Back to Basics podcast cuts through the noise to focus on what matters in hospitality. Join Rachael Nemeth, CEO of Opus Training, as she talks with service industry leaders who are shaping today's workforce.
Rachael led operations and people for over a decade in the hospitality industry, most recently for Danny Meyer's Union Square Hospitality Group. She comes from a family of restaurant veterans, including her grandfather who owned Don's World of Beef, a restaurant chain based in Kansas City in the 1960's.
Aaron Noveshen is a chef, entrepreneur, and innovator reshaping the fast food industry. As the Founder and CEO of Starbird Chicken, Aaron has redefined what modern fast casual can be—centered on quality, operational innovation, and people-first leadership.
Before launching Starbird, Aaron co-founded World Wrapps and Pacific Catch and founded The Culinary Edge, a San Francisco-based food consultancy behind brands like Starbucks, Sweetgreen, and First Watch.
At Starbird, Aaron has pioneered new approaches to recruiting and people development, including transparent pay bands, career progression tracks, and internal ownership opportunities—all built to drive sustainable growth and authentic culture.
His leadership continues to set a new standard for how hospitality brands can invest in their teams while delivering industry-leading results.
Andy Hooper is a nationally recognized restaurant executive, investor, and culture-first operator who has reshaped how hospitality brands scale.
He most recently served as CEO and Co-Founder of Hart House, a fully plant-based QSR co-founded with Kevin Hart, built on the principles of accessibility, sustainability, and equity. Prior to that, Andy helped lead &pizza as President, where he transformed the brand into a people-first powerhouse known for redefining what the future of work could look like in restaurants.
At Cafe Rio, he played a key role in tripling unit count while leading concept innovation and employee development. His career began at Burger King, where he spent nearly a decade building talent systems that served thousands across North America.
Now an investor and board advisor, Andy continues to champion people-led growth.
Blake Buchanan is the Founder and CEO of Bahama Buck’s, a Midwest-based shaved ice franchise with over 100 locations and a 35+ year legacy. Known for infusing hospitality with heart, Blake has built a people-first business that balances family ownership with bold innovation.
Alongside his wife and Chief Operating Officer, Kippy Buchanan, Blake has led Bahama Buck’s with a shared commitment to culture, leadership development, and guest delight. Together, they’ve scaled the brand through internal talent pipelines, values-led franchising, and a distinctive experience centered on what the company calls “mini vacations.”
With transparent pay practices, family-focused benefits, and a belief in servant leadership, Blake continues to shape a franchise model where joy, operational excellence, and strong culture go hand in hand.
Celton Hayden, based in Baton Rouge, LA, US, is currently a Chief Executive Officer and President at CC's Coffee House.
Darren Spicer is the CEO & Co-Founder of Clutch Coffee Bar, a premium drive-thru beverage brand based in the Carolinas. A transformative leader, Darren helps companies grow in a way that positively impacts society and cultivates a sense of community. Under his leadership, Clutch has grown rapidly to multiple locations and established a fanatically loyal, recurring customer base through unparalleled customer experience, speed, quality, and investment in local communities and charities.
Gregg Majewski is the CEO and founder of Craveworthy Brands and former CEO of Jimmy John's Gourmet Sandwiches. He also serves as the CEO of Dirty Dough Cookies.
Known for driving business transformation while putting people first, Gregg leads teams with humility. His approach includes introducing new revenue streams and crafting effective grassroots marketing strategies.