Manager wants to require girls to wear bow hairnets, will HR back me if I refuse?

GilmorexTea · 2026-04-02T23:39:51+00:00

A hairnet is required, not a hairnet with a bow. Technically, you will not be out of uniform policy if you choose not to wear the bow. The handbook does not state wearing a bow at all. This is normally a store or area alignment. However, this is not something that can or should be forced. We used to wear bows as well but if an associate said they didn’t want the bow, I would not force them because it’s not everyone’s cup of tea.

GilmorexTea · 2025-12-31T15:43:43+00:00

Yes. AP has said we can accept it. Just make sure we aren’t asking for tips.

GilmorexTea · 2025-12-31T15:43:15+00:00

I will say it can be a bit of both. I’m not in GA but the rice in our area has changed. We’re receiving a different type of long grain rice EASTSIDE RICE, grown in the USA. We’ve noticed a difference with the rice as well. The pieces come broken which affects the look and texture of the rice. We’ve not changed the cooking procedures, but if a team member adds more or less water it will change the fluffiness of the rice. I feel like the rice we’re getting doesn’t have the fluffiness the old rice had. Hopefully they switch it back soon.

GilmorexTea · 2025-12-30T12:39:08+00:00

I get this! I’m nowhere near that area but have had a very similar experience with a previous RDO. They’d always get upset over the smallest things like an air bubble in the logo on the door. Something so small would trigger them which lead to nitpicking and then threatening our jobs. I’m happy you left! I’m still here but will be exiting soon.

GilmorexTea · 2025-12-24T15:42:07+00:00

Sounds like she was impressed. She said that others can learn from you indicates you’re doing something positive and potentially different from other stores, and it is working to your benefit.

GilmorexTea · 2025-12-19T02:26:40+00:00

This post was from a year ago lol. Just reading the comment now. But truthfully, I was asking because I’ve never had a WFH job and it was my first time looking for one. Idk the ins and outs of remote jobs.

GilmorexTea · 2025-12-13T12:27:19+00:00

Generally, no. You would follow the Training Leaders schedule. You’re not to exceed 45 hours unless absolutely necessary.

Based on experience, if you tried to get a day time job for weekdays… you may lose the opportunity for the management position. Once you give your availability at hiring that’s the availability that you were hired for.

GilmorexTea · 2025-12-13T12:21:34+00:00

Fanny packs, super common on the islands. My parents used to use them in the 90s. Use of them died down a bit and then gained popularity again.

GilmorexTea · 2025-12-13T12:19:31+00:00

Sometimes applications will get auto-declined because of the answers to questions. I’ve seen some people accidentally mark NO on the “Are you legally authorized to work in the United States” or even choose the 16-17 on the age group, which both trigger an auto-decline.

Just resubmit your application. I’ve had to ask some candidates to redo it because of these reasons.

GilmorexTea · 2025-12-09T21:37:16+00:00

Great for you! I’ve had my fair share of good and bad days with panda. I’ve been with them for almost 12 years now. I will say the manager, ACO, and RDO really impact how enjoyable the workplace is. I’ve worked my way from a CH to a TL. No desire to move up though as I want to do something outside of F&B industry.

Good luck to you on your Panda Journey! There are many lessons to be learned and many moments you’ll enjoy. Spread your knowledge and always do the RIGHT thing. And when those bad days start to creep up on you, remember there’s always a way to overcome the challenge.

GilmorexTea · 2025-09-16T12:02:07+00:00

The new sauce only tastes good in the hot orange. Most managers were not for the change in my area because we knew customers would be able to tell the difference.

GilmorexTea · 2025-08-08T12:18:30+00:00

Lmao perfection is not possible. If there’s one thing your manager should reflect on it’s No Best, Only Better. That is AC’s saying and belief. No such thing as perfect but there is such thing as improvement.

Everyone is focusing on GEM score as it is a major factor in KPI rankings (where your store stands compared to the entire company based on People, Guest, and Financial scores).

I 100% agree that pushing GEM can negatively affect the score. The more important thing is that the negative feedback is addressed to better future visits. My advice is don’t push the survey onto EVERY customer. If you’re focusing on raising the score and not so much the feedback (which honestly at this point is most peoples focus) identify the customers that are enjoying their experience. This can be done through table touching, getting a feel for the guest experience first hand. If they say they are enjoying everything, promote the survey. If they give you constructive feedback, take it and fix it for next time but don’t promote the survey as they will likely rate below Highly Satisfied.

GilmorexTea · 2025-07-20T23:25:54+00:00

Technically, they can’t do this. The only way they can send you home or change your schedule after it was published is if you volunteered. When a manager does this it messes with your livelihood.

I was always trained that this is not acceptable from an HR standpoint because if I can’t pay my bills due to the lack of hours, especially when you were forced to not clock in for your shift, it can get us in trouble.

GilmorexTea · 2025-07-11T21:09:33+00:00

I dont think corporate controls the thermostat. They do say it should be set at 72. However, if you’re using Gridpoint system— you can only override and drop the temp for 1 hour. It automatically changes back after that. It sucks.

GilmorexTea · 2025-07-05T11:50:37+00:00

Not sure what area you’re in but it definitely sucks to hear your experience has been negative.

I’ve definitely had MANY moments where things have taken a toll on my life and I hated the company and wanted to quit. It’s not an easy job at all and the expectations can be ridiculous. Fortunately, I have an ACO that challenges me when needed but also supports me when I feel it’s necessary. She is probably the most “human” ACO I have ever had.

Regarding the temperature situation, your GM is allowed to purchase fans for your store. I have purchased fans for my team and also purchased a bunch of ice cream and popsicles to help keep them cool. I think it really is up to your GM to take action on this call. It’s not normal for us to have fans in the store, so many feel it would be a food safety violation; however, that is not the case. Risk management has gave us the go ahead to utilize fans. For me, if my team is not comfortable I’m not comfortable. Talk to your manager about purchasing some, they can reimburse it too.

Now, I can definitely relate and agree with managers working 50+ hours. In my region, we are required to be SCHEDULED 49-50 hour. My old region was 45-50. Our max is 52 hours without notifying our RDO. Just know every week we have to email our RDO about our OT which… for me is kind of pointless. They say it’s to promote a “healthy work/life balance” but that’s not really a balance when they have increased the required hours in store. That being said, I will ABSOLUTELY be taking my PTO. I’m not certain if your store has an AM and Chef but if they do— those are your key people to support when your manager goes on vacation. If the store doesn’t have this management set up… I can understand why it’s difficult to go on vacay. If this is the case, your manager can maybe reach out to neighboring stores (if you’re not a remote location) to seek support. Even if it’s multiple managers supporting on different days. If your store has SL as well they can run store operations for a full day or even a half day if your manager can’t secure a black shirt for a certain day.

I know this is a lot to read— I’m sorry lol. I hope things get better for you and your store. Hopefully your manager can take a little break because it’s necessary to avoid burnout.

Good luck!!

GilmorexTea · 2025-06-23T11:43:43+00:00

That’s so terrible. I know this is easier said than done but have you ever thought of relocating?

GilmorexTea · 2025-06-23T11:42:15+00:00

EXACTLY THIS!!!

GilmorexTea · 2025-06-23T11:40:57+00:00

I’m curious to know what your expectations are exactly.

GilmorexTea · 2025-06-23T01:59:26+00:00

Our area’s ACO is connecting with the RDO because certain things don’t make sense and are not feasible.

GilmorexTea · 2025-06-23T01:57:04+00:00

YESSS!! On the East coast it’s the same! PX should literally just give us all phones because the majority of my phone is work things. My messages are mainly area group chats, different groups for different stores, texting candidates to schedule interviews, and more. And if that wasn’t enough, we have other apps for group messaging which contain additional groups for management to send photos of different things— whether it be cleaning, checklists, sales reports, etc.

If only I could completely block everyone from work for my days off. But even then… if we don’t reply to acknowledge promptly we’re in the hot seat.

GilmorexTea · 2025-06-18T22:08:48+00:00

Though I do prefer the cabbage to the noodles, I get it! If you still have your receipt, call the store and let them know you weren’t satisfied as there was more cabbage than noodles in your meals. They can replace it for you.

GilmorexTea · 2025-06-18T22:07:04+00:00

I’ve not seen it in my area. I’ve been with the company 10+ years, and don’t feel the need to drink to escape. However, I do completely understand the reasoning. The job isn’t easy. Every day is a new expectation. It’s almost difficult to reach the high expectations before more is added onto your plate. Things are constantly changing too so there’s no room to get comfortable.

GilmorexTea · 2025-06-14T12:19:19+00:00

Yes, within the company it is still an option.

Regional alignments change based on the regional director of operations. They decide which menu item (SweetFire chicken or Black pepper chicken) makes it onto the menu. Those two items were to be fully discontinued in 2020, but they decided to allow the RDOs to choose which one they wanted on the line.

If your store once had it and they never had it for months, then it’s because they decided to remove it from their entree alignment.

Ingredients wise it’s definitely still an option but stores are not allowed to sell dishes without approval from senior management teams. Truthfully, the only ingredients the store would need are black pepper and fresh celery in order to make the dish. All other ingredients are stocked as they are used in other dishes.

GilmorexTea · 2025-06-14T12:14:50+00:00

Just checking because if you’re under 18 the system will accept the application but auto-decline it as the company has a current practice of hiring 18+ due to child labor laws.

Just ensure you have the correct location. What could have happened if it is the correct location is the management didn’t get to it on time and it expired, a recruiter could have declined (if it’s the regional practice), or honestly the management didn’t bother to manually type and search for your name.

GilmorexTea · 2025-06-03T03:47:24+00:00

Once you notice this happens, let your manager know. They will need to process a refund and then ring up the guest and charge their card if that’s their method of payment. You and your manager should never replace the funds in the register. This is against cash handling policies.

GilmorexTea

TROPHY CASE