Restaurant Operations Summer Internship

Title: Restaurant Operations Intern

Location: Varied 

Duration: 12 weeks, Summer Internship

Job Description

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

Panda Restaurant Group is seeking a motivated and dynamic intern to join our team. This is an exciting opportunity to gain hands-on experience in restaurant operations and learn from industry professionals in a fast-paced and dynamic environment. The intern will be responsible for supporting various initiatives within the restaurant operations team and will gain exposure to a variety of functions including but not limited to operations, training, quality assurance, food safety and culinary development.

Here at Panda, growth begins on day one. From opportunities that help you live your best life to growth opportunities that propel you forward, we’re all about inspiring better lives. A happy team is a high-performing team. Panda is honored to be the only fast casual restaurant brand awarded as one of the best places to work. Alongside the stellar total rewards package and unparalleled earning and growth potential, our workplace offers a greater sense of belonging, rooted in a people-first and purpose-driven culture. 

Responsibilities:

• Support store operations during the shift, 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 the shift, 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 followed.
• Shadow restaurant managers and team members to gain a deeper understanding of day-to-day operations and provide recommendations for process improvements.
• Successfully complete the assigned modules.
• Other duties as assigned to support the restaurant operations team.

Program Requirements: 

• Currently pursuing a bachelor's, in hospitality, business administration, or a related field; sophomore and junior preferred.
• Must be available to work duration of internship (approx. June-August 2025)
• Must be available to work 30-40 hours/week, for internship duration (approx. June-August 2025)
• Strong leadership skills, including the ability to motivate and manage a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to provide clear direction and feedback to team members.
• Proactive and self-starter with ability to work in a team environment.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule including weekends and holidays.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience in the hospitality industry is a plus.
• Student Org Leadership experience is a plus.
• Prior restaurant working hours and Food Safety card 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 industry professionals
• Networking opportunities with other interns and industry leaders
• Potential return offer
• *(Varied by school/programs) The hours will count towards Industry Working Hours (800 U.S. domestic) that’s required for graduation

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 competitive salary and benefits package
• Receive college credit (dependent on college/university requirements)

Pay Rates:

• California-$18-26
• Colorado-$17-23
• Connecticut-$19-22
• Hawaii-$18-23
• Illinois-$17.5-21
• Maryland-$18-22
• Massachusetts-$19-24
• Minnesota-$18-23
• Nevada-$18-22
• New Jersey-$18.5-21.5
• New York-$20-23
• Rhode Island-$18-21
• Washington-$18-24.75

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, counter areas are often hot with steam from steam table and food vapors. Workspace is restricted and employees are generally expected to remain standing for long periods of time. Employees must prepare hot and cold foods, use Chinese cook knife and other kitchen equipment and work quickly without losing accuracy. Employees must be able to lift up to 50 lbs., stand up to four hours and reach across counter tops measured at 36 inches to serve customers. Kitchens are hot and noise levels are usually high; storage space is limited and shelving is high. Employees must be able to work in a fast-paced work environment, have effective verbal communication skills, ability to adapt to a dynamic environment with changing priorities, and the ability to manage conflicts/difficult situations.

Panda Strong since 1983:

Founded in Glendale, California, we are now the largest family-owned American Chinese Restaurant concept in America. With close to 2,300 locations globally, we continue our mission of delivering exceptional Asian dining experiences by building an organization where people are inspired to better their lives. Whether it’s impacting our team or the communities we work in, we’re proud to be an organization that embraces family values.

You’re wanted here:

We value diversity in all forms and know the strength it brings. Workplace equality allows for creative ideas to bloom, diverse points of view to be heard, and improves overall happiness. We like the sound of that.

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 accommodations.  If there is a reason you believe you require an accommodation, please reach out to our accommodation team vie email at PandaLOA@PandaRG.com.