Samantha Buckley

Ghost Taco started in the middle of uncertainty, built from instinct, creativity, and a belief that there was space for something different in the fast casual world. As Co-Founder and CEO, I’ve been hands-on in every part of the journey, from shaping the concept and building the brand to scaling it into a growing franchise system. What began as a pop up has evolved into a multi-location business with a clear identity, strong unit economics, and a loyal following. My focus has always been on building something that actually works. Not just on paper, but in real life. That means creating systems that support franchisees, driving marketing that connects locally, and staying close to the day to day operations so nothing gets lost as we grow. A big part of my role is working alongside our franchise partners, helping them navigate their own growth while making sure each location delivers the same level of experience, consistency, and energy that defines the brand. At the same time, I’m constantly refining the model, looking at where we can improve margins, simplify operations, and keep the concept evolving with the market. I’m deeply involved in everything from brand positioning and marketing strategy to financial performance, supplier relationships, and team development. It’s a balance of creative vision and operational discipline, and that’s where I do my best work. We’ve grown quickly, but intentionally, with a focus on the right partners, the right locations, and a culture that people actually want to be part of. And we’re just getting started.

As Owner, CEO, and Creative Director of EVENTMRKT, I’ve built a space that’s about so much more than events. It’s about creating experiences people actually feel and remember. From day one, I’ve been deeply involved in every part of the business, shaping the vision, building the brand, and growing it into a go-to destination for weddings, corporate events, and everything in between. It’s always been a balance of creativity and execution. Designing the experience while making sure the business behind it runs seamlessly. I oversee the full operation, from financial performance and sales strategy to marketing and day to day execution, but what really drives me is the experience itself. The details, the flow of a room, the energy of a night, how everything comes together to create something memorable. A big part of what we’ve built comes down to relationships. With our team, with our clients, and with the network of vendors and partners who help bring each event to life. That collaboration is what allows us to keep evolving, stay ahead of trends, and continue raising the bar. Like everything I build, it’s never static. I’m constantly refining, adjusting, and pushing it forward to make sure it stays relevant, efficient, and aligned with where the industry is going. It’s a business rooted in experience, but powered by strong systems, creativity, and a team that genuinely cares.

Ground Burger Bar was the project that changed everything for me. After years in the corporate fashion world, I felt the pull to build something of my own. Something tangible, creative, and rooted in real connection. So alongside my husband, I took the leap into entrepreneurship and never looked back. What started as a passion project quickly became a full build from the ground up. From shaping the concept and developing the menu to building out the space and creating a brand people could connect with. I was involved in every detail, working closely with designers, contractors, and partners to bring the vision to life in a way that felt intentional and cohesive. In the early days, I was deep in the operations. Hiring and leading the team, managing inventory and financials, building supplier relationships, and making sure the guest experience felt consistent every single time. At the same time, I was focused on getting the word out, building awareness locally, and creating momentum through marketing and community engagement. It was hands on, fast paced, and at times chaotic, but it laid the foundation for everything that came after. It taught me how to build, how to adapt, and how to trust my instincts. Today, it’s still flourishing under an incredible team we’ve built, which is something I’m really proud of. More than anything, it was the beginning of the entrepreneurial path my husband and I are still on today.

My career started in fashion wholesale, where I learned how to sell, build relationships, and move quickly in a fast-paced, competitive environment. In my early 20s, I quickly became one of the top sales executives, not just by hitting targets, but by truly understanding the businesses behind each account. I focused on building real relationships, learning what my clients needed to succeed, and aligning our product and strategy to support that. I was deeply involved in every part of the process, from working with design and production teams to ensure we were delivering the right product, to managing timelines, coordinating launches, and making sure everything showed up exactly as it should. I spent a lot of time analyzing sales data, spotting trends early, and finding opportunities to grow accounts in a way that felt intentional, not forced. Trade shows, client meetings, market appointments, it was constant movement, constant learning, and a crash course in how to build momentum in a business. That chapter built the foundation for everything I’ve done since. It gave me my drive, my instinct, and my ability to execute. It’s where I learned how to trust my gut, move fast, and make things happen.