Summer and Fall Scratch Kitchen Position on the Shores of Lake Michigan.

Posted: Jul 28, 2026

Dishwasher/Prep Cook

Sam's Graces Cafe

Petoskey , Michigan

Wages/Pay
$15.00 - $22.00 / hour + tips
Experience Level
Some experience required
Job Start Date
Aug 01, 2026

Sam's Graces Cafe is a 55-seat, high-volume, fine-dining, scratch, breakfast & lunch cafe steps from the shores of Lake Michigan serving locals and visitors to the region fresh, carefully crafted, local, European & American-Inspired cuisine. 

At Sam's Graces Cafe the food is the star of our show and it is what our customers return to every year.  Our kitchen is challenging and intense.  We cook everything to order.  The food we serve is high quality, as locally, small farmer-produced as possible. We do not use microwaves, deep-fryers or steam tables.  Potential candidates must have the knowledge, discipline and experience to execute time-tested recipes accurately with efficiency, speed and cleanliness.  Although sometimes challenging, producing beautiful food that one can be proud of is also extremely rewarding as opposed to producing pre-processed food out of a bag or freezer.

Responsibilities include:

  • Setting up Dish Station for service

  • Washing dishes, cutlery, drinkware, pots, pans and trays, drying and putting in their correct places

  • Polishing silverware

  • Keeping a sanitary, clean, safe work area at all times

  • Daily cleaning, closing, and maintenance of kitchen and storage areas

  • Assisting cooks with light prep duties such as juicing citrus, cutting vegetables, shredding hashbrowns

  • Assisting pizza cook with topping pizzas and rotating pizzas in a wood fired, brick oven

  • Willing to participate in weekly and daily deep cleaning tasks

  • Adhering to company policies and guidelines without wavering

Ideal Candidate will possess the following qualities:

  • Punctual

  • Dire sense of urgency 

  • Able to accomplish tasks quickly and efficiently

  • Reliable

  • Trustworthy

  • Able to follow specific recipes and instructions

  • Able to learn procedures quickly

  • Able to work as a team

  • Has the ability to multi-task and cook multiple different food types at one time                                                                                                                                                                                          

  • Has impeccably clean and sanitary habits

  • Is able to lift 50 pounds

  • Is able to stand in one spot for long periods of time in hot and cold environments

  • Is able to bend, squat, kneel, climb on ladders and lift hands over head

  • Is willing to help out wherever needed in cafe even though it may be outside of "department"

We are a tobacco-free, cell phone-free workplace.

This position is for individuals who thrive in the early morning hours. Typical shifts begin between 5am-8am and end at 3pm-5pm.  

5-6 day work weeks are typical, depending on the demands of the season.

Experience: Cooking: 2 years (Required)

Location

Petoskey, Michigan is located in Emmet County in Northwest Michigan on the Little Traverse Bay of  Lake Michigan.  It is a small Metropolitan 40 miles south of Mackinaw Island.  Sam's Graces Cafe is located in the gaslight district that features restaurants, interesting shops and galleries.  The city of Petoskey and the surrounding area has most modern amenities including most box stores but also has an outdoor lovers paradise steps away from the city.  Miles of sandy lake shore, the North Country Trail, hiking, biking, water sports, hunting, fishing, golfing are among the many activities the region has to offer.

Housing

  • We offer a 900 square foot, bunkhouse style apartment located 20 miles north of the cafe on 6.5 wooded acres.

  • Personal transportation is required.  Candidates must have their own vehicle to get to work and back on a daily basis.

  • The apartment consists of one bedroom with separate beds up to two people, one bathroom, laundry room, a sitting area, kitchen, tv and wifi.

  • The cost of the apartment is $200 per month.  

  • Food and essentials are the responsibility of the employee.  All modern amenities are available within close driving distance.

  • If workers are interested in finding their own, private dwelling a housing stipend can be discussed.

Salary

This position shares in a daily tip pool.  Base pay is $15 per hour.  After tip out dishwashers average $18-$23 per hour.  End of season bonuses are awarded based on overall work ethic, dedication and performance

How to Apply

Please send a letter of interest and resume to samsgracescafe@gmail.com

Contact Info

Sam's Graces Cafe

Sam's Graces is a 50 seat café serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, beer, wine and cocktails. We are a scratch kitchen, working with the seasonal bounty the area has to offer, focusing on quality. Our café is filled everyday with great music, fun employees and wonderful customers.

Location
Michigan
Season
Year Round
Staff size
15
Housing
Whether included in the compensation package or provided at a cost, housing is provided for staff.
Housing details
Shared 1 bedroom, 900 square foot, bunkhouse-style apartment located 20 miles north of the cafe on 6.5 wooded acres. Includes 1 bedroom with separate beds, 1 bathroom, 1 laundry room, sitting area with a T.V., a kitchen and wifi.
Family housing available
No
Single occupancy housing available
No
Pet friendly
No
Meals
None
Cell phone service
Yes, most carriers
Internet access
Good
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