Assistant General Manager

Umami Riot; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Dining discounts across all Umami Riot

Competitive pay

Growth opportunities

Job summary

Umami Riot in Boston is seeking an Assistant General Manager who thrives on high-energy, hands-on leadership. You will shape daily rhythm, culture, and standards alongside the General Manager, owning guest experience and ensuring smooth, confident service at every touchpoint.

You’ll lead with a hospitality-first mindset, stay calm under pressure, and model accountability in real time, while upholding beverage operations, food safety, and sanitation.

Qualifications

• Experience leading a restaurant service team.
• Excellent guest service mindset.
• Strong knowledge of service standards and sanitation.

Responsibilities

• Hands-on leadership shaping daily rhythm, culture, and standards of the restaurant with the General Manager.
• Own guest experience and daily operations to keep service smooth and confident.
• Lead with hospitality-first approach, remaining calm and communicative under pressure.
• Demonstrate accountability, anticipate needs, and model responsible leadership in real time.
• Ensure adherence to beverage operations, food safety, and sanitation best practices.
• Be visible on the floor during long shifts, supporting the team on nights, weekends, and holidays.

Skills

Hands-on leadership

Guest experience focus

Food safety & sanitation

Service standards

Job description

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 an Assistant General Manager who wants more than just a job. If you want adrenaline, growth, and pride on the plate—read on.

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

• Hands-on leadership shaping the daily rhythm, culture, and standards of the restaurant alongside the General Manager
• Clear ownership of guest experience and daily operations, keeping service smooth, confident, and intentional at every touchpoint
• Hospitality-first leadership style — kind, composed, communicative, and tuned into both guests and team
• Calm, organized presence under pressure, anticipating needs, taking initiative, and modeling accountability in real time
• Strong understanding of service standards, beverage operations, food safety, and sanitation, with pride in doing things the right way
• Active, visible leadership through long, high-energy shifts — comfortable moving through tight spaces, supporting the team, and showing up for nights, weekends, and holidays when leadership matters

THIS ROLE IS A GREAT FIT IF…

• You lead from the floor and believe presence matters
• You take pride in running a tight, intentional service while keeping hospitality warm and human
• You enjoy coaching people and holding high standards without ego
• You’re comfortable making decisions, solving problems, and owning outcomes
• You thrive in fast-paced environments where no two days look the same

Requirements

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.

Yes — this is a hands-on role. You’ll be on your feet for long shifts, lifting up to 50 lbs., bending, reaching, and moving easily through tight spaces. A disciplined commitment to sanitation, safety, and cleanliness is part of the craft here, and we’re committed to providing reasonable accommodations to support individuals in performing the essential functions of the role.

WHY PEOPLE STICK AROUND

• Competitive 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 $65,000 - $80,000 based on experience

EOE