Head Chef/Owner- JJ Boston
Hailing from the gorgeous Pacific Northwest JJ Boston grew up appreciating the beauty of his environment and the simplicity of fresh, local food. He stayed true to his roots through more than 17 years in fine restaurants across the country. He left the corporate world six years ago, and started his business as a personal chef. After growing his client base over four years, JJ opened Back Yard with only two employees and tons of family support. Today, he brings the best of all these experiences together to create a deceptively simple yet innovative dining experience.
Executive Director- Staraya McKinstry
Born in Homer, Alaska, Staraya grew up with pretty down to earth/hippy parents, one younger brother and two younger sisters. She worked on the fishing boats through out high school in order to save enough money to pay for college. She received her master’s degree in Public Health Policy from Indiana University School of Medicine in 2008. Staraya has traveled to Europe and Mexico multiple times, and really enjoys traveling like a local, meaning, staying as far away as possible from tourist spots and really experiencing the culture. She loves yoga, running, walking, hiking, skiing, snowboarding, gardening, visiting her family in Alaska and experiencing life with her boyfriend, Clay Robinson.
Executive Sous Chef- Jenna Gatchell
Jenna was born in Indianapolis and has always had a love for sweets. She attended The Chef’s Academy in Indianapolis with a focus in Pastry Arts and graduated with honors. In the fall of 2008, she moved to San Francisco for an internship at Emporio Rulli and later returned to Indianapolis where she became the Executive Sous and Pastry Chef for the Back Yard team. Jenna enjoys anything outdoors, exploring new cultures, foods and traveling. In July of 2011, she traveled to Japan to visit family. While there she climbed Mt. Fuji, and explored new cultures and cuisines.
Director of Hospitality-Rebecca White
Rebecca is a true Hoosier who was born in the small town of Winchester, IN. She was recruited at a young age to help her mother and grandmother with many large family events, where she absorbed knowledge in hospitality one can only gain from a grandmother. Rebecca’s life experience, paired with over ten years of dedication to the restaurant and hospitality industry, has made her a seasoned veteran in providing a warm, inviting atmosphere. She graduated with honors from Noblesville High School and studied at Belmont University. She believes in supporting local community, character, and prosperity. Rebecca enjoys building relationships with her clients, and she works hard to ensure the best Chef JJ’s experience for each and every one. Rebecca resides in downtown Noblesville with her husband, Jordan White.
Events & Promotions Director- Erin Justice
Raised in northwest Indiana, Erin moved to Indianapolis to engage in higher education opportunities. She graduated from the University of Indianapolis with a degree in Communication and minor in Marketing. Her last four years consisted mostly of working in radio and sports. She traveled the Midwest broadcasting UIndy men’s and women’s basketball, and worked part-time doing promotions for local radio stations. She is a sucker for an adrenaline rush, such as skydiving, and spends as much time as possible with family and friends. Erin loves to stay active, and will try any food once. She’s found both of these qualities to be very useful at Chef JJ’s.
Sous Chef- Steven Unrue
Steven is a relative newcomer to the Indianapolis Food Scene. He started his Culinary Career by working from the ground up. His Journey began at The Summit Club in Fort Wayne, Indiana and has led him through other prestigious clubs like Meridian Hills Country Club and Crooked Stick Golf Club in Indiana. Steven’s most recent chef experience was at Tastings, where he put together great wine and beer pairing dinners. Chef Steven’s passion lies in keeping great food simple, striving to include as much local ingredients as possible, and continuing to further his education by trying new and innovative ways to put his vision of great cuisine on the plate.
Grillmaster- Barry Smith
Barry worked in IT for nearly 15 years out of college. He tired of living in a cube farm, and broke free to attend culinary school. An admitted travel addict, he has visited Hawaii over a dozen times, and ventured to almost 15 countries. He has conquered the Indy Mini about 15 times and the Indy Marathon once. Barry is passionate about the Colts, and held season tickets for nearly 25 years. He and his wife, Sarah, have two ornery kids, Addison and Jack.
Retail Manager- Boyd Edelin
Boyd lived most of his life in Spokane, Washington. He graduated from EWSU with an accounting degree. As the elder statesman of the team, Boyd has worked about all types of retail over many years. This makes him very qualified to be Chef JJ’s retail manager. He was also a professional bowler and pro shop operator for a number of years which he admits was more fun than work. Boyd landed at Chef JJ’s mostly because he is JJ’s stepfather, and he wanted to do everything he could to help him succeed.
Utility Infielder – Omar Rubio
Born in Michoacán, Mexico, Omar spent eight years in Michigan before moving to Indiana. He has worked for restaurants for 3 years. Omar enjoys cooking, dancing, playing any sport (especially soccer) and bull riding. He’s eaten some crazy foods including snake and iguana! His last meal would be his mom’s chile rellenos, and he appreciates Chef JJ’s for it’s a unique concept and fun work environment.
Marketing- Jina Kim
Near the beaches of Southern California, Jina grew up enjoying all things outdoors. She attended college in Seattle as well as San Francisco, and worked as a snowboard instructor in Lake Tahoe. Eventually she returned to LA to work in films, where she focuses on implementing green production practices. She fell in love with Chef JJ’s Back Yard while attending her sister’s wedding. This marked the beginning of a beautiful relationship, and she now swears by the Big Green Egg.