Restaurant Operations Intern

Job Description

Restaurant Operations Intern

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

Panda Restaurant Group is excited to offer a dynamic internship opportunity for a motivated individual to join our team. This program provides invaluable hands-on experience in the fast-paced world of restaurant operations, allowing interns to learn directly from industry professionals.

As an intern, you will play a crucial role in supporting various initiatives within our restaurant operations team. You will gain broad exposure to key functions including, but not limited to, operations, training, quality assurance, food safety, and culinary development. At Panda, we believe in fostering growth from day one, offering opportunities that inspire better lives and propel careers forward. We are proud to be recognized as one of the best places to work in the fast-casual restaurant industry, providing a stellar total rewards package, unparalleled earning and growth potential, and a workplace rooted in a people-first, purpose-driven culture that fosters a strong sense of belonging.

Key Responsibilities

• Support daily store operations, ensuring food is prepared with passion, service is delivered with heart, and the restaurant ambiance is maintained with pride.
• Manage and lead a team of associates during shifts, delegating tasks effectively, and providing constructive coaching and feedback to support their professional growth and development.
• Assist with essential inventory management tasks, including ordering supplies and ensuring strict adherence to all food safety and sanitation practices.
• Shadow restaurant managers and team members to gain a comprehensive understanding of day-to-day operations and contribute recommendations for process improvements.
• Successfully complete all assigned learning modules and training programs.
• Perform other duties as assigned to provide comprehensive support to the restaurant operations team.

Program Requirements

Required Qualifications

• 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 entire duration of the internship (approximately June-August 2025).
• Must be available to work 30-40 hours per week for the internship duration (approximately June-August 2025).
• Demonstrated 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.
• A proactive and self-starter mindset, coupled with the ability to collaborate effectively within a team environment.
• Ability to thrive and adapt in a fast-paced and dynamic work setting.
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including weekends and holidays.

Preferred Qualifications

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

Benefits

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

Compensation

• 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 comprehensive benefits package.
• Interns may receive college credit, dependent on their college/university requirements.

To Apply

Please submit a resume. 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 duties in our restaurants, employees frequently work in counter areas that are hot with steam from steam tables and food vapors. Workspace is often restricted, and employees are generally expected to remain standing for long periods. Employees are required to prepare hot and cold foods, utilize a Chinese cook knife and other kitchen equipment, and work quickly without compromising 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. Kitchen environments are typically hot, and noise levels are usually high; storage space is limited, and shelving can be high. Essential abilities include working in a fast-paced environment, possessing effective verbal communication skills, adapting to dynamic environments with changing priorities, and managing conflicts or difficult situations.

Panda Strong Since 1983

Founded in Glendale, California, 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 remain dedicated to our mission of delivering exceptional Asian dining experiences by building an organization where people are inspired to better their lives. Whether through impacting our team members or the communities we serve, we are proud to be an organization that deeply embraces family values.

You’re Wanted Here

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.