Meet the BHH Team
Matt Brewer
Co-Founder & Operator
Matt blends culinary experience and business leadership to drive Back Home Hospitality’s growth. Having launched acclaimed restaurants in Chicago and San Francisco, he now leads the team’s continued expansion, rooted in integrity, excellence, and connection.
David Nayfeld
Co-Founder & Executive Chef
David brings heart, precision, and purpose to Back Home Hospitality. Trained at the Culinary Institute of America, he refined his craft in world-class kitchens like Eleven Madison Park and Nobu. His blend of artistry and leadership has earned him national acclaim and a James Beard nomination.
Bryn Barone
Director of Restaurants
With roots as a baker and more than 15 years in hospitality, Bryn combines creativity and leadership in every role. After directing operations for Flour + Water Hospitality Group, she joined Che Fico in 2018, where her passion for people and commitment to thoughtful service remain at the heart of every experience.
Giovanni Luciani (Gio)
Culinary Operations Lead
Giovanni blends the discipline of a Bay Area family deli with the precision of a professional kitchen. After college in Flagstaff, he joined Che Fico as a line cook in 2021 and rose quickly through Back Home Hospitality, helping open Che Fico Parco, Che Fico Pizzeria at Chase Center, and Via Aurelia. Today, as Culinary Operations Leader, he shapes the kitchens across the entire portfolio.
Jason Alexander
Wine Director
Jason brings nearly 30 years of experience in food, wine, and hospitality to Back Home Hospitality. He has led acclaimed wine programs at Oliveto, Gary Danko, Cyrus and The Progress/State Bird Provisions and guided winery operations in Napa and Sonoma. Since 2021, his expertise has shaped Che Fico’s thoughtful, forward-looking wine programs.
Danielle Peters-Clossey
Bar Director
Danielle brings nearly two decades of bar and beverage experience to Back Home Hospitality. After shaping programs at Nico and Pläj, she co-founded Whisper Sisters and Wild Craft, blending creativity with community. Since joining in 2024, she continues to champion intentional, approachable hospitality behind every drink.
Ashley Guillory
Director of Events & Sales
Ashley brings over 15 years of hospitality and event sales experience to Back Home Hospitality. A Bay Area native, she has built and scaled event programs for leading restaurant groups, including PlumpJack Group and Sidecar Hospitality. At Splash at Thrive City, she built a high-performing, revenue-driving events program from the ground up. Known for her energetic, relationship-driven approach, Ashley creates thoughtfully curated experiences that elevate every guest experience.
Jeanine Hass-Crocini
Chief of Staff & Director of Guest Relations
Over the past 25 years, Jeanine has turned her genuine love of people and connections into a multifaceted career in hospitality. She helped launch concepts for Wolfgang Puck in Istanbul, Bahrain, and Singapore and served on the leadership team at his Michelin-starred CUT in Singapore. Since joining Back Home Hospitality in January 2026, she has focused on supporting the team behind every guest experience.
John Arcudi
Culinary Operations Manager
Before joining Back Home Hospitality, John spent 12 years at Delfina, where he learned the importance of locality and seasonality in Italian cuisine. He honors the Italian tradition of letting the farmers market guide the menu, and his craft and creativity shine through in his use of California ingredients.
Milu Farlie
Human Resources Manager
Milu brings a perspective to human resources, shaped by experience in restaurant operations and people leadership. Her ground-up understanding of hospitality informs a practical, thoughtful approach to supporting teams and navigating a growing restaurant group. At Back Home Hospitality, she leads HR, overseeing employee relations, compliance, payroll, and people operations while building systems that support employees and leaders.
Amber Garrett
Accounting Manager
Amber brings a background in accounting and finance along with a genuine love for food and hospitality. Drawn to the energy, creativity, and community behind great restaurants, she enjoys bringing her financial experience to an industry she truly loves. At Back Home Hospitality, Amberlyn is excited to help build strong financial operations that support the team and its continued growth.
Kari Young
Digital Marketing Director
Kari brings decades-long experience in the hospitality industry, managing fine dining restaurants and working in Public Relations and Branding for ChefsTable. She has spent the last 15 years as a food photographer, stylist and recipe developer. She has photographed acclaimed restaurants, chefs, and food and beverage brands throughout the US and Australia. Her work has been featured in GQ, Food & Wine, Elle and Esquire. She joined Back Home Hospitality in 2024 to share her passion for restaurants and the dining experience through her lens and voice.