MEET THE TEAM

  • Born in Fayetteville, Arkansas, Sheamus developed an early passion for food on his grandparents’ farm and honed his skills working in his family’s restaurant under the guidance of his father, a classically trained chef.

    After attending college, Sheamus refined his culinary talents in acclaimed restaurants such as Wolfgang Puck, Sacre Blue, La Coupole, and Mateo. It was in these kitchens where he developed his philosophy of sourcing incredible ingredients and treating them simply to extract the most flavor. At Hillstone Restaurant Group, Sheamus climbed the ranks to become Vice President & Executive Chef, mastering business and operations at scale while delivering consistently high-quality guest experiences. Subsequently, Sheamus co-founded beloved restaurants such as Farmstead in the Napa Valley, and Pony Up in Denver.

    His recent ventures include innovative concepts including Noche Woodfired Grill & Agave Bar, Southland Burrito Co., Malfi Enoteca, & Little Belly Izakaya.

    Sheamus’s innovative approach and dedication to culinary excellence continue to raise the high water mark for restaurant industry standards.

  • Anderson, a Colorado native, is a graduate of Cornell University’s acclaimed School of Hotel Management. Soon after graduation, he ascended the ranks at The Oceanaire Seafood Room in Denver, setting the stage for his next two decades as a restaurateur.

    Joining the esteemed Hillstone Restaurant Group, Anderson’s career took him across the country to New York City, Orange County, Los Angeles, & Aspen, where he and Sheamus launched White House Tavern, Hillstone’s crown jewel in the mountains. After more than 5 years with Hillstone, Anderson joined Catch Hospitality Group in Manhattan overseeing its iconic restaurant in the Meatpacking District before playing a critical role in their expansion to Playa Del Carmen and West Hollywood.

    In 2018, with more than a decade of experience at some of the nations top restaurant groups, Anderson made San Diego his new home, where he and Brian partnered on their first independent venture, Common Stock, a cocktail-focused bar & restaurant serving elevated riffs on nostalgic American classics. Since then, they have concepted, opened and operated restaurants in Newport Beach, Torrey Pines, Las Vegas and Bankers Hill, San Diego.


  • Brian’s infatuation with food and wine ignited while studying abroad in Tuscany between semesters at Yale University. A brief stint in hotel operations followed by an offer to join Hillstone Restaurant Group sealed Brian’s fate as a restaurateur.

    Brian became one of the youngest GMs in the Hillstone’s history, with a career spanning 12 restaurants across 7 regional markets which included White House Tavern in Aspen, where he first met Anderson & Sheamus.

    Brian & Anderson’s shared vision led to the creation of CS Hospitality in 2018, operating concepts such as Common Stock, Farmer & The Seahorse, and their latest venture, Books & Records - a modern take on prohibition era supper clubs, featuring live Jazz nightly.

    Now, after more than a decade of friendship Sheamus, Anderson, and Brian have reunited to form Back Forty Hospitality, a restaurant & hospitality consulting company specializing in concept design, integrated operational development, and management services.

    Recent projects include The Tavern at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas, launched in December 2023, and California English in San Diego, a collaboration with celebrity chef Richard Blais.

OUR SERVICES

  • Market Analysis
    Concept Ideation
    Financial Modeling
    Menu Ideation + Development
    Layout + Space Planning
    Design Team Coordination
    Equipment Specification + Layout
    Value Engineering Support
    Pre-Opening Coordination
    Naming + Identity
    Logo + Brand Development
    Interior/Exterior Wayfinding + Signage

  • Investment Pitch Deck
    Trend Analysis + Development
    Strategic Partnerships
    Partner Outreach + Vetting
    Location Scouting + Site Selection
    License/Lease Negotiation Support
    Organizational Structuring
    Growth Strategy
    Team + Culture Building
    Social Media Strategy
    Marketing
    Advertising

  • Concept Review
    Deep Dive Assessment
    Concept Repositioning
    Systems Development (SOPs)
    Leadership Identification + Acquisition
    Grand Opening Support
    Ongoing Business Review
    Hourly + Management Training
    Operational Playbook
    Task Force Efforts
    Full-Service Operations Oversight + Support

WHERE WE’VE BEEN

Fayetteville, AR
Phoenix , AZ
Los Angeles, CA
Beverly Hills, CA
San Francisco, CA
San Diego, CA
Santa Barbara, CA
Napa Valley, CA
Corona Del Mar, CA
Newport Beach , CA
Aspen, CO
Denver, CO
New Haven, CT
Washington, DC
Rehoboth Beach, DE
Boca Raton, FL

Pompano Beach, FL
Palm Beach , FL
Miami, FL
Orlando, FL
Tampa Bay, FL
Atlanta, GA
New Orleans, LA
Playa Del Carmen, MX
Las Vegas, NV
Ithaca, NY
New York, NY
Philadelphia, PA
Austin, TX
Dallas, TX
Park City, UT
Rogue Valley, OR

Ready to collaborate?

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