The Pier - Waterfront Dining
The Pier - Waterfront Dining
Currently recruiting for the season from May 10th, 2026 to October 31st, 2026.
Welcome to the Pier Restaurant! A tribute to the rich maritime heritage of Harbor Springs, the Pier offers indoor and outdoor dining overlooking the basin of Lake Michigan's Little Traverse Bay. We serve our visitors a superb choice of fresh seafood, Great Lakes fish, steaks and creative takes on classic Northern Michigan dishes.
Harbor Springs is in the northwest region of Michigan's Lower Peninsula, roughly 2 hours from Traverse City and 40 minutes southwest of the Mackinaw Bridge.
- Location
- Michigan
- Season
- Summer and Fall
- Staff size
- 65
- Housing
- Whether included in the compensation package or provided at a cost, housing is provided for staff.
- Housing details
- We offer double occupancy rooms for rent in housing located 11 miles (18 minute drive) from the work place. Transportation is required.
- Family housing available
- No
- Single occupancy housing available
- No
- Pet friendly
- No
- Meals
- Some meals / discounts
- Cell phone service
- Yes, most carriers
- Internet access
- Good
About The Pier - Waterfront Dining
The Pier Restaurant is an iconic waterfront dining destination with views of Harbor Spring's yacht basin and Little Traverse Bay - a small, but mighty part of Lake Michigan.
The Pier's history starts from the early days of steamships and train tracks, withstanding the dark days of Prohibition, and brings us right into the 21st century, offering timeless respite and rejuvenation to everyone who crosses the threshold.
The building itself, a beautiful mishmash of many decades of expansion, holds a stockpile of stories and memories.
Everyone who has visited - from guests to community members to current and former employees - has a story about the Pier.
Some stories are wild, some are unbelievable, and some are just as sweet as can be.
Come to The Pier and find your own story.
The Employee Experience
Our mission at The Pier is real.
We aren't one of those companies that ask you to do as they say and not as they do. We truly do aim to provide exemplary hospitality towards our guests, offering superior quality food, beverag,e and entertainment, while also inspiring a responsible community presence. Jointly, our goal is to provide a safe, respectful, and cohesive environment for staff members to develop culinary and hospitality skills.
Guests matter. People matter. You matter.
Ideal Candidate
Prior experience? Good!
Love going above and beyond for guests? Great!
Optimistic attitude and fantastic coworker? Excellent!
If you checked all three boxes, you'll fit right in. :)
Room and Board
The River House is a spacious 3-bedroom, 2 bath house with a large deck in the back overlooking the Crooked River. Each room has two twin beds and is on a first come first serve basis.
The house is approximately 11 miles from the restaurant - just enough of a drive to listen to that favorite podcast or decompress after a busy day. Free on-site laundry and a full, shared kitchen with dishwasher make this a great space to stay.
The housing fee is $150 per week per person and includes all utilities, WiFi, etc. Basic bed linens are provided free of charge.
Employee Perks
401(k) with matching
Michigan Earned Sick Time accruals
Lodging discounts
The opportunity to meet and work with great people
Getting Here and Getting Around
Uber and Lyft are not as reliable here as they are in more metropolitan areas, so the ideal candidate might either have their own vehicle or access to reliable transportation, such as bicycles, e-bikes, etc.
For Fun
Where to possibly start?
If you are someone who loves sandy beaches, beautiful sunsets, and enough entertainment to keep things interesting, Northern Michigan is the place to be!
Paddle the Great Lakes. Hike the dunes. Play at the casino. Check out a powwow. Hear some fantastic musicians. Eat great food. The list is endless.
You have to experience Northwest Michigan to really understand.
Current Job Openings
Receives orders from patrons and waitstaff.
Prepares and serves liquor, mixed drinks, wine, beer, and nonalcoholic drinks as ordered.
Ensures that fruit and other garnishes are prepared ahead of the opening of the bar.
Maintains the bar and keeps it clean and organized.
Ensures that customers are of legal drinking age by checking photo IDs.
Collects money from customers for drinks prepared and served.
Uses proper judgment and, when necessary, refuses service to patrons who are intoxicated or disruptive.
Notifies bar manager when liquor, beer, and other bar-related supplies need to be reordered
Extensive knowledge of drink preparation or service.
Excellent interpersonal skills and focus on serving customers.
Ability to remain calm when dealing with unruly and argumentative patrons.
Ability to learn point-of-sale software used by bar and restaurant.
At least three (3) years of experience in a high-volume bar required.
Current ServSafe Alcohol certification required
Prolonged periods standing and preparing drinks.
Ability to complete orders quickly and accurately.
Must be able to lift up to 80 pounds.
Must be at least 21 years old.
Prepare the server stations and dining room for service
Welcome guests with a warm, friendly demeanor.
Assist in seating guests and providing them with menus.
Get them settled with waters, drinks, bread, etc., and communicate any specials or promotions.
Explain menu items, ingredients, and preparation methods to guests. Ask about food allergies.
Make recommendations based on guests' preferences and dietary restrictions.
Take accurate food and beverage orders from guests and enter them into the POS system.
Answer any questions regarding the menu, including allergies or special requests.
Coordinate with the kitchen staff to ensure all of the table’s orders are prepared and delivered on time and together.
Serve food and beverages promptly and efficiently, ensuring accuracy and good presentation, and timed so the entire table is served within a reasonable time frame.
Check on guests during their meals to ensure satisfaction and address any requests or concerns.
Refill drinks, clear plates, and reset tables to maintain a clean and organized dining area.
Provide attentive and personalized service, anticipating guests' needs.
Handle guest complaints or concerns professionally and bring issues to management when necessary.
Present bills to guests and handle payment transactions accurately and quickly.
Collaborate with fellow servers, hosts, and kitchen staff to ensure smooth service and facilitate a positive work environment.
Assist colleagues during busy periods or when needed.
Participate in pre-shift meetings and training sessions as required.
At least 2 years previous experience in a restaurant required
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Positive attitude, enthusiasm for the hospitality industry.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining composure.
Strong multitasking and time management abilities.
Attention to detail, ensuring accurate order-taking and payment processing.
Knowledge of food and beverage menus, including dietary restrictions and allergies.
Basic math skills for handling payments and calculating tips.
Flexibility to work in shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Physical stamina to stand, walk, and carry trays for extended periods.
Must possess, or be able to obtain, alcohol and food safety certifications (ServSafe or equivalent)
Bartender
If you love people and like working in a fun, fast-paced environment, the Pier is the place for you!
Duties and Responsibilities:
Required Skills/Abilities:
Education and Experience:
Physical Requirements:
Server
The Server’s primary responsibility is to ensure exceptional dining experiences for our guests. You will be the face of the Pier restaurant, interacting directly with customers to take orders, provide menu recommendations, and deliver food and beverages promptly and accurately. A friendly and professional demeanor, attention to detail, and ability to multitask will contribute to the overall success of our restaurant.
Duties & Responsibilities:
Qualifications:
How to Apply
See our list of open positions and apply via the link below.
Once you click Apply, you will be asked to complete the application and upload a resume. The application won't go through without a resume, so be sure to have yours ready.
Contact Info
- Kristen Smith & Katie Knoblock
- kristen.smith@cottoncollection.com
- 231-347-6057 ext. 1014
- www.pierharborsprings.com
