Kitchen Support
Flip Your Summer Into an Adventure at Pancake Chef Restaurant
If you love a fast-paced kitchen, the smell of fresh maple syrup in the morning and the idea of spending your summer between two Great Lakes, this is your Work & Travel USA placement. Pancake Chef Restaurant in Mackinaw City, Michigan is a much-loved family dining spot where tourists from all over America stop for breakfast before crossing the iconic Mackinac Bridge. As a Kitchen Support team member, you’ll be right at the heart of the action.
What You’ll Be Doing
Your day-to-day responsibilities as Kitchen Support will include:
- Assisting cooks with food preparation – washing, chopping and portioning fresh ingredients
- Preparing batters, sides and simple menu items under the guidance of experienced chefs
- Plating dishes and helping keep orders moving quickly during busy breakfast and dinner rushes
- Maintaining a clean, organised and safe kitchen in line with US health and hygiene standards
- Washing dishes, restocking stations and supporting the team wherever an extra pair of hands is needed
- Working closely with servers and kitchen staff to keep service smooth and guests happy
Pay & Working Conditions
- Hourly rate: $13.73 per hour
- Hours: 40 hours per week, with the possibility of extra hours during peak tourist season
- Tips: Yes – kitchen staff share in tips, boosting your weekly earnings
- Season: Summer to Fall – one of the longest and most profitable placements available
- Position type: Cook / Kitchen operations
Why Mackinaw City?
Mackinaw City sits at the very tip of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, where Lake Michigan meets Lake Huron. It’s a classic American summer town: sandy beaches, lighthouses, fudge shops, sunset views over the water and the spectacular five-mile Mackinac Bridge. A short ferry ride takes you to Mackinac Island, a car-free island where horse-drawn carriages and bicycles are the only transport – one of the most photographed places in the Midwest.
The town lives and breathes tourism from June through October, which means plenty of work hours, a friendly international student community and countless opportunities to explore: kayaking, cycling the island loop, hiking state parks, and travelling on to Chicago, Detroit or Canada during your days off.
What We’re Looking For
- University students aged 18–25 enrolled in the Work & Travel USA program
- Conversational English – enough to follow instructions and communicate with the team
- A strong work ethic, punctuality and a positive attitude
- Ability to stand for long shifts and work comfortably in a warm, busy kitchen
- Previous kitchen experience is a plus, but full training is provided
- Team players who are ready to learn American restaurant standards
What You’ll Gain
Beyond the paycheck, you’ll build real culinary skills, improve your English every single day, learn how a professional American kitchen operates, and make friends from around the world. Many students return home with savings, a stronger CV and stories they’ll be telling for years.
Ready to make this summer count? Apply now for Kitchen Support at Pancake Chef Restaurant in Mackinaw City, Michigan – positions fill fast!
About Michigan
Michigan's Great Lakes shores, Mackinac Island and resort towns make for a classic lakeside summer. Students work in island hotels, resorts and restaurants surrounded by beaches and forests.
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