Panda Restaurant Group

Employees say:

"Associates are often given the opportunity to grow both in their professional and personal life. Regardless of age or situation, if the willingness to work and do better is a mindset that is embodied, you are given the trust and space to grow, even if that means making mistakes to better your learning experience."

Employees say:

"We have phenomenal leaders that emphasize the importance of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging. We have an amazing committee that puts together panels so we can learn about the many differences of ethnicities, gender, sexuality, and backgrounds. I've always learned so much from the panelists, and it creates such a welcoming space for all our associates; I appreciate that our leaders are making this a priority.

It seems like everyone knows Panda Express, the family-owned fast-casual restaurant that operates over 2,500 restaurants across the country—especially for its signature dish, orange chicken, with 67.9 million pounds served since 2014.  

With over 50,000 employees, the restaurant group focuses on competitive wages. It has increased its hourly wages for employees by 30% since 2020, and workers now earn more than $18 in average hourly wages. Last year, 65% of managers made over $90,000 in total cash compensation and the highest bonus paid was over $180,000. 

It also offers its employees access to initiatives in education, women’s empowerment, diversity, and safety for children navigating illnesses. Through the group’s Learning Benefit initiative, employees can receive up to $525 for books, courses, and class materials. The company has also helped establish safe haven spaces in hospitals for kids and families dealing with medical care and treatments. In 2022, Panda Cares donated $22.7 million, supported 131 children’s hospitals, helped 7.5 million patients, and opened 11 new Centers of Hope.

• Panda’s benefits team offers monthly wellness-related webinars that address the physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, and financial health of employees, who also have access to apps with live and on-demand classes to help practice mindfulness, relieve stress, and incorporate movement into their daily routines.


• Each department within Panda has a culture committee that publishes newsletters and coordinates monthly or quarterly events rooted in celebration and acknowledgements, while helping employees build their functional and leadership skills.


• Over the past year, Panda’s DEI Council expanded to include a “Courageous Conversations” series featuring experts who host workshops and discuss DEI issues.


• Eligible associates pursuing education goals can receive up to $525 in annual assistance for approved courses, books, and audio as part of Panda’s learning benefit.