Rachel L. Burnett

Starting from humble beginnings, Rachel’s introduction to the hospitality industry came through cocktail serving in some of Detroit’s most popular neighborhood bars. Within a short time, her hustle grew as she gained the skills necessary to become a bartender — quickly mastering the art of high-volume drink slinging. She was then given the opportunity to explore the world of craft cocktails and it was through this discovery that Rachel found her true calling, continuously expressing her creativity through various cocktail innovations and adventures.

In 2016, Rachel joined R.O.C. United, a nonprofit political advocacy organization for hospitality workers that launched the One Fair Wage campaign — a proposal to end the federal subminimum tipped wage. After completing a fellowship with the Economic Justice Coalition of Michigan, Rachel’s leadership and public speaking ability were quickly recognized. She was brought on as a leader within R.O.C., traveling to various states to raise voter engagement, speaking at rallies on Capitol Hill, and eventually becoming a bartender instructor within the organization’s CHOW program — a training and development initiative designed specifically for the hospitality industry.

During her time at R.O.C., Rachel’s career evolved in 2017 when became a traveling bartender. Working in various seasonal resorts across the United States — from Maine to Montana — she gained extensive knowledge and skill in curating cocktails for people of diverse regions and socioeconomic backgrounds. It was also during her travels that Rachel was promoted to various management positions, including Bar Manager, Floor Manager, and Assistant General Manager. She effectively learned the business side of the industry, including bar program development, cocktail costing, labor management, and marketing.

In 2020, Rachel relocated to Chicago, where she spent four years deepening her expertise — working in leadership roles, managing cocktail programs, and expanding her reach as a hospitality consultant. Now based back in her hometown of Detroit, she continues to consult with bar owners, lead education initiatives, and travel frequently between Detroit and Chicago to support projects and creative collaborations across both cities.

Rachel Burnett has spent her career building systems, shifting culture, and creating space. Her work is rooted in intention — blending craft, culture, and education to shape a more inclusive and inspired future in hospitality. With every project, she’s not just raising the bar — she’s conjuring a new era of what hospitality can be.