Customers at Panda Express expressed concerns in a viral TikTok showing an employee allegedly running the crowded restaurant by himself.
The TikTok, which was uploaded by @tejeda.angelina97, received more than 1.5 million views and 1,100 comments in six days, with many commenters criticizing the restaurant’s corporate for not treating employees better. The video can be found here.
“This kid is running this whole store ALONE THIS IS CRAZY,” the caption of the video read.
A recent survey conducted by IT software company Ivanti found that just under a quarter of respondents in America have left their job in the past year and 27 percent are considering leaving.
Richard Levine/Corbis via Getty Image
Dubbed “The Great Resignation,” more than an estimated 4.5 million workers quit their jobs in November 2021, with Business Insider reporting nearly 1 million were restaurant and hotel workers.
In the viral TikTok, @tejeda.angelina97 showed a crowded Panda Express with a line waiting to be helped and a crowd waiting for their food.
“This is so sad panda ya need to give this kid a RAISE,” the on-screen text read.
The lone employee stood behind the counter as he put on a new pair of gloves to make someone’s to-go order.
While restaurant workers face a myriad of issues, many workers blame “The Great Resignation” over low wages, with hourly workers earning $7.25 hourly and hourly workers who receive tips being paid just $2.13 hourly.
TikToker Takeaways
More than 1,100 users commented, many criticizing the chain for making the employee work alone.
“Sadly corporate does not care for their employees..” one user commented.
“When I see this I just leave,” another user commented. “I would rather just go somewhere else and have him have a chill day.”
…I would rather just go somewhere else and have him have a chill day.
TikTok commenter
“This happens a lot in the restaurant business, owners will never understand that. This is the prime reason why I left the restaurant business.”
“Worst part is people that go in to get food get mad at the ONLY employee for taking so long lol.”
Newsweek reached out to Panda Express and @tejeda.angelina97 for comment.
In January, another fast-food employee after they responded to claims that there is a labor shortage.
In another viral TikTok, a fast food restaurant ignited debate after stating they pay employees $20 an hour.
But one fast-food worker wrote in an opinion piece for Newsweek that it is time restaurants pay their employees a living wage, with $15 an hour being the bare minimum.
See more food service industry news, reviews and products at FSX, the Food Service Exchange, the commercial food service industry’s go-to source for purchasing overstock, discontinued, and scratch-and-dent equipment and supplies, and you will be shocked at how good our prices are (an average discount of over 50% of today’s market price).
The FSX online marketplace provides restaurants, caterers, schools and other food service facilities with access to a wide assortment of products. The exchange allows for direct sales between pre-approved sellers and buyers, ensuring a seamless, reliable, and fast timely transaction process. Whether it is a model from a previous year or an item with a slight imperfection, buyers can purchase anything they need from our extensive pool of pre-selected, certified top equipment manufacturers and dealers. With Food Service Exchange, customers can expect premium equipment and supplies, amazing prices, timely shipping, and consistent satisfaction. Find out more information today about FSX Food Service Commercial Kitchen Equipment and Restaurant Supplies at 20 – 50% off market prices, with a minimum 90-day warranty. Plus, 5-star customer service reviews, unmatched 90-day warranty, and always free shipping!
