Host/Food Runner
Welcome to Pancake Chef Restaurant – Where Every Summer Feels Like a Holiday
Imagine starting your workday just minutes from the shores of Lake Huron, with the majestic Mackinac Bridge on the horizon and thousands of happy travelers walking through the door for the best pancakes in northern Michigan. That’s daily life at Pancake Chef Restaurant, a beloved family-run landmark in Mackinaw City that has been serving hungry visitors for decades.
We’re looking for energetic, friendly university students to join our team as Host / Food Runners for the Work & Travel USA summer-to-fall season. If you love people, fast-paced environments, and want an authentic American hospitality experience, this is your job.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Greeting guests with a genuine smile and seating them efficiently during busy tourist hours
- Managing the waiting list and guiding guests to their tables
- Running freshly prepared food from the kitchen to tables quickly and accurately
- Assisting servers with drink refills, condiments, and table setups
- Clearing, resetting, and cleaning tables between guests
- Keeping the host stand, entrance, and dining area tidy and welcoming
- Answering guest questions about the menu and local attractions
Compensation & Hours
- Hourly rate: $10.00 per hour
- Tips: Yes – food runners share in tips, boosting your weekly earnings
- Hours: Approximately 40 hours per week, with the possibility of extra hours during peak tourist weekends
- Season: Summer through Fall – one of the longest and most profitable seasons in the program
Why Mackinaw City?
Mackinaw City is one of Michigan’s most iconic summer destinations, sitting at the meeting point of Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. It’s a compact, safe, walkable town packed with international students every summer – meaning an instant social circle from all over the world.
- Take the ferry to Mackinac Island, a car-free paradise famous for bicycles, horse-drawn carriages, and fudge shops
- Walk or bike along beautiful Lake Huron beaches and boardwalks
- Explore Colonial Michilimackinac fort, lighthouses, and state parks
- Watch unforgettable sunsets under the Mackinac Bridge
- Enjoy fireworks, festivals, and beach bonfires all season long
What We’re Looking For
- University students aged 18–25 eligible for the Work & Travel USA program
- Conversational English and confident communication skills
- A positive, guest-focused attitude and a big smile
- Ability to stay on your feet, move quickly, and work as part of a team
- Reliability, punctuality, and a willingness to learn
- No previous restaurant experience required – full training provided
Benefits of Working With Us
- Tips on top of your hourly wage
- Friendly, supportive team with experience hosting international students
- Employee meal discounts
- Real-world American customer service experience for your CV
- A long season means more hours, more savings, and more travel money for your post-program trip
Ready for a summer you’ll talk about for years? Apply now for the Host / Food Runner position at Pancake Chef Restaurant in Mackinaw City, Michigan, and make your Work & Travel USA experience unforgettable.
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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