicts or difficult situations effectively.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal opportunity. The company 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.