Description

Umami Riot was born from a simple idea: pair joyful hospitality with uncompromising craftsmanship. Founded by Chef Tim Cushman and sake expert Nancy Cushman, our restaurants celebrate bold flavor, precision, and a deep respect for Japanese foodways – translated through a distinctly Boston lens. At Umami Riot, we’re not here to follow the rules of hospitality, we’re here to rewrite them – with heart, craft and fearless creativity.

Hojoko is where it all comes to life. A Japanese-inspired tavern fueled by loud music, high energy, and seriously good food. It’s where high-end technique meets low-key fun—wagyu cheeseburgers, spicy ramen, sake bombs—executed with the same precision and care as a fine dining kitchen. We take flavor seriously…everything else, not so much.

We’re looking for a Host who runs the door with style, warmth, and undeniable presence.

THE GIG (AKA WHAT YOU’LL ACTUALLY BE DOING)

First impression ownership — warm, confident, unmistakably polished, and setting the tone the moment guests walk through the door
Control of the front-of-house rhythm, managing reservations, waitlists, and seating flow with clarity and ease
Guest connection built through calm communication, accurate wait times, and an ability to make people feel seen, cared for, and excited to be here
A host stand and entryway kept clean, organized, and polished, with attention to detail throughout opening and closing duties
Active support of the dining room through table resets, floor organization, and team collaboration during busy services
A steady, guest-ready presence through long, high-energy shifts, jumping in where needed and showing up reliably for nights, weekends, and holidays

THIS ROLE IS A GREAT FIT IF…

You love connecting with people and making great first impressions
You stay calm, friendly, and composed in high-energy moments
You’re naturally organized and enjoy keeping things running smoothly
You know how to communicate clearly and gracefully
You take pride in being the tone-setter for the entire experience
You bring poise, warmth, and good energy every shift

Requirements

THIS ROLE IS A GREAT FIT IF…

You love connecting with people and making great first impressions
You stay calm, friendly, and composed in high-energy moments
You’re naturally organized and enjoy keeping things running smoothly
You know how to communicate clearly and gracefully
You take pride in being the tone-setter for the entire experience
You bring poise, warmth, and good energy every shift

LET’S SET EXPECTATIONS (IN A GOOD WAY)

This is a high-energy restaurant where the pace is constant, the room stays lively, and the floor never really slows down.

You’ll spend your shifts front and center — moving with confidence through a busy dining room, connecting with guests, and staying locked into the rhythm of service — in a hands-on role that values presence, polish, and a strong commitment to cleanliness, safety, and hospitality standards. We’re committed to providing reasonable accommodations to support individuals in performing the essential functions of the role.

WHY PEOPLE STICK AROUND

Competitive hourly pay - because your work matters
Dining discounts across all Umami Riot locations
Growth that’s real (not just talked about)
A team culture rooted in respect, creativity, and heart

Pay Range: $17 - $20 per hour based on experience

EOE

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