Panda Restaurant Group

Employees say:

"Everyone is so open and kind to one another, mistakes are easily forgiven and not held over anyone's heads. I always feel supported and valued here, and that is truly a rare experience. We laugh, cry, celebrate and mourn together and are always finding ways to help and support one another both at work and outside of work."

Employees say: "I trust my managers and appreciate their honesty and transparency. They have our back and really care about us as individuals."

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.