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 internship opportunity for motivated and dynamic individuals to gain hands-on experience in restaurant operations. This role allows interns to learn directly from industry professionals in a fast-paced and engaging environment, supporting various initiatives within the restaurant operations team.

At Panda, growth is a core value, emphasized from day one through opportunities that enhance personal and professional lives. Panda is recognized as one of the best places to work in the fast-casual restaurant industry, fostering a people-first, purpose-driven culture that provides a strong sense of belonging, competitive total rewards, and significant earning and growth potential.

Responsibilities

• Support daily store operations, ensuring high standards for food preparation, customer service, and restaurant ambiance.
• Manage and lead a team of associates during shifts, including delegating tasks, coaching, and providing feedback for their development.
• Assist with inventory management, supply ordering, and strict adherence to food safety and sanitation practices.
• Shadow restaurant managers and team members to develop a comprehensive understanding of day-to-day operations and propose process improvements.
• Successfully complete all assigned modules and training.
• Undertake other duties as assigned to support the overall restaurant operations team.

Program Requirements

• Currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in hospitality, business administration, or a related field; sophomore and junior standing preferred.
• Availability to work the full duration of the internship (approximately June-August 2025).
• Availability to work 30-40 hours per week for the internship duration (approximately June-August 2025).
• Demonstrated strong leadership skills, particularly the ability to motivate and manage a team in a fast-paced setting.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to provide clear direction and constructive feedback to team members.
• Proactive and self-starting individual who can also thrive in a team environment.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and dynamic work environment.
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including weekends and holidays.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in the hospitality industry.
• Leadership experience in student organizations.
• Previous restaurant working hours and a Food Safety card.

Benefits

• Paid internship at a competitive rate.
• Direct, hands-on experience in restaurant operations with exposure to various functions across Panda Restaurant Group.
• Mentorship and guidance from seasoned industry professionals.
• Networking opportunities with fellow interns and industry leaders.
• Sick time.
• Potential for a full-time return offer upon successful completion of the internship.

Compensation

• Paid internship, with compensation commensurate with experience and relevance to position requirements.
• Upon successful completion, some participants may be offered full-time employment, which includes a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Opportunity to receive college credit (contingent on individual 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 Requirements (ADA Statement)

While performing duties, employees frequently encounter hot counter areas with steam from steam tables and food vapors. The workspace is restricted, requiring employees to generally remain standing for extended periods. Responsibilities include preparing hot and cold foods, using a Chinese cook knife and other kitchen equipment, and working quickly and accurately. Employees must be able to lift up to 50 lbs., stand for up to four hours, and reach across counter tops measuring 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 dynamic environments with changing priorities, and manage conflicts or difficult situations effectively.

Panda Strong Since 1983

Founded in Glendale, California, Panda Restaurant Group is the largest family-owned American Chinese Restaurant concept in America, with nearly 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. We are proud to be an organization that embraces family values, positively impacting both our team and the communities we serve.

You’re Wanted Here

Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal opportunity. We do 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 (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.