Award winning, Oto Sushi is opening a new location in Encinitas, and we are building our opening team. We are currently hiring experienced, hospitality-driven hosts, and server assistants who want to be part of a polished but welcoming restaurant environment.
Oto is a modern Japanese restaurant focused on sustainable sushi, robatayaki, high-quality ingredients, thoughtful cocktails, sake, and genuine hospitality. Our food and beverage programs are made from scratch, and our service style is knowledgeable, team-oriented, and approachable.
Hosts
Our hosts set the tone for the entire guest experience. We are looking for organized, confident, friendly people who can warmly welcome guests while managing reservations, walk-ins, wait times, seating flow, and communication with the service team.
Host responsibilities include:
- Greeting every guest warmly and professionally
- Managing reservations, walk-ins, and the waitlist
- Creating balanced seating rotations
- Communicating clearly with servers, bussers, and managers
- Answering phones and assisting with guest questions
- Maintaining an organized and welcoming entrance
- Staying calm and solution-oriented during busy services
Previous hosting or customer-service experience is preferred, but we are open to training the right person.
Server Assistants
We are looking for energetic, observant, and dependable bussers who understand that great service depends on teamwork and attention to detail.
Server Assistants responsibilities include:
- Clearing, cleaning, and resetting tables quickly and correctly
- Maintaining water service and assisting with table maintenance
- Supporting servers throughout each stage of service
- Communicating table status with hosts and managers
- Maintaining clean dining rooms and service stations
- Assisting with opening, closing, and side work
- Moving quickly while remaining aware of guests and teammates
Experience is helpful, but reliability, urgency, and a positive attitude are most important.
What We Are Looking For
All applicants should be:
- Dependable, punctual, and professional
- Warm, genuine, and guest-focused
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced restaurant
- Strong communicators and team players
- Willing to learn and receive feedback
- Organized and attentive to cleanliness
- Available for nights, weekends, and holidays
- Excited to help open and build a new restaurant
We are looking for people who take hospitality seriously without taking themselves too seriously. Ego, negativity, drama, and an “that’s not my job” attitude will not be a fit for our team.
What We Offer
- Competitive hourly pay and tips
- Full-time and part-time opportunities
- Training on Japanese cuisine, sushi, sake, and hospitality
- Employee dining benefits
- Opportunities to grow as Oto expands
- A team-focused and professionally managed work environment
- The opportunity to help shape a new restaurant from opening day
Requirements
- Must be legally authorized to work in the United States
- Must be able to stand and move throughout a full shift
- Must be able to safely lift up to 30 pounds
- Food Handler Card required upon hire
- Bartenders and alcohol-serving employees must complete required California alcohol-service certifications
- Reliable transportation and consistent availability are required
Pay: From $17.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
Work Location: In person
