Restaurant Operations Intern

Job Description

Restaurant Operations Intern (Panda Restaurant Group)

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

Panda Restaurant Group is actively seeking a highly motivated and dynamic intern to join our restaurant operations team. This invaluable internship offers a significant opportunity to acquire hands-on experience in the intricate world of restaurant operations, learning directly from seasoned industry professionals within a fast-paced and vibrant environment. The chosen intern will be instrumental in supporting various initiatives across the restaurant operations team, gaining comprehensive exposure to a diverse array of functions including, but not limited to, daily operations, training protocols, quality assurance, food safety standards, and culinary development.

At Panda, we believe growth starts from day one. We are committed to inspiring better lives through opportunities that foster personal well-being and professional advancement. A happy team is the cornerstone of high performance, and Panda is proud to be the only fast-casual restaurant brand recognized as one of the best places to work. Beyond our stellar total rewards package and unparalleled potential for earning and growth, our workplace cultivates a profound sense of belonging, deeply rooted in a people-first, purpose-driven culture.

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 assigned shifts, effectively delegating tasks and providing constructive coaching and feedback to support their continuous growth and development.
• Assist with critical inventory management tasks, including ordering supplies and rigorously ensuring that proper food safety and sanitation practices are consistently followed.
• Shadow restaurant managers and team members to gain a profound understanding of day-to-day operations and contribute valuable recommendations for process improvements.
• Successfully complete all assigned learning modules and training programs.
• Perform other duties as assigned to effectively support the broader restaurant operations team.

Program Requirements

• Currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in hospitality, business administration, or a closely related field; sophomore and junior standing preferred.
• Must be available to work for the full duration of the internship (approximately June-August 2025).
• Must be available to work 30-40 hours per week for the entire internship duration (approximately June-August 2025).
• Possess strong leadership skills, including the proven ability to motivate and effectively manage a team in a demanding, fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrate excellent communication skills and the ability to provide clear direction and constructive feedback to team members.
• Be proactive and a self-starter with a strong ability to collaborate effectively within a team environment.
• Ability to thrive and perform efficiently in a fast-paced and dynamic work setting.
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule, which may include weekends and holidays.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience within the hospitality industry is a significant plus.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in student organizations is a plus.
• Prior restaurant working hours and possession of a Food Safety card are preferred.

Benefits

• Paid internship at a competitive rate.
• Invaluable hands-on experience in restaurant operations and broad exposure to various functions within Panda Restaurant Group.
• Mentorship and expert guidance from seasoned industry professionals.
• Extensive networking opportunities with fellow interns and industry leaders.
• Sick time.
• Potential for a return offer upon successful completion of the program.

Compensation

• Paid internship commensurate with experience directly 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 comprehensive benefits package.
• Opportunity to receive college credit (dependent on individual college/university requirements).

To Apply

Please submit a resume for consideration. Only applicants who are authorized to work in the United States will be considered. Panda Restaurant Group is an equal opportunity employer.

ADA Statement

While performing the duties of this job, employees in counter areas frequently experience hot conditions with steam from steam tables and food vapors. Workspace is often restricted, and employees are generally expected to remain standing for long periods. Employees must be capable of preparing both hot and cold foods, safely using a Chinese cook knife and other various kitchen equipment, and working quickly without compromising accuracy. Employees must be able to lift up to 50 lbs., stand for up to four hours, and reach across countertops measured at 36 inches to efficiently serve customers. Kitchen environments are typically hot, and noise levels are usually high; storage space is often limited, and shelving can be high. Employees must be able to work effectively in a fast-paced work environment, possess strong effective verbal communication skills, demonstrate the ability to adapt to a dynamic environment with frequently changing priorities, and exhibit the ability to manage conflicts and difficult situations professionally.

Panda Strong Since 1983

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, we steadfastly continue our mission of delivering exceptional Asian dining experiences by building an organization where people are inspired to better their lives. Whether it’s positively impacting our dedicated team or the vibrant communities in which we operate, we are immensely proud to be an organization that deeply embraces and lives by family values.

You’re Wanted Here

Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is resolutely 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. fully 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.