Wait Staff -Summer 2026

Coons Franklin Lodge invites enthusiastic individuals to apply for the position of Wait Staff for the summer of 2026. As a vital part of our team, you will help create unforgettable dining experiences for our guests in a beautiful and welcoming environment. Coons Franklin Lodge has been a beloved retreat since 1892, providing guests with stunning views of Trout Lake, exciting water sports activities, and exquisite dining options amidst our rich history of hospitality.

As a Wait Staff member, you will directly interact with our guests, ensuring their dining experience exceeds expectations. Responsibilities include taking and accurately processing orders, serving food and beverages with a friendly demeanor, and maintaining a clean dining area. You will also assist in the setup of dining spaces and ensure that all guest requests are met promptly and efficiently.

• Previous experience in food service or hospitality is preferred but not required
• Exceptional customer service skills and a positive, approachable attitude
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple tasks
• Strong verbal communication skills and a willingness to engage with guests and team members
• Attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining a clean and organized work area
• Basic knowledge of food safety guidelines and procedures

One of the best parts of working at Coons is that we offer dorm-style housing. Some of our rooms are right on the water with breathtaking views of the lake.

Mornings are busy for our staff with our wood and ice service to each cabin, breakfast and lunch service, waterfront and housekeeping. Most staff is off in the afternoons before dinner service. This is the best time to be off work and either sitting on the dock, waterskiing or hitting the bike trails. Our most successful employees return year after year because of the hospitality and respect they are shown by the Coons family.

An ideal candidate is someone who can take ownership over their job duties and operates with integrity and respect for themselves and their co-workers. The Coons family wants you to enjoy this little slice of heaven as much as our guests do.

We provide dorm-style housing and 3 staff meals a day. We can accommodate most dietary requests. Room and board will be deducted from your paycheck at the rate of $65 per week.

Fun Things to Do at Coons When Off Duty

We highly encourage all our staff to make use of the beautiful Northwoods and the resort activities available while not working. How often do you get to live at a resort?

Activities:

There is a beautiful trail winding throughout the resort property. Biking, jogging, and hiking are very popular. Everyone is welcome to explore. Basketball is a favorite.

Tennis Courts:

There are four courts on the premises. During the time the courts are not in use, all employees are welcome to take advantage of the courts. We ask the following things: Permission is needed, proper tennis attire is required (whites), tennis shoes only, no running shoes. Should any guest want to come and use the courts, vacate the court promptly and courteously.

Waterfront:

Trout Lake is one of Wisconsin’s finest. There are two docks located on the waterfront. The swimming dock is for guest use only. All employees are welcome to use the boat dock. Employees are welcome to use the following equipment: sailing, water-skiing, canoes, rowboats, and kayaks. No motor boats. You must check out all equipment with the proper resort personnel. Once again, guests have first preference.

Golf:

Trout Lake Golf Course is located 2 miles north of the resort off HWY 51. We get a 20% discount! For more information see: http://www.troutlakegolf.com/main.html

Yoga: Staff can join in our guest Yoga class In the Lodge, Tuesdays at 10am. You must pre-register with Emily or Sarah due to limited spots available.

We are located about 10 miles from the towns of Woodruff and Minocqua. I would say about 50% of our bring an automobile with them. There is minimal public transportation and biking on the highway is discouraged.

Fun Things to Do in the Area

Music in The Park- Sunday Nights in Manitowish

https://manitowishwaters.org/things-to-do/music-in-the-park/

Big Top Chautauqua- Although a little bit faraway, but world-renowned musical venue:

https://www.bigtop.org/

Hiking

Map it Vilas County. Great app to find hiking spots to meet your needs:

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/map-it-vilas-county/id881933385

Biking

• Trails:
• Vilas County has some of the best paved trail biking in the state: https://biketheheart.org/bike-trail-map/
• Win-Man https://www.winmantrails.com/
• Bike Rentals: Coontail: https://coontail.com/pages/rent

Salary : $3 - $65