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Cafe Cook Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Maumee Valley Group is hiring a PART TIME, 1st Shift, Cafe Cook in Parma, Michigan! * WEEKLY Pay, paid on Wednesday's via direct deposit * WEEKENDS OFF* Job Duties: *Prepare different foods for ...

Cafe Cook

Clarkston, MI · On-site

$17/hr

Position Type: Non-Certified Student Support Services/Food Services Date Posted: 4/16/2026 Location: Clarkston Junior High School District: Clarkston Community Schools DESCRIPTION * Help instruct ...

Cafe Cook

Waterford, MI · On-site

$17/hr

DESCRIPTION * Help instruct kitchen helpers in the safe and proper use of all kitchen equipment. * Maintain cleanliness and sanitation in all food service areas. * Assisting the kitchen manager by ...

CAFÉ SUPERVISOR JOB SUMMARY The Café Supervisor is primarily responsible for overseeing the ... cooking, preparing and serving food. S/he must work fast with a sense of urgency, while being ...

CAFÉ MANAGER JOB SUMMARY The Café Manager is primarily responsible for overseeing the operations ... cooking, preparing, and serving food. S/he must work fast with a sense of urgency, while being ...

Cook-Henrys Cafe

West Bloomfield, MI · On-site

$13 - $17.50/hr

As a Cook at Henry's Cafe, you'll be the heart of our kitchen--crafting delicious, nutritious meals that nourish our patients and delight our cafeteria guests. You'll maintain the highest standards ...

Cafe counter & short order cook

Muskegon, MI · On-site

$13.50 - $17.50/hr

Northway Cafe is looking for teammates that are willing to buy into the systems in place but also lead when called upon. Typical shifts are split in half with cooking for half and waiting on ...

Cafe counter & short order cook

Muskegon, MI · On-site

$13.50 - $17.50/hr

Northway Cafe is looking for teammates that are willing to buy into the systems in place but also lead when called upon. Typical shifts are split in half with cooking for half and waiting on ...

Cafe counter & short order cook

Muskegon, MI · On-site

$13.50 - $17.50/hr

Northway Cafe is looking for teammates that are willing to buy into the systems in place but also lead when called upon. Typical shifts are split in half with cooking for half and waiting on ...

Pizza station cook

Flint, MI · On-site

$16 - $19/hr

Pizza Station Cook & Prep Cook - U of M Flint Café Now Hiring! Picasso Restaurant Group is looking for Pizza Station Cooks & Prep Cooks to join our team at the University of Michigan-Flint Café!

Pizza station cook

Flint, MI · On-site

$16 - $19/hr

Pizza Station Cook & Prep Cook - U of M Flint Café Now Hiring! Picasso Restaurant Group is looking for Pizza Station Cooks & Prep Cooks to join our team at the University of Michigan-Flint Café!

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Cafe Cook information

See Michigan salary details

$7

$13

$19

How much do cafe cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for cafe cook in Michigan is $13.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.73 and $15.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cafe cook?

To thrive as a Cafe Cook, you need proficiency in food preparation, kitchen safety, and basic culinary techniques, often supported by a food handler’s permit or culinary training. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, point-of-sale (POS) systems, and inventory management tools is typically required. Strong teamwork, time management, and attention to detail are soft skills that set exceptional cafe cooks apart. These skills are crucial for consistently delivering high-quality food efficiently and maintaining a safe, welcoming dining environment.

What are some common challenges faced by cafe cooks, and how can they be managed effectively?

Cafe cooks often work in fast-paced environments where multitasking and time management are crucial. Balancing multiple orders during busy periods, maintaining consistent food quality, and adhering to health and safety standards can be challenging. Effective communication with team members and staying organized help manage these demands. Many cafe kitchens are small, so adaptability and teamwork are essential for a smooth workflow.

What is the difference between Cafe Cook vs Line Cook?

AspectCafe CookLine Cook
CredentialsFood Handler's Permit, basic culinary skillsFood Handler's Permit, culinary training often preferred
Work EnvironmentSmall cafes, casual settingsRestaurants, fast-paced kitchens
Employer & IndustryCoffee shops, small eateriesRestaurants, dining establishments
Common TasksPreparing simple breakfast/lunch items, coffee prepCooking dishes on the line, food prep

While both Cafe Cooks and Line Cooks work in food service environments, Cafe Cooks typically focus on preparing simple menu items and beverages in casual cafes, often with less intense kitchen environments. Line Cooks work in more fast-paced restaurant kitchens, preparing a variety of dishes on the line. The roles share similar certifications but differ mainly in work setting and complexity of tasks.

What does a cafe cook do?

A cafe cook prepares and cooks food items according to menu specifications, ensuring quality and presentation. They handle tasks such as chopping ingredients, operating kitchen equipment, and maintaining cleanliness and safety standards in a fast-paced environment.

What jobs can you get at a cafe cook?

A cafe cook typically can advance to roles such as head cook, kitchen supervisor, or restaurant manager. They may also find opportunities in food preparation, catering, or opening their own food service business, often requiring experience, culinary skills, and sometimes food safety certifications.

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Cafe Cook jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Cafe Cook job openings:

Infographic showing various Cafe Cook job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $29,059 per year, or $14 per hour.

Café Cook & Counter Team Member

Auburn Hills, MI • On-site

Oakland Community College
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 1 - 5K employees

$20 - $25/hr

Part-time

Retirement

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

Salary: $20.00 - $25.00 Hourly
Location : Royal Oak Campus
Job Type: Part-Time Hourly
Job Number: 202400189
Division: Culinary Arts
Opening Date: 07/27/2026
Summary of Purpose
OCC (Oakland Community College) is seeking dependable and energetic Café Cook and Counter Team Members to provide quality food and friendly service to students, employees, and the community from our new Café. This dual-role position involves preparing and cooking food in the kitchen, as well as assisting customers at the counter with orders, payments, and pick-ups.
Ideal candidates will have experience working in a fast-paced kitchen, preparing quality breakfast and lunch items, and maintaining a clean, organized, and efficient workstation. This position is essential to delivering a consistent and enjoyable dining experience for our guests.
Typical Duties
This description is intended to indicate the types of duties and responsibilities requested of the employee assigned this title. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that may be required:
Prep Cook
  • Prepare and cook menu items to order, following standardized recipes and portion sizes
  • Set up and maintain a clean, organized, and fully stocked workstation
  • Ensure that all food meets café quality, safety, and sanitation standards
  • Assist with daily prep and end-of-day breakdown/cleaning
  • Communicate effectively with team members to ensure smooth service
  • Receive and store food supplies as needed
  • Assist in ordering, receiving, and storing deliveries
  • Manage some light record keeping
  • May need to assist in different culinary departments at OCC
Counter
  • Greet customers warmly and assist with taking orders accurately
  • Operate the POS system (TOAST) for order entry and payment processing
  • Assemble food and drink orders for pick-up
  • Answer basic menu questions and make suggestions, if asked
  • Maintain cleanliness of the counter, customer area, and beverage station
  • Restock utensils, condiments, and supplies as needed
  • Assist in ordering, receiving, and storing deliveries
  • Assist with daily preparation and end-of-day breakdown/cleaning

Knowledge and Skills Required
  • Able to stand for long periods of time and can lift up to 30 lbs.
  • Is friendly with a professional demeanor and has good communication skills
  • Able to multitask and works well under pressure, especially during busy hours
  • Punctual, reliable, and a team player

Minimum Education and Experience
Required Education and Certification:
  • High School Diploma or equivalent
  • Has ServSafe Certification OR will obtain certification within first month of employment
Preferred Education and Experience:
  • Has OR is working towards an Associate Degree or higher in Culinary Arts or Hospitality
  • Minimum of two (2) years of work experience in a kitchen or food service environment

Work Schedule:
Must be available for breakfast and lunch shifts. Night availability may be required for future café business.
Salary:
$20 - 25.00 per hour, based on experience. Meal discounts and other café perks are available.
This position is not associated with any OCC benefits except for MPSERS (Michigan Public School Employees' Retirement System) with ORS (the Michigan Office of Retirement Services).