Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Hayato Nishiyama

Washington

Summary

Experienced professional with expertise in launching new store kitchens for Panda Express. Skilled in enforcing company policies and operational procedures, training and mentoring kitchen associates, and ensuring consistent food quality and safety standards. Proven ability to lead teams through successful grand openings by fostering a culture of compliance, efficiency, and excellence

Overview

7
7
years of professional experience

Work History

NSO Chef

Panda Express
03.2025 - Current
  • Train associates on the K1 and K2 modules.
  • Provides training and operational support with the NSO and ops teams during new store openings.
  • Conducts needs assessments to identify training needs for the stores.
  • Serves as a role model by upholding company policies and training standards.

Chef

Panda Express
10.2023 - 03.2025
  • Lead back of the house operations ensuring compliance with food safety standards, recipe execution, and efficient kitchen workflow.
  • supervise and train team members in cooking procedures, food prep, and safety practices; support ongoing development and succession planning.
  • support front of the house operations as needed to maintain smooth restaurant performance and outstanding guest experiences.
  • Assist General Manager in achieving store financial targets through effective inventory control, labor management, and cost reduction strategies.
  • Execute all GM responsibilities in their absence, including scheduling, staff management, disciplinary action, and administrative duties.

Cook

Panda Express
11.2018 - 09.2023
  • Prepare all dishes, ensuring they meet company standard's for taste and appearance.
  • Maintain a clean and safe kitchen, follow proper procedures for handling equipment, and assist the GM/AM/Chef with scheduling and other operational duties as needed.
  • Cultivate and live Panda's mission, culture, and values. Participate in creating an empowering environment for the team and providing guidance to kitchen help associates.
  • May assist the General manager with administrative tasks such as ordering food items.

Education

Exercise Science

Illinois State University
Normal, IL
05-2023

Skills

NSO Chef (opening 4 stores)

Top 50 KPI

Timeline

NSO Chef

Panda Express
03.2025 - Current

Chef

Panda Express
10.2023 - 03.2025

Cook

Panda Express
11.2018 - 09.2023

Exercise Science

Illinois State University
Hayato Nishiyama