Host

Umami Riot Experience; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 20,664 - 27,552; Full time

Job summary

A vibrant dining establishment in Boston is seeking a Host to join their team. This role is crucial as the Host serves as the first point of contact for guests, ensuring a warm welcome and managing the reservation system. Ideal candidates will have prior restaurant experience, excellent communication skills, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment. The position requires standing for long periods and lifting items up to 50 pounds, with flexibility for night and weekend shifts.

Qualifications

• Must be able to work nights, weekends, and holidays as required.
• Able to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
• Ability to stand for extended periods, including 8+ hour shifts.

Responsibilities

• Elevate guest experiences by providing exemplary first impressions.
• Maintain a safe and organized workspace.
• Manage reservation system and organize restaurant supplies.
• Greet and check in all guests with accurate information.
• Support front-of-house team as needed.

Skills

Prior restaurant experience

Excellent organizational skills

Communication skills

Ability to work under pressure

Team collaboration

Job description

Overview

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.

We are seeking a Host to join our growing team. The Host serves as the first point of connection for our guests and plays a key role in shaping the overall dining experience. With a strong emphasis on hospitality, this position is responsible for warmly welcoming and seating guests, managing reservations and waitlists, and thoughtfully guiding the flow of service in the dining room. The ideal candidate brings a genuine passion for hospitality, attention to detail, and the ability to create a welcoming and memorable first impression for every guest.

Responsibilities

• Elevate all guest experiences by providing exemplary first impressions at the door.
• Deliver memorable dining experiences by addressing all customer issues promptly.
• Maintain a safe and organized workspace, including storage, coat closet, and host stand.
• Maintain and organize menus, manage reservation system, and organize restaurant supplies in an efficient and thoughtful manner.
• Provide attentive hospitality by addressing guest questions or concerns and directing them to the appropriate team member when necessary.
• Execute opening and closing side-work such as menu maintenance, window cleaning and bathroom restocking.
• Greet and check in all guests and provide guests with accurate information regarding their reservation or the current wait time for a table.
• Assist with the clearing of tables, clearing of place settings, and keeping the dining area neat and pleasant.
• Set and rearrange tables to accommodate larger parties and assist with restaurant setup for special events or busy service periods.
• Set tables and rearrange the dining area to accommodate larger groups and prepare the restaurant for special events.
• Support the front-of-house team as needed to ensure an exceptional guest experience.
• Additional duties as required.

Requirements

• Prior restaurant experience
• Able to work quickly under pressure in fast-paced environment
• Self-motivated and able to work independently with minimal supervision
• Excellent organizational & communication skills
• Availability to work nights, weekends, and holidays as required
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions
• Ability to stand and remain on your feet for extended periods, including shifts of 8+ hours
• Ability to lift, carry, and transport items weighing up to 50 pounds
• Ability to bend, kneel, reach overhead, and work in small or confined spaces as needed during service

EOE