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Mission Table/Jolly Pumpkin
Award winning Michigan restaurant seeking culinary candidates
Short description
A renowned Old Mission Peninsula restaurant is seeking a dedicated chef to join its award-winning culinary team!
Detailed description
A renowned Old Mission Peninsula restaurant is seeking a dedicated chef to join its award-winning culinary team. This position provides progressive training through structured rotations as Banquets Demi Chef and Restaurant Demi Chef, concluding as a Restaurant Chef de Partie. The role emphasizes classic technique, seasonal menus, and locally sourced ingredients that reflect the character and agricultural richness of Northern Michigan.
When you’re off the clock, enjoy everything the region has to offer—from the natural beauty of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore to the historic charm of Mission Point Lighthouse and the unique shops and eateries of the Village at Grand Traverse Commons.
Placement Remarks
Salary: Demi Chef: $19/hour, Chef de Partie: $22/hour
Benefits:
A uniform will be offered. Candidates should bring their own non-slip shows.
Candidates will receive 50% off the full menu and there is an employee breakroom.
Candidates will accrue up to one week of PTO after their first six months.
Airport pick-up will be provided if candidates fly to Detroit (DTW).
The employer will provide up to 14 days of complimentary room and tax on property upon their arrival.
Housing will also be offered at $600/month. There are 3 bedrooms, two double occupancy and one single. which averages to $150/week for housing.
The employer will also provide transportation. Candidate must have an international driver's license.
Salary
$19.00 - $22.00 per hour
Requirements
Eligibility criteria for our Career USA programs:
• You are enrolled in a post secondary ministerially recognized academic institution in the hospitality industry OR have a hospitality degree and at least 1 year of recent relevant work experience in the (ultra) luxury hotel industry (outside of the USA) OR have 5 years recent relevant work experience in the (ultra) luxury hotel industry (outside the USA)
• You have shown consistent career growth over the last years
• You have shown serious commitment to your most recent employers
Local info
Located along the shores of Lake Michigan in northern Michigan, Traverse City is a charming, scenic city known for its natural beauty, relaxed lifestyle, and vibrant local culture. While smaller than major metro areas, it is well connected by regional highways and offers easy access to surrounding lakes, forests, and nearby towns. Traverse City provides a welcoming, close-knit community feel with distinct neighborhoods and a lively downtown filled with local shops, cafés, breweries, and restaurants. The city is famous for its wineries, cherry orchards, and farm-to-table food scene, as well as cultural events like the National Cherry Festival and film festivals. Outdoor enthusiasts will never run out of things to do, with endless opportunities for hiking, biking, boating, swimming, and winter sports nearby. From waterfront sunsets and sandy beaches to cozy downtown evenings, Traverse City blends small-town charm with year-round recreation and quality of life.
Housing:
Housing in Traverse City is more limited due to its smaller size and popularity as a tourist destination, and prices can vary by season and proximity to downtown or the waterfront. A typical studio or one-bedroom apartment generally averages around $1,200–$1,400 per month, while more affordable options outside the downtown area, or shared housing, may be found in the $900–$1,100 per month range. Candidates are encouraged to begin their housing search early and, when possible, visit apartments in person. Finding a roommate through Facebook groups or residing with another J1 candidate can help reduce costs. Without established U.S. credit, landlords may require first and last month’s rent or an additional security deposit. HRC recommends arriving with at least $2,500 to help secure housing and cover initial living expenses.
Helpful Housing inks:
Lake Pointe Village Apartments
Address: 1646 Maple Ridge Way, Traverse City, MI 49686
Units: 1- & 2-bedrooms apartments
Cost: $1,110-$1,495 per month, not including apartments
Contact: Phone (231) 941-2400
Bay Hill Apartments
Address: 600 Bay Hill Drive, Traverse City, MI 49684
Units: 1,2-, & 3-bedroom apartments
Cost: $857-$1,572 per month, not including utilities
Contact: Phone (231) 668-4124
West End Lofts
Address: 309 West Front Street, Traverse City, MI 49684
Units: 1- & 2-bedroom apartments
Cost: $1,499-$3,302 per month, not including utilities
Contact: Phone (231) 307-1493
Other Sources for Apartments: apartments.com, zillow.com, roomies.com, spareroom.com
Transportation:
Traverse City has limited public transportation compared to larger U.S. cities. The BATA (Bay Area Transportation Authority) system provides bus service throughout Traverse City and the surrounding region, including routes to downtown, shopping areas, and nearby communities. Public transit can work if you live and work along established bus routes, but service is less frequent and more limited in the evenings and off-season. Because the city and surrounding areas are spread out, having a car is often the most practical option for daily life, especially for commuting or exploring nearby outdoor attractions. If you plan to purchase a vehicle, it is recommended to bring an additional $2,000–$3,000 to cover the cost of a used car, registration, and insurance. Ride-share services are available but less consistent than in major cities and are used primarily within the downtown area, meaning that they are not a reliable form of transportation for commuting.
You can learn more about the BATA system here: https://www.bata.net/
Climate:
Traverse City has a humid continental climate with warm summers, cold winters, and four very distinct seasons. Summers are pleasant and not overly hot, with July and August average highs around 78–82 °F (26–28 °C), making it ideal for outdoor activities along Lake Michigan. Spring and early summer bring moderate rainfall, helping keep the region green and lush. Winters are cold and snowy, with January average highs around 28–32 °F (-2–0 °C) and lows often in the teens °F (-10 to -7 °C). Snowfall is common due to lake-effect snow from Lake Michigan, creating a true winter environment. Overall, Traverse City is perfect for those who enjoy seasonal change, cooler summers, and classic snowy winters rather than extreme heat.
Local attractions: Hallstedt Homestead Cherries, The Village at Grand Traverse Commons, Haserot Beach Park, Boat Tours, Sleeping Bear Dunes, Dennos Museum Center, Mari Vineyards
Start date
September 2026