Kitchen Artist - Watercolor Cafe

Mackinacworks; Michigan; On-site; USD 20,664 - 27,552; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive hourly pay plus tips

Free lunch per shift

Employee discount

Complimentary art classes

Paid training

Bonus for full-time employees

Simple IRA contribution match

Job summary

Mackinacworks is seeking a Kitchen Artist for the Watercolor Cafe on Mackinac Island starting in May 2026. The role involves food prep, customer interaction, and maintaining kitchen standards while enjoying stunning lake views. Flexible full-time and part-time hours are offered, with competitive pay plus tips.

Housing is available for female employees. If you're passionate about culinary art and customer service, join us for a rewarding summer experience.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years or older.
• Previous kitchen or food prep experience preferred, but willing to train.
• Ability to work efficiently under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Assemble menu items such as sandwiches and salads with precision.
• Prepare customer orders accurately and timely.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization in the kitchen prep area.
• Assist with ingredient preparation for service.

Skills

Food handling

Customer interaction

Teamwork

Time management

Attention to detail

Job description

Kitchen Artist at Watercolor Cafe – Mackinac Island Job Listing (Season 2026)

Job Type: Seasonal Starting in May, Flexible Scheduling, Full-Time and Part-Time

Compensation: $15-$20 Hourly + Tips

Housing: Housing available for female employees. For male candidates, preference is given to Island Residents, current Island Employees looking for a second job, or those living on the mainland within driving distance of Mackinac Island.

Job Overview

Spend your summer living and working on Michigan’s most iconic island! We’re looking for outgoing, reliable kitchen artists to join the seasonal team at Watercolor Cafe. If you love meeting new people, creating delicious and beautiful food, and working with views of Lake Huron, this is the job for you! Watercolor Cafe is seeking dedicated individuals to help us enrich the local and visiting community with great food and vibrant customer service in our uniquely curated environment. We operate a high volume, high reward kitchen, offering breakfast and lunch items from quality, ready‑to‑eat ingredients.

This role focuses on food prep and order assembly, crafting sandwiches, salads, and toasts. The Kitchen Artist plays an essential role in ensuring that every dish served is as visually appealing as it is delicious.

Kitchen Artists are compensated hourly and are included in front‑of‑the‑house tipout. Flexible scheduling with full‑time and part‑time opportunities available.

Responsibilities

Food Handling: Assemble menu items such as sandwiches, salads, wraps, toasts, and bowls with care and precision, maintaining consistent quality and portion sizes.

Order Fulfillment: Read tickets and prepare customer orders in a timely manner while ensuring accuracy and attention to presentation.

Station Maintenance: Keep the kitchen prep area organized, clean, and fully stocked.

Ingredient Preparation: Assist with prep work to ensure ingredients are ready for service.

Quality Control: Maintain high standards for food safety, sanitation, and overall product quality.

Collaboration: Work closely with other team members to ensure smooth kitchen operations and an efficient workflow during service hours.

Customer Interaction: Engage with guests if needed when running food or to clarify orders or accommodate special requests.

Qualifications

Must be 18 years or older.

Previous kitchen or food prep experience preferred, but willing to train the right individual.

Ability to work efficiently under pressure in a fast‑paced environment.

Accuracy when multitasking.

Strong communication and teamwork skills.

Familiarity with food safety standards and a commitment to maintaining a clean workspace.

About Watercolor Cafe

Watercolor Cafe exists to inspire and support creativity. By offering a welcoming space for connection, nourishment, play, and reflection, our mission is to encourage individuals to create not just art, but a meaningful and fulfilling life. The business was formed in 2019, is woman/artist owned, and is a constant labor of love & work in progress.

About Our Team

Each season, our team consists of 10-15 individuals, including part-time and full-time staff, summer‑only and full‑season workers, mainland commuters, locals, and J1‑visa student workers. Watercolor Cafe boasts an excellent employee retention rate while also welcoming new team members each year. Work‑life balance is encouraged, but we expect dedication to the job as our team is small and season is short. We strive to lead with kindness, prioritize communication, and operate with integrity. We hustle but we have a ton of fun together, from bonding within the cafe to frequent staff outings, fostering lifelong friendships along the way.

Competitive hourly pay, plus tips

Free lunch per 8 hour shift

Employee discount on clock & off clock

Complimentary art classes (based on availability)

Paid training

Bonus for full‑time, full‑season employees

Simple IRA contribution match

Additional Notes

Housing is available for female candidates from May 1 to August 31.

Male candidates must already have on‑island housing or be willing to commute to the island.

About Mackinac Island

Mackinac Island is a one‑of‑a‑kind, car‑free destination known for its historic charm, stunning lake views, and lively summer season. Working on the island isn’t just a job, it’s a life experience. Learn more about life on Mackinac Island on mackinacworks.com