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The Blue Pelican Inn & Restaurant
Community-Centered Restaurant Seeking Skilled Demi Chef!
Short description
Locally loved restaurant seeks talented Demi Chef for training in garde manger, desserts & hot line. Great opportunity to sharpen your skills!
Detailed description
Charming Restaurant Seeks Ambitious Demi Chef to Train in Garde Manger, Desserts, Hot Line, and Sauté!
Placement Remarks
Rate of Pay:
$14 per hour
Benefits:
Property offers affordable housing just 3 blocks from the worksite - housing is $140 per week (deducted directly from paycheck) and includes all utilities. A $250 refundable deposit is required. Accommodations are fully furnished, with a private bedroom and shared kitchen, living room, and bathroom in a 3-bedroom unit. Residents need only provide personal items.
14 days housing provided.
A bike is sufficient for transportation.
Candidate will need to bring black pants, t-shirt, and non-slip shoes. Property will provide two work shirts.
Complimentary shift meals for items $16 and under, otherwise 15% discount at any time.
Banquet room accessible for use as break room.
Airport pick-up will be provided if candidates fly to Detroit (DTW).
In Michigan, paid J-1 visa participants must be granted earned sick time under the Earned Sick Time Act, which requires accrual at 1 hour per 30 hours worked, up to 72 hours annually for employers with 11 or more employees, and 40 hours for those with 10 or fewer.
Candidate can request up to 10 days of unpaid leave.
Salary
$14.00 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 in the charming lakeside village of Central Lake, Michigan, The Blue Pelican Inn & Restaurant is a beloved destination for both locals and visitors seeking authentic hospitality, great food, and community charm. Nestled between Torch Lake and Intermediate Lake, this historic property reflects the values of small-town America: warmth, connection, and pride in service.
The restaurant thrives on a sense of camaraderie and tradition, offering live music in the summer, hearty yet refined cuisine, and a welcoming environment where team members are treated like family. J-1 Interns and Trainees at the Blue Pelican gain not only professional experience but also a deep sense of belonging within the community.
Transportation
International Arrival: J-1 participants should plan to fly into Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) in Traverse City, Michigan, which is approximately 1 hour (50 miles) from Central Lake.
Airport to Central Lake:
Grand Traverse Rides (private shuttle): Call or text +1 (231) 620?4815
Benzie Bus Airport Express
Uber availability varies in rural areas
Lyft
Local Transport: Transportation in Central Lake is primarily car-based. Biking and walking are possible in the village, and carpooling is often arranged with other staff. Traverse City Area Transportation (BATA) offers limited service nearby: bata
Housing: Property offers affordable housing just 3 blocks from the worksite.
Housing is $140 per week (deducted directly from paycheck) and includes all utilities. A $250 refundable deposit is required. Accommodations are fully furnished, with a private bedroom and shared kitchen, living room, and bathroom in a 3-bedroom unit. Residents need only provide personal items.
Other affordable housing is available in Central Lake and neighboring towns like Bellaire, East Jordan, and Ellsworth. Options include seasonal rentals, shared houses, apartments, and lakeside cottages.
Average Monthly Rent:
Shared seasonal housing: $400–$800/month
1-bedroom apartments: $850–$1,200/month
2-bedroom apartments: $1,100–$1,600/month
Active Rental Listings:
Zillow – Central Lake & Nearby Towns; Trulia – 1-Bedroom Options; Rent.com – Budget-Friendly Units; Realtor.com – Central Lake Rentals; HotPads – Detailed Rental Info; Craigslist – Northern Michigan
Start date
September 2025