Host

Host Position at Umami Riot

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 funwagyu cheeseburgers, spicy ramen, sake bombsexecuted with the same precision and care as a fine dining kitchen. We take flavor seriouslyeverything 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

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