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 opportunity for a motivated and dynamic intern to join its team. This internship provides hands-on experience in restaurant operations and allows interns to 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 a variety of functions including operations, training, quality assurance, food safety, and culinary development.

Panda is committed to employee growth and is recognized as one of the best places to work in the fast-casual restaurant industry. The company offers a strong sense of belonging, a people-first, and purpose-driven culture, alongside a stellar total rewards package and unparalleled earning and growth potential.

Responsibilities

• Support store operations during shifts, ensuring high standards for food preparation, customer service, and ambiance.
• Manage and lead a team of associates during shifts, delegating tasks and providing coaching and feedback for their development.
• Assist with inventory management, ordering supplies, and ensuring adherence to proper food safety and sanitation practices.
• Shadow restaurant managers and team members to gain a deeper understanding of day-to-day operations and propose 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 standing 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).
• Possess strong leadership skills, including the ability to motivate and manage a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrate excellent communication skills and the ability to provide clear direction and feedback to team members.
• Be proactive and a 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 often 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 involve 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 measuring 36 inches to serve customers. Kitchens are typically hot with high noise levels; 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 dynamic environments with changing priorities, and manage conflicts/difficult situations.

About Panda Restaurant Group

Founded in Glendale, California in 1983, Panda Restaurant Group is the largest family-owned American Chinese Restaurant concept in America, with close to 2,300 locations globally. The company’s mission is to deliver exceptional Asian dining experiences by building an organization where people are inspired to better their lives. Panda is proud to be an organization that embraces family values, impacting both its team and the communities it serves.

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. 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 (e.g., 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.