Shows
Digital HospitalityRising Tides Live: Community WorkIn this session of Rising Tides Live, hosted by Shawn Walchef, the community gathered to explore how businesses can give back through authentic community service, even with limited time or resources. From hosting BBQ festivals to mentoring neurodivergent entrepreneurs or partnering with local schools, participants showed that impact starts with individual action. The conversation highlighted why giving back should reflect your brand’s DNA—not just be a marketing tactic. Whether mentoring future hospitality leaders, building school partnerships, or offering a listening ear to struggling founders, leaders are finding creative ways to serve. This episode reminds us that service, like s...2025-05-0844 minDigital HospitalityDavid Meltzer & Shawn Will Takeover the National Restaurant Show 2025At the National Restaurant Association Show, Digital Hospitality Shawn Walchef and his mentor David Meltzer are applying Stage Theory to help restaurant owners and entrepreneurs turn events into engines for business growth. Through live interviews, curated VIP experiences, and post-production content, they aim to amplify stories of resilience, innovation, and service.
Interview Takeaways:
Stage Theory: Turning Moments into MomentumStage Theory empowers businesses to transform live industry events into long-term growth by strategically capturing, amplifying, and repurposing valuable content for future engagement.
Post-Production: The Real ROI of EventsThe greatest value from attending...2025-05-0814 minDigital HospitalityRising Tides Live: The Restaurant Labor PlaybookIn this episode of Rising Tides Live, the conversation focuses on how restaurant operators can better manage their teams and labor costs in today’s challenging environment. Guest Jordan Boesch, CEO of 7shifts, joins host Shawn Walchef and the Rising Tides community to explore key lessons from The Restaurant Labor Playbook, a new guide created to help restaurants improve team productivity, retention, and profitability. Together, they discuss why building for the frontline matters, how scheduling impacts workplace culture, and what operators need to know about labor trends, compliance, and tech adoption. The group also dives into practical tools and mi...2025-05-061h 00Digital HospitalityRising Tides Live: Data vs InstinctsIn this session of Rising Tides Live, hosted by Shawn Walchef, the group explores the ongoing tension between data and gut instinct—and how modern business leaders are learning to blend both. Whether you’re managing a single restaurant or scaling a multi-unit operation, the pressure to make smart, fast decisions is real. But how do you know when to trust the numbers, and when to follow your intuition? This conversation dives into real-world stories of wins and losses, from marketing mishaps and menu rollouts to loyalty programs and equipment investments. From digging into guest behavior analytics to using AI for...2025-05-0156 minDigital HospitalityThe Number One Thing To Do When Marketing Your BusinessShawn Walchef thought he understood social media—until he discovered the deeper power of storytelling. His Orange Tree Theory was born from a real tree planted by his immigrant grandfather outside the family restaurant. Overlooked for decades, that tree became a symbol of legacy, values, and identity once its story was shared. Now a cornerstone of Cali BBQ’s brand, it inspires Walchef’s message to business owners everywhere: stop treating content like a commercial and start telling stories that matter. Your business already has meaningful moments—like your own orange tree—you just haven’t shared them yet. It’s time to...2025-05-0110 minDigital HospitalityRising Tides Live: Planning for the National Restaurant ShowIn this session of Rising Tides Live, hosted by Shawn Walchef, the group dives into how to maximize the experience of attending the 2025 National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago. Whether it’s your first time walking the floor, your tenth time exhibiting, or your chance to finally meet longtime digital connections in real life, this event is packed with opportunities. More than just a massive trade show, NRA is a place to build relationships, discover innovations, and strengthen your brand presence. From setting up booth meetings to joining Rising Tides community meetups and documenting your journey through social media, this...2025-04-3049 minDigital HospitalityRising Tides Live: Business MilestonesIn this session of Rising Tides Live, hosted by Shawn Walchef, the group dives into the meaning behind business milestones—and why most people don’t celebrate them enough. Whether it’s opening your first restaurant, hitting a round-number anniversary, or simply surviving another month in business, these moments deserve recognition. More than just feel-good celebrations, milestones can drive connection, storytelling, team morale, and customer loyalty. From viral TikTok promos to client thank-you packages and personal goal tracking, this episode is full of examples from leaders who are learning to pause, reflect, and share the journey.
Interview...2025-04-2559 minDigital HospitalityThe Traditional Restaurant Model Is DeadRunning a successful restaurant today means becoming more than a chef or operator—you have to be a storyteller. Shawn Walchef, founder of Cali BBQ Media, believes digital content is now just as essential as great food. From swapping out legacy tech for cloud-based systems to sharing behind-the-scenes moments on YouTube and LinkedIn, Shawn champions “digital hospitality.” He urges restaurateurs to stop waiting for perfect conditions and start using their phones to build brand trust. Whether it’s through failure, experimentation, or honest storytelling, modern restaurants must think like media companies to grow—and thrive—in a digital-first world.
I...2025-04-2411 minDigital HospitalityNo One Is Coming to Tell The Story of Your BusinessAt the California Restaurant Show, Shawn Walchef of Cali BBQ Media took the stage to share an important lesson: Every business has a story that deserves to be told. While his session emphasized digital storytelling, it was a particular moment—his Orange Tree Story—that truly resonated with the audience. Walchef recounted the significance of an orange […]2025-03-1214 minDigital HospitalityRising Tides Live: Storytelling 101In this session, we dive into the fundamentals of effective storytelling and why mastering this skill is essential for business owners, content creators, and entrepreneurs. In this episode of Rising Tides Live, hosted by Shawn Walchef, the group explores the power of storytelling in building connections, engaging audiences, and driving business success. The conversation highlights key storytelling […]2025-03-031h 00Digital HospitalityWhy Every Business Needs YouTubeShawn Walchef knows the power of digital storytelling. As the owner of Cali BBQ and founder of Cali BBQ Media, he’s spent 17 years building a brand that’s as much about content as it is about barbecue. But at the Google Restaurant Industry Influencers Summit in New York City, Shawn wasn’t just talking about restaurants—he […]2025-02-2611 minDigital HospitalityRising Tides Live: Valentine’s Day HospitalityIn this session, we explore what Valentine’s Day means in the world of hospitality and how businesses can create truly memorable experiences beyond just the holiday rush. In this episode of Rising Tides Live, hosted by Shawn Walchef, the group shares stories of connection, customer service, and creative marketing strategies that make Valentine’s Day special for both […]2025-02-2051 minDigital HospitalityRising Tides Live: Going ViralIn this session, we discuss what it really means to go viral in today’s digital landscape and why it may not be the right goal for content creators, business owners, and entrepreneurs. In this episode of Rising Tides Live, hosted by Shawn Walchef, the group discusses smartphone storytelling, audience engagement, and the role of consistency […]2025-02-191h 14Digital HospitalityRising Tides Live: Digital Tipping With Brian Hassan and Justin Roberts of KickfinIn this episode of Rising Tides Live, the conversation explores the evolving landscape of digital tipping and its impact on the restaurant and hospitality industry, featuring insights from Brian Hassan and Justin Roberts of Kickfin. Brian and Justin join host Shawn Walchef to discuss how digital gratuity solutions are transforming tip management, improving transparency, and […]2025-02-131h 13Digital HospitalityHow to Produce Content in 2025Shawn Walchef steps into the guest seat for the very first episode of The Pineapple Perspective with Troy Hooper. As the CEO of Hot Palette America, Troy has spent years leading and innovating in the restaurant industry. Now, he’s amplifying hospitality voices with his new podcast. And who better to kick things off than Shawn, […]2025-02-1200 minDigital HospitalityRising Tides Live: Super Bowl HospitalityIn this episode of Rising Tides Live, the conversation centers on the Super Bowl’s impact on hospitality and business. Host Shawn Walchef is joined by industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and restaurant professionals to explore how the biggest event in sports drives opportunities for storytelling, community engagement, and brand growth. They discuss the evolution of Radio Row, […]2025-02-121h 13Digital HospitalityRising Tides Live: Never Again In BusinessIn this episode of Rising Tides Live, the conversation dives into the invaluable lessons learned from mistakes in business—those defining moments that make us say, never again. Host Shawn Walchef is joined by a group of business owners, entrepreneurs, and hospitality leaders who share their hard-earned wisdom on avoiding costly missteps. From partnerships gone wrong […]2025-02-0656 minDigital HospitalityDavid Meltzer on the Rise of Media as a Service and Its Impact on BusinessIn this latest Coaching Call with entrepreneur, podcast host, and mentor David Meltzer, host Shawn Walchef discusses “Media as a Service” (MaaS) and how it is transforming business, branding, and community engagement. Drawing from his extensive experience in media, entrepreneurship, and mentorship. David Meltzer explains how the evolution of media parallels the growth of Software […]2025-02-0518 minDigital HospitalityRising Tides Live: The Accountability ClubIn this episode of Rising Tides Live, the conversation explores the power of accountability in the restaurant industry and beyond. Featured guest Jason Berkowitz, a seasoned restaurateur, partner, and founder of Arrow Up Training—shares his journey of harnessing accountability to enhance employee engagement and guest experiences. Jason joins host Shawn Walchef to delve into how […]2025-02-041h 24Digital HospitalityRising Tides Live: British Takeover!Welcome to this special edition of Rising Tides Live—the British Takeover! With Shawn Walchef in NYC for the day, we’re handing the reins over to the UK’s finest: Adam Forman, Scot Turner, and Richard Liverman. In true British fashion, expect sharp wit, lively banter, and plenty of insight as they dive into the world of […]2025-01-301h 28Digital HospitalityDavid Meltzer’s Master Class on Social Selling In 2025In this latest Coaching Call with entrepreneur, podcast host, and mentor David Meltzer, host Shawn Walchef discusses “Social Selling in 2025” and how technology is reshaping the intersection of media, sales, and community building. Shawn and David dive deep into strategies for leveraging media as a sales tool, the importance of credibility and consistency, and […]2025-01-2918 minDigital HospitalityRising Tides Live: Hooked On HospitalityIn this special episode of Rising Tides Live, Jordan Silverman, CEO of Starfish, steps in for Shawn Walchef to host a compelling conversation about the journey into the hospitality industry and what makes it so captivating. Jordan is joined by his special guest, Matt Hardoon, VP of Sales at Sauce, for an engaging discussion centered […]2025-01-281h 08Digital HospitalityRising Tides Live: Google For RestaurantsIn this episode of Rising Tides Live, the conversation explores the evolving role of digital tools and strategies for restaurants and small businesses, featuring insights from Mike Gnagy. Mike joins host Shawn Walchef to discuss practical ways businesses can optimize their digital presence. From leveraging Google Business Profiles and maximizing online reviews to connecting social […]2025-01-241h 31Digital HospitalityLessons in Catering and Storytelling with Behind The Scenes AccessShawn Walchef, the owner of Cali BBQ in San Diego, is not just redefining barbecue; he’s reshaping how restaurants connect with their audience through storytelling and transparency. On a recent Saturday livestream, Shawn, alongside Director of Events and Hospitality, Steven Swiderski, gave viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the art of catering, technology integration, and the […]2025-01-2300 minDigital HospitalityRising Tides Live: Creating A Great EmailIn this special episode of Rising Tides Live, Shawn Walchef is joined by Matt Plapp, Chief Energy Officer of America’s Best Restaurants, for a deep dive into the power of email marketing and its vital role in building customer relationships. Matt shares his expertise on leveraging email to attract, engage, and retain customers, highlighting actionable […]2025-01-211h 18Digital HospitalityRising Tides: GIFs For BusinessIn this special episode of Rising Tides Live, host Shawn Walchef explores the creative and strategic impact of branded GIFs with Elizabeth Doss, a motion graphic designer and verified GIPHY artist. Together, they dive into how businesses can use GIFs to boost engagement, build community, and establish brand identity across digital platforms. Elizabeth shares her […]2025-01-161h 14Digital HospitalityDon’t Be a Fool and Embrace the Power of Repetition for SuccessIn this latest Coaching Call with entrepreneur, podcast host, and mentor David Meltzer, host Shawn Walchef discusses the transformative power of repetition, how it shapes personal and professional growth, and its critical role in building lasting success. David Meltzer has always had confidence speaking in public, something he attributes to being ‘born with it,’ yet […]2025-01-1517 minDigital HospitalityNobody Is Coming To Tell Your Story: Shawn Walchef and Scot TurnerIn this unique episode of Digital Hospitality, we feature an interview from Hospitality Huddles, where Scot Turner sits down with Shawn Walchef. Shawn shares his powerful philosophy: no one is coming to tell your story, so you must embrace the tools at your disposal to share it yourself. From building authentic connections to leveraging digital […]2025-01-0800 minDigital HospitalityCoaching Call with David Meltzer: Capturing Your EssenceIn this latest Coaching Call with entrepreneur, podcast host, and mentor David Meltzer, host Shawn Walchef explores the evolution of modern marketing, and the profound importance of capturing essence in today’s digital landscape. With over 25 years of uninterrupted weekly trainings, David Meltzer exemplifies the value of commitment. As he says, “I haven’t missed a […]2025-01-0315 minDigital HospitalityRising Tides: How Will 2025 Be Different?Reflecting on 2024 and Preparing for 2025! In this episode of Rising Tides Live, the community gathers to reflect on the challenges, triumphs, and lessons of 2024 while setting the stage for a transformative 2025. Hosted by Shawn Walchef and Stover Harger, this live discussion features heartfelt personal stories, professional milestones, and practical tips from […]2025-01-011h 12Digital HospitalityAmplifying Napoleon Hill’s Legacy for the Modern Era with David MeltzerThe Power of a Tagline In this latest Coaching Call with entrepreneur, podcast host, and mentor David Meltzer, host Shawn Walchef explores the power of taglines, the evolution of modern marketing, and the timeless wisdom of Napoleon Hill. A tagline can encapsulate a life philosophy, a brand’s mission, or a personal mantra. For Shawn Walchef, […]2024-12-2714 minDigital HospitalityWhy YouTube, Instagram, and Going Live Are Non-Negotiables for Growth with David MeltzerIn this latest Coaching Call with entrepreneur, podcast host, and mentor David Meltzer, host Shawn Walchef explores the power of YouTube, Instagram posting and going live! The World is Your Stage In today’s ever-evolving digital landscape, staying relevant requires strategy, consistency, and embracing the right platforms. Business coach and entrepreneur David Meltzer, known for his […]2024-12-1115 minDigital HospitalityWhy Storytelling Matters for Your Business: Shawn Walchef California Restaurant ShowIn today’s crowded digital landscape, it’s not enough to build a great business and hope people will show up. As Shawn Walchef of Cali BBQ Media emphasized during his talk at the California Restaurant Show, storytelling is the key to connecting with your audience. “No one is coming to tell your story,” Walchef said. “Every […]2024-12-0450 minDigital HospitalityDavid Meltzer’s lessons in storytelling, Stage Theory, and Community.In this latest Coaching Call with entrepreneur, podcast host, and mentor David Meltzer, host Shawn Walchef explores the significance of building a larger platform and highlights an exciting collaboration with legendary comedian Dane Cook. The World is Your Stage David Meltzer’s journey through various stages—both literal and metaphorical—has shaped his approach to impactful communication. Reflecting […]2024-11-2719 min
Digital HospitalityIncentivio’s Data-Driven Approach to Personalizing the Restaurant ExperienceIt takes the right tools to keep a restaurant running. That’s where Incentivio can help. In this conversation from the Restaurant Transformation Festival, Shawn Walchef interviews Stacey Sikorski, the director of sales for Incentivio, at the Restaurant Transformation Tour Festival hosted by Restaurant365. Incentivio is a digital guest engagement platform that aims to capture data […]2024-11-2300 minDigital HospitalityDynamic Pricing vs Surge Pricing: Shawn Walchef Speech at MURTEC 2024Dynamic pricing is nothing new. It’s a well-established practice in industries like airlines and hotels, and even within restaurants through Happy Hours and Early Bird Specials. But as Shawn Walchef, owner of Cali BBQ shared during his speech at the 2024 MURTEC Summit, when restaurants adjust prices dynamically, it sparks a unique reaction—and understanding why […]2024-11-2013 minDigital HospitalityCoaching Call with David Meltzer: The Art of Public SpeakingIn this latest Coaching Call with entrepreneur, podcast host, and mentor David Meltzer, host Shawn Walchef discusses lessons on personal growth, public speaking and both inspiration and practical advice. David Meltzer has always had confidence speaking in public, something he attributes to being ‘born with it,’ yet he emphasizes the importance of practice, stating, ‘The […]2024-11-1318 minDigital HospitalityRising Tide LinkedIn Live: How Do You Use AI?AI, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Self-Learning Machines—whatever you call it, it’s here to stay and is now part of all our lives. But how are you using AI? Are businesses using it the right way? In a recent Rising Tide LinkedIn Live Room hosted by Shawn Walchef of Cali BBQ Media, we explore what’s working […]2024-10-151h 30Digital HospitalityRising Tide LinkeIn Live: Landing the Big FishCali BBQ Media had the pleasure of interviewing Shaquille O’Neal for Restaurant Influencers. Founder and show host Shawn Walchef, had Shaq on his vision board as a dream guest for quite some time before it came to fruition. One thing is for certain, he wasn’t afraid to make a big ask to land the big […]2024-10-0300 minDigital HospitalityThe Power of Just Starting with Jeremy Julian of The Restaurant Tech GuysJeremy Julian, founder of Restaurant Tech Guys Podcast, shared his insights on the Digital Hospitality podcast with Shawn Walchef. With years of experience helping restaurants embrace technology and improve operations, Julian offered simple but powerful advice for those looking to break into content creation and adapt to an ever-changing digital landscape. “Just start.” he says. […]2024-09-1637 minDigital HospitalityRising Tide LinkedIn Live: Business Travel Hacks You Should KnowAs the world begins to settle back into its norm post pandemic, business travel is back in full swing. For the participants in a recent Rising Tide LinkedIn Live Room hosted by Shawn Walchef of Cali BBQ Media, travel, both business and personal, comes with rituals and “aha moments” that they have implemented into their […]2024-09-031h 19Digital HospitalityRising Tide LinkedIn Live: Why Sampling Works?Would you give your product away for free? It is widely believed that give product away is one of the best ways to create intrigue around your business, whether it’s food or otherwise. In a recent Rising Tide LinkedIn Live Room hosted by Shawn Walchef, participants shared stories and opinions about their experience with sampling. […]2024-08-291h 23Digital HospitalityRising Tide LinkedIn Live: Perspective in Life and BusinessPerspective is important in life and business. In a recent Rising Tide LinkedIn Live room, host Shawn Walchef asked participants to share stories and anecdotes about perspective, both theirs and how they idea of perspective has evolved over time. Listen to the replay of the latest room where the participants discussed perspective and follow Cali […]2024-08-211h 15Digital HospitalityTracking Measuables in Reputation Management with Shereen Qumsieh of AkiraShereen Qumsieh, CEO of Akira, embodies a unique blend of scientific precision and entrepreneurial spirit, seamlessly integrating her technical expertise with her passion for innovation. In her conversation with host Shawn Walchef, Qumsieh reflects on her journey from consultancy to spearheading Akira, a company focused on revolutionizing reputation management through advanced technologies. Qumsieh draws an […]2024-08-2050 minDigital HospitalityVICIOUS BISCUIT: Franchising The Right Way | Digital Hospitality + R365As your business grows, it’s important to find ways to keep operations simple. With more opportunities, comes more work — and more need for reliable technology. In this interview, Shawn Walchef talks with Vicious Biscuit Chief Operating Officer Amanda Kahalehoe about growth through franchising, creating efficiencies as you scale, and building excitement for a food […]2024-08-1709 minDigital HospitalitySPIN! PIZZA: The Job Of Upgrading Your Technology Is Never Done | Digital Hospitality + R365The job of building your tech stack is never done. In this interview, Shawn Walchef talks with Spin! Pizza Director of IT and Operations Support Jeff Lee about his long-history with the fast causal pizza chain and how technology can transform restaurant operations. *** ABOUT SPIN! PIZZA: Local entrepreneurs who shared a love of Italian […]2024-08-0914 minDigital HospitalityRising Tide LinkedIn Live: Consistent CuriosityWhat are you curious about? Where has your curiosity led you? There is a saying that says: The more you learn, the more you’ll need to know. Shawn Walchef returned to host a recent Rising Tide LinkedIn Live Room powered by Cali BBQ Media as he and the participants delved into what sparked them down […]2024-08-0759 minDigital HospitalityThe Return on Investing in Yourself with Shawn Walchef and Fast Casual PodcastShawn Walchef, Owner of Cali BBQ Media, made an appearance on Fast Casual by Landed that was a testament to his innovative approach to digital marketing and his deep understanding of the power of storytelling through video. Walchef has long advocated for the use of video to authentically showcase one’s business and personal brand online. […]2024-08-0557 minDigital HospitalityCoaching Call with David Melzer: Gratitude, Community & Acting Now for SuccessIn this latest Coaching Call with entrepreneur, podcast host, and mentor David Meltzer, host Shawn Walchef discusses the importance of community, the power of storytelling, and how to leverage modern technology for business growth. Walchef shares his recent experience at Toast’s headquarters, emphasizing the impact of building connections and community. Meltzer emphasized the significance of […]2024-07-2918 minDigital HospitalityUpgrading Your Tech Can Save Your Restaurant Money | Digital Hospitality + R365Good technology can save you time and money. On this episode of the Digital Hospitality podcast, Shawn Walchef sits down with Mark Lindberg, CFO of Provident Hospitality Group, to talk about how why they switched their clients over to Restaurant365 and helping restaurants save money with their accounting solutions. “It is a complete tool. The […]2024-07-2608 minDigital HospitalityRising Tide LinkedIn Live: Building the Best Business WebsiteIn a recent LinkedIn Live Room hosted by Shawn Walchef. The participants discussed the importance of an effective website in the increasingly digital business landscape. Listen to the replay of the latest room where the participants discussed tips, tricks, and important considerations to make a business website as effective as possible. Follow Cali BBQ Media […]2024-07-181h 21Digital HospitalityWhy You Need To Attend The Restaurant Transformation Tour | Digital Hospitality + R365Restaurant365’s mission is to Help Restaurants Thrive.
As a leading all-in-one restaurant enterprise management platform, R365 and its team knows it has solutions that will directly benefit lots of people.
R365 also hosts some of the hottest restaurant events of the year with its Restaurant Transformation Tour and Festival.
The 2024 Restaurant Transformation Tour will make stops in Nashville from Aug. 11-13 and will head to Ft. Lauderdale on Nov. 7.
Learn more and get tickets at: https://rtt.restaurant365.com
At the National Restaurant Association Show, the energetic Restaurant365 team showed of...2024-07-0511 minDigital HospitalityHow Popmenu Uses AI to Personalize Restaurant MarketingAt the National Restaurant Association Show 2024, Popmenu co-founders Brendan Sweeney and Tony Roy shared compelling insights into how AI and technology are revolutionizing the restaurant industry with Digital Hospitality host Shawn Walchef of Cali BBQ Media Roy recounted The power of consistency via a story from Ruby’s Jamaican Kitchen in Alexandria, VA, during one […]2024-06-2430 minDigital HospitalityA Guide to Effective Podcast and Business Alignment on the Hospitable Podcast powered by OmniboostOn a recent episode of the Hospitable Podcast powered by Omniboost, Shawn Walchef of Cali BBQ Media had an engaging conversation with Omniboost’s CEO Kees Zorge and COO Rob Napoli. The discussion delved into creating a podcast, the importance of frontline engagement, egoless leadership, and the power of storytelling in business. Napoli, the COO of […]2024-06-1748 minDigital HospitalityRising Tide LinkedIn Live: How to Create a ShowShawn Walchef lives by two deep thesis statements: Those ideas were brought to last weeks’ Rising Tide LinkedIn Live Room as the participants discussed just how to create a show. The enlightening conversation led to the realization that doing so may not be as difficult as some may think, and a discussion of consistency was […]2024-05-291h 23Digital HospitalityCoaching Call with David Meltzer: Effective Content Distribution StrategyDuring a Live Coaching Call with mentor David Meltzer, Shawn Walchef unlocked key insights into maximizing the value and distribution of content. Meltzer emphasized the importance of understanding the quantitative value of post-production content, explaining how a single piece of content can reach millions if distributed correctly. Unlocking Quantitative Value “The quantitative value of the […]2024-05-2821 minDigital HospitalityShawn Walchef Discusses Dynamic Pricing and Customer Loyalty on The Restaurant Growth ShowCali BBQ and Cali BBQ Media Founder, Shawn Walchef spoke on The Restaurant Growth Show powered by Dynpricing to discuss dynamic pricing and restaurants greatest fear. He also spoke to hosts Gordon Paterson and Jose Albis about incentivizing customer loyalty. Cali BBQ, have garnered national attention for implementing dynamic pricing. Often misunderstood as “surge pricing,” […]2024-05-2226 minDigital HospitalityRising Tide LinkedIn Live: How to Tell Your Story BetterNo one is coming to tell your story. Storytelling is a vital tool for any brand looking to grow and create a loyal customer base. Many leaders struggle with out to do so consistently and effectively. Every Wednesday and Friday at 10am PDT, Shawn Walchef hosts the Rising Tide live room on LinkedIn. Leading voices […]2024-05-101h 17Digital HospitalityPersistence and Innovation Led to Gary Campbell and WineView’s Thriving Partnership with ToastGary Campbell, the CEO and Co-Founder of WineView, credits persistence and storytelling for his company’s burgeoning partnership with Toast. He understood the importance of knowing his market inside out, especially when it came to earning the major partnership. “You pretty much got to get in person.” he says to show host Shawn Walchef of Cali […]2024-05-0741 minDigital HospitalityRising Tide LinkedIn Live: Repurposing ContentDo you believe that every piece of content has to be new and original? In the world where content creation is becoming a requirement for conducting business, it is also becoming increasingly important to have a strategy for doing so. Every Wednesday and Friday at 10am PDT, Shawn Walchef hosts the Rising Tide live room […]2024-05-031h 07
HospitableHospitality Jam Session w/ Shawn P. Walchef, Kees Zorge and Rob NapoliStep into the world of storytelling in business. Shawn P. Walchef, Kees Zorge, and Rob Napoli come together for a spontaneous exploration of the industry. Recorded on the fly, this episode captures the essence of candid conversations and unfiltered insights. They discuss the importance of true connections, resilience, and the impact of humanising brands.Join the trio as they delve into the simplicity and power of podcasting, sharing genuine perspectives on building a successful and resilient business in the digital age. From debunking misconceptions to personal anecdotes, this jam session is a treasure trove of wisdom for...2024-05-0247 minDigital HospitalityCoaching Call with David Meltzer: Unlocking the Secret to SuccessDiscover the keys to thriving in the content creator economy with David Meltzer’s invaluable guidance, shared during a recent coaching call with Cali BBQ Media. Digital Hospitality host and Cali BBQ Media owner Shawn Walchef has had the pleasure of having world renowned entrepreneur, author, motivational speaker, and business coach David Meltzer as a friend […]2024-04-2924 minDigital HospitalityDavid Meltzer is Cali BBQ Media MentorDavid Meltzer is the Co-Founder of Sports 1 Marketing. He is also a world renowned motivational speaker, author, entrepreneur, business coach, and podcast host. For Cali BBQ Media founder Shawn Walchef, Meltzer is a mentor and friend. On Meltzer’s quest to empower over one billion people to be happy, he has made a number of […]2024-04-2623 minHospitableCaliBBQ Media and Building a Media + Restaurant Business with Founder Shawn P. WalchefLive from Cali BBQ Media HQ in Sunny San Diego, California, episode 19 features CEO and Founder, Shawn P. Walchef.This episode covers ground, from embracing discomfort to crafting unforgettable experiences, Shawn's journey highlights the transformative power of storytelling and human connection. We dive deep into the intersection of technology, narrative, and hospitality as Shawn shares his experiences as a podcast host, content creator, and member of the customer advisory board at Toast. Join us as we explore the importance of going the extra mile and embracing discomfort to create m...2024-03-0737 minDigital HospitalityClosing Hospitality Gaps with Jennifer Ryan of CrouxJennifer Ryan, the founder of Croux, identified a crucial gap in the hospitality industry during her experience launching a restaurant right before the onset of COVID-19. The challenge of finding flexible staffing solutions became a persistent pain point, leading Ryan to conceptualize Croux. She explained to host Shawn Walchef of Cali BBQ Media, “I had […]2024-01-2938 minDigital HospitalityShawn Walchef Talks Quality Content Creation at the Western Foodservice & Hospitality ExpoShawn Walchef, the owner of Cali BBQ Media, delivered a compelling speech at the Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo 2023, emphasizing the transformative power of the internet and social media. Walchef shared his philosophy of presenting his authentic self across various social media platforms, highlighting that he integrates his personal and professional life seamlessly. This […]2024-01-1644 minDigital HospitalityPrioritizing Community Outreach with Avery Ward of Little Italy RistoranteAvery Ward, the CEO of Little Italy, stands at the forefront of innovation, leveraging cutting-edge solutions to enhance hospitality in the restaurant industry. Recognizing a critical pain point for his customers, Ward partnered with Shipday to address challenges related to communication and transparency. In this interview with host Shawn Walchef of Cali BBQ Media and […]2024-01-0547 minDigital HospitalityBuilding Authentic Connections with Restaurant Owners Uncorked PodcastShawn Walchef of Cali BBQ Media approach content creation and networking is a testament to the power of authenticity and vulnerability in the digital age.His willingness to “look stupid” by consistently posting on social media allowed him to connect with people he wouldn’t have otherwise. Walchef’s commitment to storytelling and consistent online engagement has not […]2023-12-271h 16Digital HospitalityVideo Content Made Easy with Nick Capozzi of SpliceVideoGet to know Nick Capozzi of SpliceVideo Nick Capozzi, co-founder of SpliceVideo, is a visionary in the realm of digital content creation and marketing. In a recent discussion with Shawn Walchef of Cali BBQ Media, Capozzi shed light on the underutilization of platforms like LinkedIn, emphasizing the vast untapped potential for businesses and influencers. According […]2023-12-1838 minDigital HospitalityShawn Walchef talks The Answer to the Internet with Local Marketing LabLocal Marketing Lab host and VP of Marketing at Evocalize, Justin Ulrich, sat down with Cali BBQ Media co-founder, Shawn Walchef to discuss the importance of creating content. For Walchef, everyone is a creator in this current landscape. “Every single person is a creator. Every single person is a storyteller.” says Walchef. In […]2023-11-1517 minDigital HospitalityShawn Walchef Talks Mastering Digital Marketing with The Meez PodcastWhen it comes to storytelling, very few have the passion for it like Cali BBQ Media co-owner, Shawn Walchef. The Digital Hospitality Host stopped by The Meez Podcast to discuss the power of doing digital marketing correctly. During this interview, Shawn speaks on his many inspirations that include his Bulgarian grandfather, who encouraged him to […]2023-11-0851 minDigital HospitalityShawn Walchef Talks Smartphone Storytelling on The Top Business Leaders ShowThe Spot On Series Show put on by Rise25 invites guests to speak candidly about their experience with business. Cali BBQ Media founder Shawn Walchef was a guest on the show recently where he spoke about his journey with digital hospitality and the importance of businesses being digital first. Listen to this interview to […]2023-11-0222 minDigital HospitalityThe Power of One Restaurant Location with Eric and Melissa RickmanEric and Melissa Rickman are the CEO and Operators of Wholly Stromboli (@wholly_stromboli) in Fort Lupton, CO. Now 14 years in, Wholly Stromboli was the manifestation of a lifelong dream for Melissa. “Melissa Rickman: It was something I wanted to do my whole life.” she tells host Shawn Walchef of Cali BBQ Media . […]2023-09-2814 minDigital HospitalityExpanding by Outsourcing with Wayne Lipschitz of R&R FMGWayne Lipschitz is the CEO of Restaurant & Retail Financial Management Group (@rrfmg), or R&R FMG, where their goal is to grow your business. Whether your business needs help with daily financials, or a temporary Chief of Finance, R&R FMG is there for you. In this conversation with host Shawn Walchef of Cali BBQ […]2023-08-2328 minDigital HospitalityAdding Leadership and Growing Your Business with Paul WalkerPaul Walker (@villageinn) is the President of Walker Group Restaurants. Since taking over the family business, it has grown rapidly. Though they weren’t fully prepared, Walker and company heeded the advice of his grandfather to “figure it out”. Now with expansion on the horizon, Walker sat with host Shawn Walchef at this year’s Restaurant365 Restaurant […]2023-06-0814 minDigital HospitalityEnhancing Your Restaurant Atmosphere with Ben Sennet and Tammy Evrard of AtmosphereEvery year, restaurant and hospitality leaders gathered at the National Restaurant Association, or NRA show. This year, host Shawn Walchef (@shawnpwalchef) met with VP of Enterprise Platform Sales, Ben Sennet, and VP Sales & Brand Partnerships, Central Region, Tammy Evrard, to discuss how Atmosphere (@atmosphere.tv) helps restaurants take on the the challenge of keeping customers […]2023-06-0118 minDigital HospitalityCreating New Technology Habits with Tim McLaughlinTim McLaughlin is a technology savant. His company, GoTab (@gotab.inc), pushes technology, such as QR codes, to the forefront of the hospitality industry by putting the guest at the center of the POS experience. “I would say get a demo if you want to actually know.” McLaughlin tells host Shawn Walchef (@shawnpwalchef) of calibbq.media. […]2023-05-2542 minDigital HospitalityCali BBQ Talks National Restaurant Show 2023 with Kyle InserraThe National Association of Restaurant Show taking place from May 20 – 23 has been coined the “Super Bowl of the Industry” by some. Ahead of this year’s show, host Shawn Walchef (@shawnpwalchef) of Calibbq.media spoke with restaurant growth expert and commercial realtor Kyle Inserra (@kyleinserra) about why restaurant owners should attend the show and […]2023-05-1623 minDigital HospitalityData Storytelling with Tom RutledgeTom Rutledge (@rdmsgroup), the owner of outsource accounting firm RDMS (Restaurant Data Management System), is a problem solver. Speaking with host Shawn Walchef (@shawnpwalchef) of https://calibbq.media at this year’s Restaurant Transformation Tour put on by Restaurant365, Rutledge speaks on how their systems have proven to be a valuable tool for his company since its adoption […]2023-05-0427 minDigital HospitalityBeing Digitally Proactive with Troy Hooper and Massimo DeMarcoDigital Hospitality host Shawn Walchef (@shawnwalchef) of https://calibbq.media and special guests Troy Hooper, serial entrepreneur and Founder and CEO of Kiwi Restaurant Partners (@apineappleperspective) and Massimo DeMarco, CEO of Ghost Kitchen Brands and Founder of Kitchen United, as they discuss how the digital era is transforming the restaurant industry. In this episode, which took place […]2023-04-2716 minDigital HospitalityCreating Relationships that Stick with Nish Patel of Paperchase AccountancyIf humility is a prerequisite for hospitality, Nish Patel (@nishpcny), CEO of Paperchase Accountancy, has it in spades. In a sit down with host Shawn Walchef of https://calibbq.media/ during the 2023 Restaurant Transformation Tour put on by Restaurant365, Patel referred to his business as “small” despite having accounts internationally. Paperchase began when Patel and […]2023-04-0619 minDigital HospitalityThe Beauty of Automation with David JosephDavid Joseph is the co-founder of DAVO by Avalara. What began as just an idea, has flourished into a near necessity of any business’ tech stack by filling the essential gap of handling business taxes. “In your business book, there are plenty of things to stress about,” says Joseph to Digital Hospitality host Shawn Walchef […]2023-03-0252 minDigital HospitalityPreview: Restaurant Influencers | SAM THE COOKING GUY on Growing a YouTube Channel | DH129The secret to YouTube is simple. It’s not about you. It’s about your audience. On this special preview episode of the Restaurant Influencers Podcast, Sam Zien (Sam The Cooking Guy) talks with host Shawn P. Walchef (Cali BBQ Media) about how he grew his YouTube channel to millions of subscribers and running multiple restaurants. “YouTube […]2022-01-0732 minDigital HospitalityThe Secret Sauce to Smartphone Storytelling for Business | FSMA Webinar | DH123Smartphone Storytelling doesn’t have to be difficult. These tips will help you learn to tell your story online. Speaking as a guest of honor at a Foodservice Sales and Marketing Association (FSMA) webinar, Shawn Walchef (Cali BBQ Media) shared the secret sauce to online storytelling, digital marketing for business, more inspiration and ideas. ➤ FSMA […]2021-11-1829 minDigital HospitalityHow To Become Your Own Media Company | Best Served Podcast + Cali BBQ Media on Clubhouse | DH112Hailing from all corners of the country, Cali BBQ Media is combining low-and-slow cooking with sharp and strategic content creation. Led by Founder Shawn Walchef in San Diego the restaurant lead turned Digital Hospitality Host has assembled a team of writers, video editors, web builders and marketers to become their own media company and spread […]2021-09-031h 12Digital HospitalityTruth + Transparency Creates Compelling Content | Josh House (Pickles & Bones Barbecue) | DH101Josh House and Shawn Walchef may have been separated at birth. The Pickles & Bones Barbecue co-owner in Milford, OH and the Cali BBQ founder from La Jolla, CA may not have grown up in the same home, but they found each other in a familiar house just the same. “I’m a big podcast guy […]2021-07-0144 minDigital HospitalityDigital Discoveries | Shawn Walchef Interview on Name Drop San Diego Podcast | DH099Take a deep dive with Shawn Walchef and Name Drop San Diego on all things Digital and Hospitality in this podcast episode. The San Diego Union-Tribune puts out a really good San Diego local podcast with the weekly Name Drop San Diego show, hosted by Abby Hamblin and Kristy Totten and featuring the people that […]2021-06-1738 minDigital HospitalityInside the Business Coaching Call – 2 Minute Drill | Mentor David Meltzer | DH087Sit in on a 2021 business coaching call with Cali BBQ Media Founder Shawn Walchef and his mentor David Meltzer. *** On this special episode of the Digital Hospitality podcast, the mentor/mentee talk shop about season 1 of David Meltzer’s competition reality show, 2 Minute Drill and our $5,000,001 Cali BBQ Media pitch on episode […]2021-03-1818 minDigital HospitalitySam the Cooking Guy Makes 5 Epic and Easy Recipes for Toast Live at Home | Chris Comparato (Toast Inc) interviews Sam Zien and Shawn Walchef | DH084Watch Sam the Cooking Guy show how to make 5 epic and easy recipes for toast LIVE for the company Toast from his home in San Diego. *** Toast Inc CEO Chris Comparato interviewed Sam Zien and Shawn Walchef for this Toast company call in February 2021 about owning and operating restaurants, operating a […]2021-02-2545 minDigital HospitalityDigital Resources and Help to Inspire Restaurant Owners | Shawn Walchef on Corner Booth Podcast | DH071There’s a reason we recommend every restaurateur read Restaurant Startup and Growth and join RestaurantOwner.com. Having up-to-date information aggregated from experts in the industry is vital to staying current in any business, especially for restaurant owners and operators. As we built up Cali BBQ and evolved the restaurant over the years, a vital and inspiring […]2020-12-2154 minDigital HospitalityHow to Turn Your Business into a Media Company | Shawn Walchef on Full Comp Podcast | DH068If you want to survive and thrive in business then you have to start operating and thinking like a media company. Being in business in 2021 and beyond is about creating memorable moments online and offline. The world is changing and we all need to keep up. Digital Hospitality guest Josh Kopel shared our Cali […]2020-12-0732 minDigital HospitalityBrand Building in a New Era | Shawn Walchef on The Cantore Show | DH063At Cali BBQ we learned early on that to get people to care about us, we had to reach out to them online. Veteran broadcaster and notable San Diego media personality Chris Cantore (our former podcast guest) featured our Cali BBQ Media story on his The Cantore Show podcast. Recording in his surf hut studio, […]2020-11-1632 minDigital HospitalityPlanting Roots in Your Community | Shawn Walchef on Restaurant Unstoppable Podcast | DH061Getting involved and planting roots in your community as a business owner shows that you care about your village. Once you have a platform — and you use your voice to talk about the entire community, and not just your own business — everything starts to change. Restaurant Unstoppable podcast host Eric Cacciatore visited Cali […]2020-11-081h 40Digital HospitalityYou Can Win At Life with a Good Mentality | Shawn Walchef on You Winning Life Podcast | DH059Two days after the passing of the legend Kobe Bryant, I had a tremendous and rich conversation on the You Winning Life podcast about finding a Mamba Mentality and mental health. This special episode of Digital Hospitality is a way to let you in on the awesome talk I had earlier this year with You […]2020-11-021h 06Digital HospitalityBecoming a Digital Media Machine | Aaron David Roberts (Rising Tides Creative) | DH045How does a business become a media company? One of the first steps is by hiring a creative team to help you turn your life into digital content. In 2019, Aaron David Roberts, the president and founder of Rising Tides Creative, was called upon by restaurant owner and podcast host Shawn Walchef to help him and […]2020-08-0748 minDigital HospitalityThe Hottest Fires Forge the Hardest Steel | Forged part 2 (DH 026)Still catching your breath from the mountain hike with FORGED? Well, Navy SEALs and Marines don’t slow down so neither will we. On this second part of our interview with FORGED, CEO Mike Sauers and Marketing Manager Samantha Bonilla joined Digital Hospitality’s Shawn Walchef as they head to South Bay Rod and Gun Club for a […]2020-03-2732 minDigital HospitalityMarketing with Influence | Farmers Insurance Open (DH 017)Hop into a golf cart and go behind-the-ropes of the PGA Tour’s Farmers Insurance Open with CEO Marty Gorsich to learn about modern marketing tactics and running a massive operation with tons of moving parts. On this episode of the Digital Hospitality podcast, host Shawn Walchef gets a first-hand tour of the majestic Torrey Pines […]2020-01-231h 06Digital Hospitality#100: Our Podcast Journey – Behind The SmokeDerek Marso & Shawn Walchef – Behind The Smoke – San Diego, CA Subscribe on YouTube Summary Episode #100 – The Final Episode of Behind The Smoke: BBQ War Stories It is with great sadness for us to announce that this will be the final Behind The Smoke: BBQ War Stories podcast in its current […]2019-04-1200 minDigital Hospitality#079: Above the Next Butcher Shop in La Jolla – Murfey CompanyRuss & Scott Murfey – The Murfey Company – @murfeycompany – La Jolla, CA Podcast recorded live above the butcher shop at Valley Farm Market in La Jolla, California. Subscribe to Behind The Smoke on YouTube Subscribe to Behind The Smoke on iTunes Summary Derek Marso of Valley Farm Market and Shawn Walchef of Cali […]2018-11-0900 min
BBQ Anchor Project - Behind The Smoke MediaCali Comfort BBQ - 10 Year AnniversaryShawn Walchef reveals the 5 secrets to success that have kept Cali Comfort BBQ in business for the last decade.2018-04-1819 min