C&J’s Family Restaurant

Start Your American Summer at C&J's Family Restaurant

Looking for a Work & Travel USA job where you get steady hours, a friendly team, and a real taste of small-town American life? C&J's Family Restaurant in Howard City, Michigan is hiring Dishwashers for the Summer to Fall season. This is a classic American family restaurant where staff feel like family and every shift flies by.

What You'll Be Doing

As a Dishwasher, you are the backbone of the kitchen. Your day-to-day duties will include:

• Washing dishes, glassware, silverware, pots, and pans by hand and using commercial dishwashing machines
• Keeping the dish pit organized, clean, and running smoothly during busy service
• Sorting and stacking clean items and returning them to the kitchen and service areas
• Taking out trash, breaking down boxes, and helping with general kitchen cleaning
• Sweeping and mopping kitchen floors and sanitizing work surfaces
• Supporting the kitchen team with simple prep tasks when needed

Pay & Schedule

• Hourly rate: $13.73 per hour
• Hours: 40 hours per week
• Season: Summer to Fall
• Tips: Not applicable for this position

With guaranteed full-time hours, you can plan your budget, save for travel, and still enjoy your free time exploring the USA.

Why Howard City, Michigan?

Howard City is a welcoming small town in Montcalm County, right in the middle of West Michigan's lake country. You'll be surrounded by forests, rivers, and dozens of inland lakes perfect for swimming, kayaking, and fishing on your days off. The famous Fred Meijer White Pine Trail runs nearby for biking and hiking, and Grand Rapids — Michigan's second-largest city, known for its breweries, art scene, and ArtPrize festival — is less than an hour away. Add in the sandy shores of Lake Michigan about an hour to the west, and you have a summer full of adventure.

What We're Looking For

• University students aged 18–25 with a valid J-1 Work & Travel visa
• Basic conversational English
• A positive attitude and strong work ethic
• Ability to stand for long periods and lift up to 20 kg
• Reliability, punctuality, and willingness to be part of a team
• No previous experience required — full training is provided

Benefits of This Placement

• Stable, guaranteed 40-hour work week
• Friendly, supportive family-run environment
• Great opportunity to improve your English every single day
• Meal benefits typically offered during shifts
• Authentic American small-town experience with real cultural exchange

Ready to make this summer unforgettable? Apply now for the Dishwasher position at C&J's Family Restaurant and secure your spot on the Work & Travel USA program in Howard City, Michigan!

Turn Up the Heat on Your American Summer

Ever dreamed of standing behind a sizzling grill in a classic American family restaurant, plating up pancakes, burgers and homemade comfort food for friendly locals? C&J's Family Restaurant in Howard City, Michigan is looking for energetic international students to join their kitchen team as Prep/Line Cooks this Summer to Fall season. If you love fast-paced environments, teamwork and the satisfaction of a perfectly timed order, this is your ticket to a genuine Work & Travel USA experience.

What You'll Be Doing

• Preparing ingredients for daily service – washing, chopping, portioning and organizing produce, proteins and sides
• Cooking to order on the line: grill, fryer, flat-top and sauté stations
• Plating dishes to the restaurant's presentation standards and keeping tickets moving during busy rushes
• Following food safety, sanitation and HACCP-style hygiene procedures
• Stocking and rotating products, checking deliveries and monitoring inventory levels
• Cleaning workstations, equipment and the kitchen area at the end of each shift
• Supporting your fellow cooks and communicating clearly with the front-of-house team

Position Snapshot

• Employer: C&J's Family Restaurant
• Position: Prep/Line Cook
• Location: S Ensley, Howard City, Michigan
• Pay Rate: $13.73 per hour
• Hours: Approximately 40 hours per week
• Season: Summer to Fall
• Tips: Not applicable for this position

Discover Howard City & West Michigan

Howard City is a welcoming small town in Montcalm County, right in the heart of West Michigan – the kind of place where staff know regulars by name and newcomers are treated like family. You'll be surrounded by lakes, forests and trails perfect for swimming, kayaking, cycling and weekend campfires. Grand Rapids, Michigan's vibrant second city, is a short drive away with craft breweries, art festivals, museums and a lively music scene. Head west and you'll reach the legendary Lake Michigan beaches and dunes – Muskegon, Grand Haven and Silver Lake are all within easy reach for classic American summer days by the water.

Why You'll Love This Job

• Solid, reliable pay at $13.73/hour with a consistent 40-hour schedule
• Real culinary skills you can put on your CV – knife work, line cooking, food safety
• Small-town hospitality: a supportive, close-knit team that will help you settle in
• Daily conversation with American colleagues and customers to boost your English fast
• Weekends and days off to explore Michigan's lakes, dunes and cities
• An authentic Work & Travel USA cultural exchange experience, not just a job

What We're Looking For

• University students aged 18–25 with valid J-1 Work & Travel sponsorship
• Conversational English – enough to understand tickets and communicate with the team
• Some kitchen or cooking experience is a big plus, but a strong willingness to learn matters most
• Ability to stand for long shifts in a hot, fast-paced kitchen and lift moderate weights
• Punctual, reliable, hygienic and a genuine team player
• Flexibility to work mornings, evenings, weekends and holidays

Ready to trade lecture halls for a busy American kitchen? Apply now for the Prep/Line Cook position at C&J's Family Restaurant and make this Summer-to-Fall season the story you'll tell for years.

Start Your American Summer at C&J's Family Restaurant

Dreaming of an authentic American experience away from the crowded tourist hotspots? C&J's Family Restaurant in Howard City, Michigan is looking for energetic, friendly university students to join their team as Server Assistants (Bussers) for the Summer to Fall season. This is your chance to work in a warm, family-run restaurant where you'll be treated like part of the family from day one.

What You'll Be Doing

As a Server Assistant, you'll be the heartbeat of the dining room, keeping everything running smoothly so guests can enjoy their meals. Your daily responsibilities will include:

• Clearing, cleaning, and resetting tables quickly between guests
• Setting tables with clean cutlery, glassware, napkins, and condiments
• Refilling water glasses and assisting servers during busy meal rushes
• Delivering food and beverages to tables when needed
• Keeping the dining area, service stations, and floors clean and tidy
• Restocking supplies and assisting kitchen staff with dish handling
• Greeting guests with a smile and helping create a welcoming atmosphere

Compensation & Schedule

You'll earn a solid $13.73 per hour working a full 40 hours per week. That's a dependable, predictable income that lets you plan your travels, cover your living costs, and still save for that end-of-program road trip. Please note that this position does not include tips — your earnings come from your guaranteed hourly wage.

Discover Howard City & West Michigan

Howard City is a charming small town in Montcalm County, surrounded by the lakes, forests, and rolling countryside that make Michigan famous. Here's what's waiting for you:

• Lakes everywhere: Michigan has over 11,000 inland lakes — perfect for swimming, kayaking, fishing, and lazy summer afternoons
• Grand Rapids (45 min): Michigan's second-largest city, packed with craft breweries, art museums, live music, and the world-famous ArtPrize festival
• Lake Michigan beaches (about 1 hour): Golden sand dunes and legendary sunsets on the Grand Haven and Muskegon shoreline
• Outdoor adventures: Hiking trails, the White Pine Trail, campgrounds, and state parks right on your doorstep
• Small-town friendliness: Genuine, welcoming locals who love meeting international students

Why This Job Is Great for Work & Travel Students

• Guaranteed 40 hours per week — reliable income all season long
• Fast-paced, team-oriented environment perfect for improving your English every single day
• Practical hospitality experience that looks fantastic on any CV
• Friendly family-business culture where your effort is noticed and appreciated
• Extended Summer to Fall season — enjoy Michigan's beautiful autumn colors
• Meet students from around the world and build lifelong friendships

What We're Looking For

• University students aged 18–25 with valid J-1 Work & Travel sponsorship
• Conversational English skills and a positive, outgoing attitude
• Ability to stand, walk, and lift trays for extended periods
• Reliability, punctuality, and strong teamwork spirit
• Willingness to work weekends, evenings, and holidays
• No previous experience required — full training is provided!

Ready to Apply?

Spots for the Summer to Fall season at C&J's Family Restaurant fill up fast. If you're ready to earn great money, sharpen your English, and experience the real America in beautiful West Michigan, apply today and start your Work & Travel USA adventure!