‘Consistency is key’: Panda Restaurant Group named No. 3 in Top Workplaces large category

One of Panda Restaurant Group’s eateries may just be the place to be to kickstart one’s career.

Working at Panda Express helped Juan Mejia become area coach of operations for the company, which owns more than two dozen Panda Express locations in the state.

Because of its commitment to employees, Panda Restaurant Group has been named the third-best large company to work for in the 2025 iteration of Top Workplaces. The company has been named a top workplace more than half a dozen times — consecutively — and employs nearly 600 workers across its operations in New Mexico.

One employee said, “Panda is more about people than the profit.” Another said working at Panda “gives me (a) sense of purpose and allows me to engage in vast opportunities to further advance in my career.”

The following is an excerpt from an interview with Mejia. It has been edited and condensed for clarity.

What makes Panda Restaurant Group a great company to work for?

It all depends on how you see it, but one of the things I really love about Panda is the culture and the people focus. In my own experience, I’ve been in the company for 10 years now. I have had such an amazing journey. Overall, like the opportunity of growth and the resources that the company provides for people to have a better life.

What’s unique about Panda Restaurant Group?

I think what’s unique about the company is that we stay well-connected with our communities. One of the things we love about New Mexico is the diverse, vibrant culture. And we definitely appreciate the customers, and also the business that comes from them. For us, building relationships, supporting local events and charities, and listening to feedback from customers are important to us.

How does the culture of Panda Restaurant Group keep it competitive in the fast food industry?

I think (at) Panda, we learn that consistency is key, whether we’re busy or slow. And, investing in our people. Many of our leaders here at Panda started off as associates, which shows building a strong bench and talent and (helps) sustain our business. In addition to that, retaining associates starts with creating a culture where people feel valued and see a future. At Panda, we see developing others as our responsibility. With that said, we offer extensive training programs at every level, which include teaching operations, developing leadership skills. Associates are recognized regularly through awards and celebrations.