Reposted over 30 days ago

Service Team (P1-1374884-3)

Panda Express
Pay $18.00-21.00 per hour
Location 1509 Wadsworth Blvd., Lakewood, United States
Contract time Full time

The Breakroom Take

6.8

Rated 6.8 out of 10, based on 351 employees who took the Breakroom Quiz

See all job reviews

  • Free food
  • Recommended by students
  • Respectful managers
  • Learn new skills
  • Uninterrupted breaks

About Panda Express

Panda Express is a fast food restaurant chain.

Job description from Panda Express

Join us as a Service Team Associate

We're looking for friendly team players to create a warm environment for our guests and provide great service for our guests. Thrive in a safe and supportive work environment with team members who become friends. There's always something new to learn, do, and accomplish. If you don't have experience, we'll train you! You'll get opportunities to gain skills that help you rise in your career, no matter where you go. We're all about giving back, so you'll also get the chance to impact your community through our Panda Cares initiative. Let's work together.

As an Associate, you will be required to uphold a high standard of integrity and ethics in order to comply with all Company Policies. Additionally, we require our Associates to maintain a safe and welcoming environment for Guests and Associates alike, in an open-kitchen environment where you regularly encounter and interact with individuals of all ages, including minors and seniors.

The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records in accordance with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act. Applicants can review information about the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers at the following link: https://dcba.lacounty.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/FCOE-Official-Notice-Eng-Final-8.30.2024.pdf .

Essential Functions for Service Team Associates:
  • Provides exceptional dining experience to Guests - Greeting Guests, Serving food and handling payments at cash register
  • Maintains the cleanliness and appearance of the store
  • Follows Operations Standards and Safety Procedure to serve fresh and quality food
  • Works efficiently in fast paced kitchen environment, and may work at different positions - Front counter, Drive Through or Kitchen
  • Work effectively with team members to meet daily goals in a fun, positive environment.


How we reward you:**

  • Flexible schedules
  • Great pay
  • Free meals while working at Panda
  • Medical, Vision, Dental, Voluntary Short-Term Disability, Cancer Income Protection insurance for full-time associates
  • Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending accounts
  • 401K with company match
  • Vacation, sick leave, bereavement/funeral leave and Leave Share Program for eligible associates
  • Associate discounts for many brands
  • Referral bonus for eligible associates
  • Opportunity to give back to your community
  • Hands-on paid training to prepare you for success
  • On-Going Career & Leadership Development
  • Opportunities for growth into management positions
  • Pre-Tax Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
  • Please refer to https://www.pandacareers.com/files/PRG_HR_Recruiting_Benefits.pdf for details.


**Candidates must meet, and continue to meet if employed, eligibility requirements for each benefit to qualify.

Qualification:
  • Friendly and helpful team members
  • Operations experience is a plus
  • Some high school
  • Food Handler certification may be required depending on local requirements, acquired at your expense


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.

Pay Range: $18 per hour - $21 per hour

*Within the range, individual pay is determined using various factors, including work location and experience.

Map

1509 Wadsworth Blvd., Lakewood, United States

A map of the rough location for this vacancy

What employees say

Pay

    Needs improving
  • Most people don’t get paid breaks

    Do counter servers at Panda Express get paid breaks?

    No. Most people don’t get paid breaks.

    How we know this

    92% of people say they don’t get paid breaks.

    Based on data from 12 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and May 2025.

    Why this matters

    Good jobs pay you for your break time.

    You should get paid for all the time you’re at work, even when you’re on break.

  • Okay
  • Only some people get paid sick leave

    Does Panda Express give counter servers paid sick leave?

    Sometimes. Only some people get paid leave when they’re sick.

    How we know this

    67% of people say they wouldn’t get paid if they were sick but scheduled to work.

    Based on data from 12 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and May 2025.

    Why this matters

    Most US companies don’t have to pay you when you’re sick - only some states require it.

    But we believe a good job should pay you when you can’t work because you’re sick. Everyone gets sick sometimes.

  • Good
  • Most people don’t do unpaid extra work

    Do counter servers at Panda Express do extra work that they don't get paid for?

    Rarely. Most people don’t do unpaid extra work.

    How we know this

    100% of people report that they don’t do extra unpaid work.

    Based on data from 11 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and May 2025.

    Why this matters

    You should be paid for all the work you do.

    A good job pays you for every minute you spend working for your employer.

Hours and flexibility

    Needs improving
  • Less than 4 weeks notice of work schedule

    How far ahead of time do counter servers find out their work schedule?

    Most people find out their schedule less than four weeks ahead of time.

    How we know this

    • 67% of people with changing schedules find out their shifts one week or less ahead of time.
    • 8% of people with changing schedules find out their shifts two weeks ahead of time.
    • 25% of people with changing schedules find out their shifts three weeks ahead of time.
    • 0% of people with changing schedules find out their shifts four weeks or more ahead of time.

    Based on data from 12 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and May 2025.

    Why this matters

    We believe your workplace should tell you your schedule at least 4 weeks ahead of time.

    You need to know when you’ll be working so you can plan your life and know how much money you’ll earn.

  • Okay
  • Some people worry about their hours

    Do counter servers at Panda Express worry about hours?

    Some people worry about getting enough hours.

    How we know this

    42% of people report they worry about getting enough hours.

    Based on data from 12 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and May 2025.

    Why this matters

    A good employer should give you the hours you need each week.

    You shouldn’t have to struggle or beg for work time.

  • Okay
  • Only some people can choose their shifts

    Do counter servers at Panda Express get to choose the shifts they work?

    Some people don’t get to choose which shifts they work.

    How we know this

    36% report that they don’t have enough control over which shifts they work.

    Based on data from 11 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and May 2025.

    Why this matters

    A good job is flexible around your personal life. This means you get a say in when you prefer to work.

  • Okay
  • Can be hard to change shifts

    How easy is it for counter servers at Panda Express to change shifts?

    Some people find it hard to change shifts.

    How we know this

    60% of people report that it’s hard to change shifts if they need to.

    Based on data from 10 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and May 2025.

    Why this matters

    A good job works with your personal life.

    It should be easy to change your schedule when you need to - both for emergencies and when you’re planning ahead.

  • Good
  • Schedules don’t get changed at the last minute

    Do Panda Express managers change counter servers schedules at the last minute?

    Most managers don’t change people’s schedules at the last minute.

    How we know this

    73% of people say their manager doesn’t change their shift schedule at the last minute.

    Based on data from 11 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and May 2025.

    Why this matters

    If your bosses keep changing your schedule at the last minute, that shows they aren’t planning well.

    Good jobs don’t switch your hours around without warning.

  • Needs improving
  • Most people find it hard to take sick leave

    How easy is it for counter servers to take sick leave at Panda Express?

    Most people find it hard to take sick leave.

    How we know this

    70% of people report that it’s hard to take time off if they are sick.

    Based on data from 10 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and May 2025.

    Why this matters

    Everyone gets sick sometimes.

    You should be able to stay home when you need to get better.

    A good job should make it easy to take sick time and have clear steps for letting them know you’re sick.

Workplace

    Good
  • Most people get breaks without interruption

    Do counter servers at Panda Express get to take their breaks without interruption?

    Most people get breaks without interruption.

    How we know this

    67% of people report that they get to take their breaks without interruption.

    Based on data from 12 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and May 2025.

    Why this matters

    When you take a break it should be a proper rest. You should be able to do what you want to and not get pulled off it early.

  • Needs improving
  • Most people are stressed out

    Is it stressful for counter servers to work at Panda Express?

    Most people feel stressed out here.

    How we know this

    75% of people say they often feel stressed out at work.

    Based on data from 12 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and May 2025.

    Why this matters

    Work can be hard sometimes, but you shouldn’t feel stressed all the time.

    Your boss should make sure there are enough people and resources to get the work done without feeling overwhelmed.

  • Okay
  • Only some people enjoy their job

    Do counter servers at Panda Express enjoy their jobs?

    Only some people enjoy their job.

    How we know this

    45% of people report they don’t enjoy their job.

    Based on data from 11 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and May 2025.

  • Okay
  • Only some people recommend their team

    Do counter servers at Panda Express recommend working with their team?

    Only some people recommend working with their team.

    How we know this

    50% of people report that they wouldn’t recommend working with their immediate team to a friend.

    Based on data from 12 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and May 2025.

    Why this matters

    The people you work with every day are important. They can make the difference between a bad day and a good one.

  • Okay
  • Only some people get enough training

    Do counter servers get enough training when they start at Panda Express?

    Some people didn’t get enough training when they started.

    How we know this

    42% of people report they didn’t get enough training when they started working here.

    Based on data from 12 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and May 2025.

    Why this matters

    A good job should train you well from your first day, not just throw you into the deep end.

    Nobody can do their job well without proper training at the start.

  • Good
  • Most people get support to advance

    Do counter servers get support to advance at Panda Express?

    Most people are given support to advance their career here.

    How we know this

    In the last year, 67% of people report being given support to advance their career here.

    Based on data from 12 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and May 2025.

    Why this matters

    A good job should help you grow, if you want to.

    This could mean getting better at your current job, learning new things, becoming a team leader, or taking on more duties.

    This helps you build skills and earn more money.

  • Needs improving
  • Headquarters doesn't understand what's happening

    Do counter servers think Panda Express’s headquarters understands what’s happening where they work?

    Most people think headquarters doesn’t understand what’s happening where they work.

    How we know this

    75% of people think that this employer’s headquarters or owners don’t have a good understanding of what’s really happening where they work.

    Based on data from 12 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and May 2025.

    Why this matters

    In a good job, the people running the organisation should support the workers who do the hands-on work.

    To do this well, they need to know what’s really happening at each location.

    This is extra important when an organisation has many different sites.

  • Okay
  • Only some people feel well informed by headquarters

    Do counter servers feel well informed about how Panda Express is doing?

    Only some people feel well informed about how the company is doing.

    How we know this

    64% of people feel that they aren’t kept well informed about how the company is doing as a whole.

    Based on data from 11 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and May 2025.

    Why this matters

    A good employer shares news with all its workers.

    You should know how your employer is doing - both the good news and the problems.

    Managers should keep you updated about what’s happening.

Find out more about working at Panda Express

What Panda Express employees say about their job

  • Best thing

    That it isn’t hard to talk with your team and we work together fine

    Worst thing

    That sometimes people don’t do their part of the work and we sometimes struggle during rush hour or when we clean

    7.5

    Employee at Panda Express, May 2025

  • Best thing

    The job pay seems pretty good for my age and as a student

    Worst thing

    The higher up create a toxic environment by creating fear for associates to ask questions without turning it against you. Panda does not respect when you’re off. they expect to tend to the store on your off days and conduct meetings that always over extend.

    8.1

    Assistant manager at Panda Express, May 2025

See more reviews
  • Best thing

    The people I work with, for the most part, are really nice and are cool to be around. The work itself isn't all too hard and as long as we have enough people, the day goes well.

    Worst thing

    We are understaffed a lot and many times the management blames us for being too slow or inefficient while running the front. We get knitpicked a lot for things that aren't important compared to other things. Sometimes our hours are cut because labor is too high but when labor is fine, we are understaffed. The management only really strives for bonuses and not the well being of the employees.

    5.7

    Counter help at Panda Express, April 2025

  • Best thing

    Getting to go home

    Worst thing

    Managers skimping on hours, random schedule that’s all over the place, extremely stressful and disorganized at times

    6.6

    Front of house team member at Panda Express, April 2025

  • Best thing

    Pay is good and a lot of customers service

    Worst thing

    Lunch Rush and customers with attitude

    7.7

    FOH at Panda Express, March 2025

  • Best thing

    The benefits and the flexibility of being able to ask for preferred shifts.

    Worst thing

    Management, work overload + environment, physically + mentally demanding and strenuous, understaffed for limited labor, and competitive promotions among team members.

    7.6

    Front of house at Panda Express, March 2025

  • Best thing

    The people I work with some of the coworkers

    Worst thing

    The managers the schedule and how busy it gets

    7.0

    Front of house team member at Panda Express, February 2025

  • Best thing

    We get free meals if while we are working our shift.

    Worst thing

    I recently got cut down on hours and it has been hard to get more hours. The space for us to work is so cramped and it gets very humid. When it's busy I feel that we don't have enough staff to compensate for the amount of customers so I get overwhelmed and am not able to perform my best.

    7.1

    cashier at Panda Express, January 2025

  • Best thing

    Competitive pay in the fast food industry

    Worst thing

    Staying late to clean and meal time rushes.

    7.6

    Cook at Panda Express, January 2025

  • Best thing

    pay and me being used to the place

    Worst thing

    hours. and being able to things during the day because shift usually lands from 12 pm to 10 pm

    7.9

    Cook at Panda Express, January 2025

  • More reviews from Panda Express employees

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