General Manager

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 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)

• Lead the restaurant with confidence and intention, setting the standard for hospitality, professionalism, and performance across all teams
• Build, coach, and develop people at every level, fostering accountability, growth, and pride while handling performance decisively and fairly
• Own the rhythm of front-of-house operations — staffing, scheduling, service execution, setup, and breakdown — across all service styles and dining formats
• Act as the central point of alignment between front and heart of house, anticipating needs, adjusting in real time, and keeping service seamless
• Protect and elevate the guest experience by leading from the floor, building genuine connections, and ensuring service reflects brand standards
• Run the business with purpose — overseeing costs, inventory, beverage operations, compliance, and events to drive consistency, momentum, and growth

THIS ROLE IS A GREAT FIT IF…

• You bring 5+ years of restaurant or hospitality experience, including time in management, and know how to lead service from the floor, not just the office
• You have a strong grip on operations — service standards, beverage programs, food safety, sanitation — and care about doing things the right way
• You’re a natural leader who motivates, coaches, and develops people with clarity, consistency, and follow-through
• You communicate clearly and confidently, building trust with teams and guests alike
• You stay organized and detail-driven, even when the pace is high and the room is full
• You lead with integrity, professionalism, and urgency, thrive in fast-paced environments, and show up ready for nights, weekends, and holidays when leadership matters.

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 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 - $85,000-$90,000