Dynamic Front-of-House Host — Calm, Polished & High-Energy

Umamiriot; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 23,419 - 27,552; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Dining discounts across all Umami Riot locations

Competitive hourly pay

Opportunities for growth

Job summary

O Ya in Boston is seeking a Host to create memorable first impressions and manage front-of-house operations in a high-energy environment. Responsibilities include managing reservations and ensuring a polished and organized entryway. Ideal candidates will have excellent communication skills, a calm demeanor in busy situations, and a strong commitment to hospitality. The position offers competitive hourly pay ranging from $17 to $20 based on experience, as well as dining discounts across all Umami Riot locations.

Qualifications

• Pride in being the tone-setter for the guest experience.
• Ability to manage front-of-house operations smoothly.
• Experience working in a high-energy restaurant environment.

Responsibilities

• Make great first impressions for every guest.
• Manage reservations, waitlists, and seating flow.
• Keep the host stand organized and polished.
• Support dining room operations during busy periods.

Skills

Connecting with people

Calmness in high-energy situations

Organization

Clear communication

Creating a welcoming atmosphere

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 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