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 Server who leads with confidence, connects with intention, and turns great service into an unforgettable experience.
THE GIG (AKA WHAT YOU’LL ACTUALLY BE DOING)
- Guide-first service that sets the pace, reads the room, and makes every table feel intentionally cared for
- Warm, confident presence that blends polish, precision, and personality from first greeting to final farewell
- Fluent navigation of food and beverage offerings, with thoughtful recommendations and pairings that elevate the experience
- Refined execution of steps of service — glassware, plate drops, timing, and transitions handled with ease
- A clean, polished dining room maintained throughout service, with proactive communication and support for opening, closing, and restocking
- Strong floor presence in a fast-paced environment, moving confidently through busy services and showing up guest-ready for nights, weekends, and high-energy shifts
THIS ROLE IS A GREAT FIT IF…
- You love connecting with guests and creating real moments
- You’re polished, confident, and comfortable being front and center
- You thrive in high-energy, elevated dining rooms
- You care about details — timing, presentation, and flow matter
- You know how to manage multiple tables without breaking stride
- You bring charm, focus, and professionalism to 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 & tips - 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: $6.75 plus tips
EOE