What are the responsibilities and job description for the Maître d’ position at Umami Riot Experience?
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.
The Gig (aka What You’ll Actually Be Doing)
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
EOE
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.
- ya is a refined, chef-driven dining experience rooted in precision, technique, and intentional hospitality. Every dish reflects discipline, creativity, and an uncompromising commitment to excellence. This is an opportunity to work in a Michelin-minded environment where craftsmanship matters and growth is earned through dedication to the art.
The Gig (aka What You’ll Actually Be Doing)
- Set the tone for the dining room from open to close, owning first impressions, pacing, and the overall flow of service
- Guide the rhythm of the floor with calm authority, balancing warmth, confidence, and precision even when the room is full
- Welcome, seat, and engage guests with intention, making them feel seen, valued, and excited to be there
- Manage reservations, walk-ins, and waitlists with clarity, honesty, and grace while coordinating closely with FOH and HOH leadership
- Maintain a polished, organized entry experience and support the floor with table turns, service adjustments, and real-time problem solving
- Lead by presence — staying visible, guest-ready, and composed through nights, weekends, and high-energy services
- Hospitality comes naturally, and presence is your superpower
- You read a room instinctively and know how to pace service without calling attention to it
- You’re calm under pressure and composed in high-energy environments
- You care deeply about the guest experience and the team delivering it
- You enjoy leading from the floor, not the sidelines
- You believe great service should feel effortless, even when it’s not
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
EOE
Salary : $20 - $22