Aaron is a visionary entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in creating and leading innovative food and beverage concepts. He is the founder and CEO of Starbird, a fast-casual chicken restaurant chain that has won multiple awards and has expanded to 16 locations, including major venues like SFO and Levi's Stadium.He is also the founder and former chairman of The Culinary Edge, a leading food and beverage innovation firm that helps clients with actionable strategic, culinary, and operational solutions. He has worked with global and local brands such as Starbucks, Sweetgreen, McDonald's, Hyatt, and many more. Additionally, he is the co-founder and board director of Pacific Catch, a West Coast fish house with 14 locations in California. Aaron is passionate about giving back to the industry and serves as Director Emeritus of the California Restaurant Association and the former Chairman of the board of the California Restaurant Association Foundation.