Cafe Attendant - Watercolor Cafe
Cafe Attendant Job with Watercolor Cafe on Mackinac Island
Cafe Attendant at Watercolor Cafe – Mackinac Island Job Listing (Season 2026)
Company: Watercolor Cafe
Location: Mackinac Island, Michigan
Job Type: Seasonal Starting in May, Flexible Scheduling, Full-Time and Part-Time
Compensation: $15-$17 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
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. The ideal candidate will excel at fulfilling their role (as barista, kitchen attendant, or cashier) while being able to support their coworkers in a super fast-paced workflow. We value employees who contribute to a team that feels accomplished and not overwhelmed after a rush, knowing that they provided an exceptional experience to the best customers on Mackinac Island.
Cafe Attendants wear many hats, and your strengths and interests will help determine your primary station within the cafe. While we provide thorough training for all roles, preference will be given to applicants with prior restaurant or cafe experience.
Shifts are typically 4-9 hours long during a 7am-5pm period. We are open daily May-October.
Responsibilities
Prepare and/or serve menu items with consistent quality and attention to detail
Deliver kind, personable, and professional communication to guests
Accurately process transactions on our POS system (Square)
Maintain a clean, organized kitchen, dining area, and storage spaces
Perform stocking and sidework tasks with teamwork in mind
Obtain menu fluency: understand ingredients, explain menu items, and make thoughtful recommendations to guests
Assist in inventorying
Run (well, bike) errands and receive deliveries as requested per management
Encourage guests to engage with our craft and art class offerings
Communicate before complaining: practice proactive communication and a solutions-oriented mindset
Qualifications
Must be 18 years or older
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.
Pay + Benefits
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
Apply now to make beautiful latte art, make memories, and become part of the Mackinac Island story!
Apply For This Job Below
Please fill out the form below as your official application for this position. Please be as detailed as possible in the “tell us about yourself” section. This is the main way employers weed through and narrow down candidates. By filling out this form, you agree to have your information shared with employers and to allow them to contact you directly.
If we believe you may be the right candidate for this position, we will contact you directly between February 1st and March 16, 2026.
