Restaurant Operations Intern

Job Description

Restaurant Operations Intern (Non-Remote)

Panda Restaurant Group is seeking a highly motivated and dynamic individual to join our team as a Restaurant Operations Intern. This is a unique and exciting opportunity to gain hands-on experience in restaurant operations, learning directly from industry professionals in a fast-paced and dynamic environment. This internship is an in-person position, taking place inside our restaurants, and is not remote.

As an intern, you will play a crucial role in supporting various initiatives within the restaurant operations team, gaining exposure to a wide range of functions including, but not limited to: operations, training, quality assurance, food safety, and culinary development.

At Panda, we believe growth begins on day one. We offer opportunities that support both your personal and professional development, inspiring better lives for our team members. We are proud to be recognized as one of the best places to work in the fast-casual restaurant industry, offering a supportive workplace rooted in a people-first, purpose-driven culture, alongside a stellar total rewards package and unparalleled earning and growth potential.

Key Responsibilities

• Support store operations during shifts, ensuring food is prepared with passion, service is provided with heart, and the ambiance is maintained with pride.
• Manage and lead a team of associates during shifts, delegating tasks, and providing coaching and feedback to support their growth and development.
• Assist with inventory management, ordering supplies, and ensuring proper food safety and sanitation practices are consistently followed.
• Shadow restaurant managers and team members to gain a deeper understanding of day-to-day operations and contribute recommendations for process improvements.
• Successfully complete all assigned modules and training programs.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the broader 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 per week for the internship duration.
• Demonstrated strong leadership skills, including the ability to motivate and manage a team effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to provide clear direction and constructive feedback to team members.
• Proactive and self-starting individual with the ability to collaborate effectively in a team environment.
• Ability to thrive 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 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 experienced industry professionals.
• Networking opportunities with other interns and industry leaders.
• Sick time accrual.
• Potential for a return offer upon successful completion of the internship.

Compensation & Potential for Full-time

• This is a paid internship, with compensation 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.
• Receive college credit (dependent on your college/university requirements).

To Apply

To apply for this exciting opportunity, please submit your resume. Only applicants who are authorized to work in the United States will be considered. Panda Restaurant Group is an equal opportunity employer.

About Panda Restaurant Group

Founded in Glendale, California, in 1983, Panda Restaurant Group has grown to become the largest family-owned American Chinese Restaurant concept in America. With close to 2,300 locations globally, our mission is to deliver exceptional Asian dining experiences by building an organization where people are inspired to better their lives. Whether it’s impacting our team members or the communities we work in, we are proud to be an organization that embraces strong family values.

ADA Statement & Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this job, employees will frequently work in counter areas that are hot with steam from steam tables and food vapors. The workspace is restricted, and employees are generally expected to remain standing for long periods of time. Employees must be able to prepare hot and cold foods, utilize a Chinese cook knife and other kitchen equipment, and work quickly without sacrificing accuracy.

Key physical demands include:

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to stand for up to four hours consecutively.
• Ability to reach across countertops measuring 36 inches to serve customers.
• Working in kitchens that are typically hot with high noise levels and limited storage space with high shelving.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced work environment.
• Effective verbal communication skills.
• Ability to adapt to a dynamic environment with changing priorities.
• Ability to manage conflicts and difficult situations effectively.

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.