Restaurant Operations Intern

Job Description

This document outlines a detailed job description for a non-remote internship position at Panda Restaurant Group. This internship offers a hands-on experience in restaurant operations, focusing on various aspects of the business including operations, training, quality assurance, food safety, and culinary development.

Panda Restaurant Group: Restaurant Operations Intern

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 nearly 2,300 locations globally, the company is dedicated to delivering exceptional Asian dining experiences and fostering an environment 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 supportive culture rooted in people-first and purpose-driven values, alongside competitive total rewards and significant growth opportunities.

Position Type

Non-Remote Internship – This internship takes place inside our restaurants.

Job Summary

Panda Restaurant Group is seeking a motivated and dynamic intern to join its team. This is an exciting opportunity to gain practical experience in restaurant operations, learning from industry professionals in a fast-paced environment. The intern will support various initiatives within the restaurant operations team and gain exposure to a wide range of functions, including operations, training, quality assurance, food safety, and culinary development.

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 feedback to support their growth.
• Assist with inventory management, ordering supplies, and ensuring compliance with food safety and sanitation practices.
• Shadow restaurant managers and team members to develop a deep 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

• Education: Currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in hospitality, business administration, or a related field; sophomore and junior standing 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 (approximately June-August 2025).
  • Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including weekends and holidays.
• Skills:
  • Strong leadership skills, with the ability to motivate and manage a team in a fast-paced environment.
  • Excellent communication skills, capable of providing clear direction and constructive feedback to team members.
  • Proactive and self-starter with the ability to thrive in a team environment.
  • Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and dynamic setting.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in the hospitality industry.
• Experience in student organization leadership.
• Prior restaurant working hours and a Food Safety card.

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 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).

Application Process

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.

ADA Statement – Physical Demands and Working Conditions

While performing the duties of this job, employees will frequently encounter hot counter areas with steam from steam tables and food vapors. The workspace is restricted, and employees are generally expected to remain standing for long periods. Employees must be able to prepare hot and cold foods, use a Chinese cook knife and other kitchen equipment, and work quickly without sacrificing accuracy. The role requires the ability to lift up to 50 lbs., stand for up to four hours, and reach across countertops (measured at 36 inches) to serve customers. Kitchen environments 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 a dynamic environment with changing priorities, and manage conflicts/difficult situations.

Diversity & Inclusion

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.