Cooking in the Gaslight District of Petoskey on the shores of Lake Michigan

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.

This position requires restaurant cooking experience in a fast-paced, high-volume atmosphere. Seeking candidates with a proven record of longevity and success at previous, similar positions. Ideal candidates will be physically and mentally strong in order to handle the daily rigors of an extremely busy, fast-turnover kitchen that strives for excellence in every dish.

A noticeably strong work ethic as well as a passionate knowledge of high quality, European-Inspired Cuisine is necessary in order to be considered for this position.

Responsibilities include:

• Prepping and stocking cook line

• Daily inventory

• Cooking menu items as ordered by guests for breakfast, lunch and pizza service

• Ensuring that all food stock gets rotated properly

• Daily cleaning and maintenance of kitchen and storage areas

• Training of incoming employees

• Assisting dishwashers and prep cooks when needed

• Cleaning and Closing the kitchen each day

• Adhering to company policies and guidelines without wavering

Ideal Candidate will possess the following qualities:

• Punctual

• Reliable

• Trustworthy

• Able to learn and adapt quickly

• Dire sense of urgency

• Is genuinely curious and excited to learn new recipes and cooking techniques

• Is an independent thinker and is able to accomplish tasks without having to be told

• Understands the cost of high quality products and is careful about unnecessary waste

• Is highly considerate and respectful to coworkers

• Understands the importance of working as a team and is willing to help out other team members wherever needed

• Able to follow specific recipes, procedures and instructions

• Has impeccably clean and sanitary habits

• Is able to work in a fast-paced, high-volume, high-pressure environment while keeping a clean, sanitary, organized work area at all times as well as a level head

• Must have breakfast cookery experience, which includes successfully flipping eggs in pans and the ability to multi-task cooking many different items at one time

• 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-$21 per hour.  End of season bonuses are awarded based on overall work ethic, dedication and performance