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 Prep Cook who sets the foundation, sharpens the details, and keeps the kitchen one step ahead.
THE GIG (AKA WHAT YOU’LL ACTUALLY BE DOING)
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Calm, precise preparation sets the tone for service — when prep is tight, the entire kitchen moves better
- Ingredients prepared accurately and consistently according to prep lists, recipes, and standards, with knife work and portioning treated as craft
- Support of basic cooking tasks and continuous communication with the culinary team to keep service flowing
- Prep areas, equipment, and storage spaces kept clean, organized, and dialed in, with labeling, rotation, and food handling done to safety standards
- Full engagement in an active kitchen environment, moving with purpose through long shifts in tight spaces and handling the physical rhythm of daily prep work
- Dependability and professionalism brought to every shift, with full availability for nights, weekends, and holidays when the kitchen counts on its foundation
THIS ROLE IS A GREAT FIT IF…
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You love working with your hands and dialing in the details
- You find satisfaction in clean cuts, organized prep, and a tight station
- You thrive in fast-paced kitchens without losing focus
- You listen, learn, and take direction with confidence
- You understand that prep is the backbone of great service
- You bring consistency, integrity, and quiet confidence to your work
