Cali 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 fish!  In various situations, that “Big Fish” could represent anything ranging from a celebrity guest to a large-scale partnership. Listen to the replay of a recent Rising Tide LinkedIn Live room where the participants discussed their strategies and stories on landing the “big fish” and follow Cali BBQ Media to keep up with the latest and join the rooms to tell your story and have your voice heard Every Wednesday and Friday at 10am PDT, Shawn Walchef hosts the Rising Tide live room on LinkedIn. Leading voices in hospitality, and otherwise, from near and far join to discuss all things business and much more.  Key Quotes “When you're in your restaurants, be 100% present in your restaurants. When you're at home and with your family, be 100% present with them. Be where your feet are.” - Sam Stanovich "Half or more, as much as 80% of success is just showing up and showing up with consistency." -Laura Wilber “I think the biggest thing like Gary Vee says is give, give, give, and then ask.” - Mercedes Montijo “If you do what you say you're going to do, that's going to be the beginning of many incredible introductions.” -Shawn Walchef “And for me, it was all about not just sending out the wine bottles and following up with the big fish, but it was more so about knowing exactly what I wanted to ask.” - Jordan Silverman

Heather Dratler, VP of Marketing and Brand Engagement at Next Level Burger (NLB), plays a pivotal role in driving the brand's growth and mission as America's first 100% plant-based burger chain. As a passionate advocate for sustainable eating, Dratler highlights the company's commitment to combating climate change through plant-based alternatives, an ethos ingrained in the brand’s foundation.  "Next Level was founded by a husband and wife team, Matt and Cierra de Gruyter.” Dratler explains to host Shawn Walchef. “And it is a very values driven organization. And I know a lot of companies say that, but they live it day in and day out.”  The company’s recent expansion, coupled with the acquisition of Veggie Grill, demonstrates its ambition to scale while staying true to its values. Central to this growth has been the strategic use of technology to improve customer experiences. Owner Matt de Gruyter has been obsessed with reading customer feedback since Day 1.  One of Dratler's key contributions is helping the company optimize review management through Marqii, a tech tool that has streamlined the brand's approach to customer feedback.  "I introduced the company to Marqii which is one of my favorite tech tools for the restaurant space and hospitality space in general.” says Dratler. She explains with Marqii, “We are able to cut down on a lot of time and create a lot more efficiencies. We're not logging into Google and Yelp and TripAdvisor and all these different platforms to look at the reviews and respond separately. Instead, there's one platform that we're logging into where we have full visibility,” While NLB embraces innovation, Dratler maintains that the "human touch" remains essential, particularly when responding to customer reviews. Though Marqii has introduced AI-generated responses, NLB has yet to adopt them fully.  "Matt is very big on the human touch," Dratler notes, stressing that even with AI, maintaining personal connections is critical. "What I like personally about the Marqii tool is that it starts it for you, but then allows a human to come in and make changes... The important thing is the human touch and not just handing things to AI…We love AI at Next Level. It's definitely something we're experimenting with. And so I wouldn't be surprised if we get on that Marqii AI train at some point." In addition to her focus on technology, Dratler also champions the importance of community engagement and creative marketing strategies. She emphasizes the role of video content in connecting with audiences on social media and encourages customers to stay updated with the brand through the NLB app and social platforms.  Dratler's for top tier Restaurant Consulting Services are also available to others via her role as Vice President of Brand Management with B Public Relations. Her blend of marketing acumen, tech-forward thinking, and dedication makes her a vital force behind any brand's continued evolution and success. Cali BBQ Media Digital Hospitality is an interview-based video podcast hosted by business owner Shawn P. Walchef (@shawnpwalchef) and produced by his Cali BBQ Media company sponsored by Marqii (@getmarqii) The weekly digital series explores the ways successful businesses and entrepreneurs have merged old and new with innovative digital strategies that harness the power of the Internet and social media. Shawn is the founder of Cali BBQ Media and creator of the Restaurant Influencers podcast on Entrepreneur Media.➤ Restaurant Influencers — https://link.chtbl.com/RIpodcast➤ Business Coaching — https://forms.gle/cnQ3sefMcAxQXbKa6➤ Cali BBQ Content — https://content.calibbq.media

Daniel Estrada, co-founder and CEO of 86 Repairs, embarked on his entrepreneurial journey driven by the frustrations restaurant operators face when managing repairs and maintenance (R&M). Alongside his co-founder Joe Gallagher, who worked in the food equipment industry, Estrada recognized a common pain point across the industry: R&M was a chaotic and time-consuming challenge for operators.  86 Repairs, whose name famous hospitality slang, is a tech-powered platform tailored for the restaurant industry, streamlining repair and maintenance management. The solution offers on-demand repair coordination, preventative maintenance, and round-the-clock support, helping restaurants gain control over their facilities. By leveraging data-driven insights, 86 Repairs enables operators to reduce R&M costs and minimize the time their teams spend dealing with equipment issues, allowing them to focus on what matters most—running their business. "He came to me one day, and we were just kicking around ideas," Daniel recalls. "He said, ‘there's something here.’ I don't know what kind of business we can build, but there's a problem here and a pain point that's worth digging into."  After months of speaking with operators, the same frustration echoed back: R&M was a headache. This led to the founding of 86 Repairs, a company designed to streamline and simplify R&M for restaurants. They've come a long way since the vision for the company was outlined on sticky notes spread across Daniel Estrada's kitchen table. One of the most powerful elements of 86 Repairs lies in its use of data. By centralizing R&M operations, the company collects and analyzes valuable data to provide better insights and actionable recommendations. This data-driven approach allows 86 Repairs to assess service quotes, recommend when equipment should be replaced, and assist in capital planning—offering far more value than traditional solutions that often prioritize vendor relationships over operational efficiency. "Part of the value that we've always seen in 86 is because we're putting ourselves in the center of the R&M process with our customers," Estrada explains. "We collect a tremendous amount of data that has a tremendous amount of value in the industry.”  From cost forecasting to helping finance teams manage accruals more effectively, 86 Repairs helps operators make informed, strategic decisions about their business using a plethora of collected data. Estrada encourages restaurant operators to take a closer look at their current R&M processes, even if they seem to be running smoothly. By reassessing workflows and training staff more proactively, operators often uncover hidden inefficiencies and significant cost savings. While partnering with 86 Repairs is an option, Daniel emphasizes that the real value comes from evaluating and optimizing existing processes.  "Even if you think things are going well in R&M, there's a lot of hidden cost and pain in this process that operators don't always see," Estrada says. "The conclusion may not be signing up with 86 Repairs...but the value that comes out of that process might be here's a way I can tighten up my workflow, or train my team more effectively, or get more proactive. There's a lot of money on the table from that." Under Estrada’s leadership, 86 Repairs continues to transform how restaurants handle repairs and maintenance, offering a smarter, more streamlined approach that allows operators to focus on what matters most: running their business. Visit www.86repairs.com to learn more and sign up for a demo. Cali BBQ Media Digital Hospitality is an interview-based video podcast hosted by business owner Shawn P. Walchef (@shawnpwalchef) and produced by his Cali BBQ Media company. The weekly digital series explores the ways successful businesses and entrepreneurs have merged old and new with innovative digital strategies that harness the power of the Internet and social media...

Jeremy 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. Reflecting on his own journey, he emphasizes that it’s easier than ever to create content, thanks to modern tools and platforms. He encourages aspiring podcasters and creators to overcome their fear of imperfection.  “It doesn’t need to be perfect," he says, “Getting over the cringeworthiness of your own voice is probably the biggest thing... but you won’t know your cadence or format until you start.”  Even with his podcast and position as CRO at Custom Business Solution , or CBS Northstar, a hospitality technology platform, digital hospitality goes beyond technology for Julian. It’s also about meeting guests where they are and ensuring they have a seamless, memorable experience no matter how they choose to interact with your brand.  “Every business is in the hospitality business,” Julian points out, stressing that businesses today must provide value to customers across digital channels. “No longer are there days where people don't have some level of influence. So you've got to meet your guests where they are.” Meaning, businesses need to cater to the varying needs of guests, from the busy soccer mom looking for convenience to the couple on a date night expecting a special experience. He believes companies must not only meet but exceed these expectations to remain relevant and competitive.  "If you're not going to serve that guest how they want to interact, you're not going to be relevant." says Julian. As the restaurant industry becomes more digital, Julian urges owners to "adopt and adapt."  He highlights the growing consumer demand for personalized, efficient service driven by tech giants like Amazon, Apple, and Facebook. Julian emphasizes the importance of using data to make informed decisions, enhancing both operations and customer experience.  “Consumers are expecting more from you,” he explains, noting that modern tools now provide an abundance of data that can help restaurant owners make smarter, data-driven decisions.  “If you’re not using that data to validate decisions or make better ones, you’re failing.” Cali BBQ Media Digital Hospitality is an interview-based video podcast hosted by business owner Shawn P. Walchef (@shawnpwalchef) and produced by his Cali BBQ Media company sponsored by Marqii (@getmarqii) The weekly digital series explores the ways successful businesses and entrepreneurs have merged old and new with innovative digital strategies that harness the power of the Internet and social media. Shawn is the founder of Cali BBQ Media and creator of the Restaurant Influencers podcast on Entrepreneur Media.➤ Restaurant Influencers — https://link.chtbl.com/RIpodcast➤ Business Coaching — https://forms.gle/cnQ3sefMcAxQXbKa6➤ Cali BBQ Content — https://content.calibbq.media

The partnership between Luna Grill and unPLUG Dining has become a benchmark in the restaurant industry, illustrating how technology can elevate guest experiences and drive business growth. By leveraging unPLUG's innovative solutions, Luna Grill successfully transformed its first-party digital experience, driving customer loyalty and operational efficiency. The journey of Luna Grill’s collaboration with unPLUG began with a vision to create a seamless, personalized experience for its guests.  “Loyalty is huge for us.” says Luna Grill Senior Digital Marketing Manager Maddie Nixon, recognizing the importance of loyalty. “Once people try it, they love it, and it becomes really easy for them to ingrain it into their lifestyle beyond just even ordering for the individual.”  Luna Grill aimed to deepen guest engagement by using technology that not only enhanced the ordering experience but also reflected the brand’s high standards. unPLUG’s platform helped streamline operations, allowing Luna Grill to offer a digital experience as top-tier as their in-restaurant service. Through this partnership, Luna Grill is able to guide customer behavior and foster loyalty by offering personalized, data-driven interactions. “We really like to drive habits, and we really like to engage with people beyond just that singular visit.” Nixon explains.  Tailored Solutions for Complex Challenges unPLUG recognized an opportunity to address common challenges faced by operators, such as implementing and managing technology effectively. Luna Grill’s needs called for more than an “off-the-shelf” solution. With the guidance and tenacity from Nixon, unPLUG collaborated with Luna Grill’s marketing, IT, and operations teams to develop a feature set that was both flexible and comprehensive, allowing them to hit the market with something truly unique. From optimizing guest loyalty to simplifying payments and integrating seamlessly into existing tech stacks, the partnership was built on weekly feedback and constant evolution. Simon Weaver, Chief of Staff at unPLUG Dining noted, “We got out of the mode of solving negative problems and into the mode of solving positive problems.”  A key component of the Luna Grill partnership with unPLUG was leveraging data to optimize marketing strategies. Luna Grill increased its SMS subscribers and enhanced loyalty participation through unPLUG’s integrations with Punchh Loyalty and Attentive text marketing. By using data insights, Luna Grill was able to refine its approach to engagement, exploring new ways to interact with guests beyond just digital orders. The combination of real-time insights and deep customer engagement allowed Luna Grill to not only drive repeat business but also elevate the entire guest experience. “It really felt like we needed to assess what we were going to do to take our growth to the next level. What are the levers that we want to pull to make sure that we can grow? We can be poised for growth location wise, we can drive volume. How do we need to adjust operationally, whether it's through technology or through menu innovation, to make sure we can get to the next level. And I think that's where technology felt like the right fit for our consumer, who is also ever changing and always incorporating more and more technology into their life.” Nixon pointed out. “Our guests are changing, they’re growing, they’re getting smarter. We want them to come back and keep enjoying the food.”  Looking Ahead: Innovation and Expansion The collaboration between Luna Grill and unPLUG doesn’t stop at current success. Future plans include scaling operations with new restaurant openings and implementing advanced AI-driven features such as menu recommendations and 1-click ordering. The launch of a brand-new web ordering portal further underscores Luna Grill’s commitment to innovation. As Luna Grill continues to evolve, unPLUG will remain a key partner,

As 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 adventures. Listen to the replay of the latest room where the participants shared tips and strategies for effective business travel and follow Cali BBQ Media to keep up with the latest and join the rooms to tell your story and have your voice heard Every Wednesday and Friday at 10am PDT, Walchef hosts the Rising Tide room on LinkedIn. Leading voices in hospitality, and otherwise, from near and far join to discuss all things business and much more.  Key Quotes: “I highly encourage using your smartphone like a brain while I'm traveling to help me with logistics." - Shawn Walchef “You can build your own Google Maps side of things…list of places that he wanted to visit, like around the conference area.” - Elizabeth Doss “Have a consistent list of all the things you don't want to forget or that you need, and then use the damn list.” - Troy Hooper “Hands down, the best thing I've ever done from a travel standpoint was the TSA Precheck.” - Charlie Eblen “Business meals are 50% tax deductible.” - Douglas Higgins

Xavier Vega, CEO of ChouxBox and host of the Overseasoned Podcast, is a dynamic figure in the restaurant and tech industries, with a story that’s as gritty as it is inspiring. ChouxBox, pronounced "shoebox," was born out of Vega's firsthand experience with the exhausting demands of restaurant management. The idea for ChouxBox emerged from his deep frustration with the manual entry of invoices—a mundane task that many chefs dread after long shifts.  Reflecting on his time in the industry, Vega recounts, "My least favorite part of my day was after being on my feet all f****** day... then we'd always have to type in a bunch of stuff into an excel spreadsheet, and that was your cost. I f****** hated that."  The name itself is a nod to the culinary world's affinity for French-inspired dishes, blending his love for food with the practical need for a better back-office solution. Vega’s podcast, Overseasoned, co-hosted with his friend Tony, offers a raw and unfiltered look at the restaurant business from the perspective of those who have lived through its highs and lows. The title reflects the hosts' feelings of disillusionment with an industry they once loved but grew increasingly jaded by.  "Well, it has to do more with just how my soul feels... I've just gotten to the point where it's like, why try to be who I'm not?" Vega shares, highlighting the emotional toll that the restaurant world can take on those who dedicate their lives to it.  Through their podcast, Vega and Tony aim to empower restaurant owners and accounting firms by providing them with best-in-class back-office services and technology. Vega’s transition from the restaurant floor to the tech world wasn’t typical. He didn’t have a background in business or technology, but his practical knowledge and drive quickly earned him a place in the industry.  "As soon as I left the floor, I was no longer a restaurant guy.” he reflects. “I didn't go to college or traditionally study any of the tech stuff. And everybody was just like, Who are you?"  Despite these challenges, Vega has successfully bridged the gap between his restaurant roots and the tech industry, carving out a niche for himself as a leader who understands both the pressures of running a kitchen and the potential of technology to transform it.Xavier Vega’s journey from bustling kitchens to the forefront of restaurant tech is a testament to his resilience and innovation. Whether through ChouxBox, Over Easy Office, or Overseasoned, he continues to make an impact, driving change and inspiring others to follow their true passions—even if it means breaking away from the norm. Cali BBQ Media Sponsors:Marqii: https://www.marqii.com/ Digital Hospitality is an interview-based video podcast hosted by business owner Shawn P. Walchef (@shawnpwalchef) and produced by his Cali BBQ Media company sponsored by Marqii (@getmarqii) The weekly digital series explores the ways successful businesses and entrepreneurs have merged old and new with innovative digital strategies that harness the power of the Internet and social media. Shawn is the founder of Cali BBQ Media and creator of the Restaurant Influencers podcast on Entrepreneur Media.➤ Restaurant Influencers — https://link.chtbl.com/RIpodcast➤ Business Coaching — https://forms.gle/cnQ3sefMcAxQXbKa6➤ Cali BBQ Content — https://content.calibbq.media

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.  Listen to the replay of the latest room where the participants discussed sampling and follow Cali BBQ Media to keep up with the latest and join the rooms to tell your story and have your voice heard Every Wednesday and Friday at 10am PDT, Shawn Walchef hosts the Rising Tide LinkedIn Live Room where leading voices in hospitality, and otherwise, from near and far join to discuss all things business and much more. Key Quotes "Sampling is probably one of the greatest forms of marketing." - Shawn Walchef “What was really interesting for me with sampling, was actually looking at the data behind it, because the data says this works.” -Richard Liverman “Sample what it's like working with you.” -Eric Farrell “It's not just about the sample, but it's what people do once they have the sample.” -Jordan Silverman “Your job is to create a piece of content that is a free sample that you can then share with people.” - Elizabeth Doss

Alice Cheng’s, CEO and Founder of Culinary Agents journey is one of belief, perseverance, and a relentless focus on adding value. Over the past twelve years, Culinary Agents has grown into a trusted platform, boasting nearly 2,000,000 members. As she puts it, she is a true “mailroom story” having worked her way from a mailroom worker to the CEO of her very own company.  Cheng attributes this success to the relationships they’ve built  and the values they uphold, including an initial, inspiring meeting with Chef Daniel Boulud which led to him becoming an early believer and client. "Our story now is really, we've built our business relationship by relationship, earning the trust and really listening and proving ourselves," Cheng shared with host Shawn Walchef of Cali BBQ Media. “And so the story now is, what else? And we challenge ourselves as far as continuing to be innovative and thinking of what's next is what else can we offer? What else do we do more? What's missing? How can we provide better information and give people access to all the amazing data that we have that's proprietary and how do we make it digestible?” In an exciting reveal, Cheng announced the launch of Culinary Agents’ new Freemium model. This model allows companies to post jobs for free, offering access to a comprehensive suite of hiring tools.  "It's our Freemium model where you can post jobs for free, and you can post all the jobs you want for free," Cheng explained. “That also gives you access to our AI generated matching for recruiting purposes. So, you get this whole full suite of tools if you choose to advertise, but you have a whole suite of free hiring tools, including free job posts, if you just need to have a record of it, if you need to store it for compliance, and you just need a place to keep everything in one area and manage with your team; the hiring process.” Throughout her twelve years at the helm of Culinary Agents, Cheng has witnessed the dramatic shifts in marketing, media, and audience reach. She emphasized the importance of embracing these changes and leveraging new opportunities in digital spaces. Whether it’s managing social media handles or developing a content strategy, she encourages businesses to start where they can and grow from there, tapping into different audiences and making the most of today’s technology. "Admittedly, I think it's something that business owners have to do all the time. You have to pick and choose based upon your bandwidth," Cheng noted. “That's the beauty, I think, of embracing some of this technology today. You also get to tap into different audiences.” Through Culinary Agents, Alice Cheng continues to empower hospitality professionals and businesses, helping them thrive in an ever-changing landscape. Cali BBQ Media Digital Hospitality is an interview-based video podcast hosted by business owner Shawn P. Walchef (@shawnpwalchef) and produced by his Cali BBQ Media company sponsored by Marqii (@getmarqii) The weekly digital series explores the ways successful businesses and entrepreneurs have merged old and new with innovative digital strategies that harness the power of the Internet and social media. Shawn is the founder of Cali BBQ Media and creator of the Restaurant Influencers podcast on Entrepreneur Media.➤ Restaurant Influencers — https://link.chtbl.com/RIpodcast➤ Business Coaching — https://forms.gle/cnQ3sefMcAxQXbKa6➤ Cali BBQ Content — https://content.calibbq.media

In business, asking for help is important. Though that is universally understood, it is difficult to execute on doing so. In a recent Rising Tide LinkedIn Live Room, stories were shared relating to the “big ask”. The times and experiences that each has had with taking the leap to ask for help, advice, mentorship, or to share ideas from a person or source that would initially seem too large to provide either.  Listen to the replay of the latest room where the participants discussed “the big ask” and follow Cali BBQ Media to keep up with the latest and join the rooms to tell your story and have your voice heard Every Wednesday and Friday at 10am PDT, Shawn Walchef hosts the Rising Tide live room on LinkedIn. Leading voices in hospitality, and otherwise, from near and far join to discuss all things business and much more.  Key Quotes “Just start asking. You can't get the no's until you start asking. And you can't get the yeses until you've gotten a lot of no's.” -Troy Hooper “Whenever we're making these big asks, the most important thing that we can do is highlight the value of what we're bringing to the table." -Kyle Pflueger “Every day we make it, we'll make it the best we can.” -Richard Liverman “Everywhere you go, everyone you talk to, the rest of your life, the most important person in the room is everyone but you.” -Eric Ferrell “The answer is no if you don't ask. So you've already accepted no by not asking.” -Mercedes Montijo

Perspective 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 BBQ Media to keep up with the latest and join the rooms to tell your story and have your voice heard Every Wednesday and Friday at 10am PDT, Shawn Walchef hosts the Rising Tide live room on LinkedIn. Leading voices in hospitality, and otherwise, from near and far join to discuss all things business and much more.  Key Quotes “Change your perspective. Change your camera angle.” - Shawn Walchef "Your perspective is not the only perspective." -Troy Hooper "It's all about perspective and not letting other people's perspective hold you back from accomplishing what you want to accomplish." - Justin Ulrich "Everybody's perspective is created by their experiences, what they've been through, where they come from, who they hang around." - Heather Cox “Take joy in the little things in life and just look at life from a different view.” -Mitch Zenaty

Shereen 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 intriguing parallel between her experience as a software engineer and her dedication to baking sourdough bread, both of which demand meticulous measurement and continuous improvement.  “The way that you approach troubleshooting software or building or writing software is actually the same way you approach sourdough.” she says. “You gotta be accurate. And you measure everything, so that over time, you kind of see what little tweaks and improvements you need to make to get better at it…when I really started to see change and improvement in what I was doing is when I started to measure it.” At Akira, Qumsieh emphasizes the critical role of data in navigating the complex landscape of hospitality and customer experience by narrowing down the immense amount of data to answer basic questions. By meticulously measuring and aggregating data, Akira helps businesses establish a clear starting point, enabling them to chart a path toward continuous improvement. “What is the industry average for whatever we're dealing with? For us, the very first step is baselining it,” she explains. “It's getting that measurement in place so that this is where we are. And then what we do is we help them assess where they're at kind of per location versus per brand, and then where do you want to go?” Qumsieh’s approach to reputation management is rooted in the concept of digital hospitality, which she defines as the sum of all digital interactions that shape a customer's experience.  “It's everything digital. It's all the touch points that your guests are going to expect or want to interact with you in,” she notes. underscoring the importance of responsiveness and transparency in maintaining a strong online presence. Through her leadership at Akira, Qumsieh is not only advancing the field of reputation management but also setting a new standard for how businesses can leverage technology to enhance customer experiences across both digital and physical realms. “If I'm not telling a story and if I'm not sparking conversations, I'm not doing my job. And so I'm constantly checking in, and it's based on sort of the feedback loop that I get.” Cali BBQ Media Digital Hospitality is an interview-based video podcast hosted by business owner Shawn P. Walchef (@shawnpwalchef) and produced by his Cali BBQ Media company sponsored by Marqii (@getmarqii) The weekly digital series explores the ways successful businesses and entrepreneurs have merged old and new with innovative digital strategies that harness the power of the Internet and social media. Shawn is the founder of Cali BBQ Media and creator of the Restaurant Influencers podcast on Entrepreneur Media. ➤ Restaurant Influencers — https://link.chtbl.com/RIpodcast➤ Business Coaching — https://forms.gle/cnQ3sefMcAxQXbKa6➤ Cali BBQ Content — https://content.calibbq.media

As 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 brand. "The concept opened in 2018 with lines out the door. It was just a viral following," said Amanda Kahalhoe, who joined Vicious Biscuits in 2021. She was brought on to help the restaurant company with implementing Restaurant365. Later she moved up to the C-suite as the company opened even more locations. ABOUT VICIOUS BISCUITS: Founded by veteran restaurateur George McLaughlin and biscuit innovator Michael Greeley in 2018, this trailblazing fast-casual franchise breakfast brand and biscuits are anything but ordinary. Vicious Biscuit serves up a menu that's as unapologetically bold as it is delicious. The locations, rooted in Southern tradition, offer a warm welcome and embody a commitment to unparalleled hospitality. The award-winning biscuits have garnered numerous "Best Biscuit" accolades, and the fierce flavor combinations are featured on The Cooking Channel's "Food Paradise." To learn more about the Vicious Biscuit franchising opportunity, visit www.viciousbiscuitfranchise.com. Sponsored by R365 Restaurant365 is the industry’s leading all-in-one, cloud-based accounting, inventory, scheduling, payroll, and HR solution developed specifically for restaurants. R365’s restaurant enterprise management software simplifies day-to-day management for operators, allowing them to control food costs and optimize labor. Integrations and open APIs enable Restaurant365 to connect with other systems, including POS providers, vendors, and banks. The result is accurate, timely reporting that provides a clear and complete view of their businesses. Restaurant365 is based in Irvine, California with an office in Austin, Texas. Try it out at restaurant365.com

Businesses often become a part of the community in which they serve. Or at least they should.  In this recent Rising Tide LinkedIn Live Room led by the Cali BBQ Media team, the participants shared stories of philanthropy and service. Listen to the replay of the latest room where the participants discussed community service and follow Cali BBQ Media to keep up with the latest and join the rooms to tell your story and have your voice heard Every Wednesday and Friday at 10am PDT, Shawn Walchef hosts the Rising Tide live room on LinkedIn. Leading voices in hospitality, and otherwise, from near and far join to discuss all things business and much more.   Key Quotes: “​​The (Teach 1 Lead1) organization teaches universal life principles. And there are ten of respect, integrity, self control, courage, humility, excellence, compassion, enthusiasm, teamwork and honor.” -Laura Wilber “Getting out in the world, giving back, opening your hearts and your minds, and just listening to each other is the answer.” -Stover Hangar “Just give when you can. Give your time, give your money, if you can, give your advice, and just contribute. -Mandi Graziano “There's a lot of beauty that can happen from community service in healing yourself by healing others.” -Jason Berkowitz “"Having a servant's heart is living your life in a way where servanthood is just a part of your daily routine." -Kyle Pfluger

Content creation is an important part of business in today’s landscape. Though it is important to create content consistently, it is equally as important to study what is working once the consistency is present.  Whatever is the decided upon metric, is the important data to be gathered and serve as the foundation for future decisions. Listen to the replay of the latest Rising Tide LinkedIn Live Room where the participants discussed analytics and follow Cali BBQ Media to keep up with the latest and join the rooms to tell your story and have your voice heard Every Wednesday and Friday at 10am PDT, Shawn Walchef hosts the Rising Tide live room on LinkedIn. Leading voices in hospitality, and otherwise, from near and far join to discuss all things business and much more. Key Quotes: “The data that I am constantly looking towards, especially, like, on Instagram and other ones, are the comments, the shares, and the saves.” -Elizabeth Doss “Beautiful data, storytelling at its best.” -Shawn Walchef “The more we're authentic in the story we're telling, the more we can, people can connect with it.” -Michael Ungaro “Action creates action.” -Mike LaRue

Michael Beck, the co-founder and Chief Revenue Officer of Popcorn GTM, is a seasoned sales leader with over three decades of experience in the enterprise sales sector.  In 2023, Beck, alongside Paul Molinari, launched Popcorn GTM—a groundbreaking sales and marketing consultancy tailored for the restaurant technology industry. This venture represents more than just a business; it’s the culmination of years of expertise from two once-competitors who joined forces to redefine industry standards.  Beck’s approach to branding is as meticulous as it is creative.  "We do a police composite of sorts about your brand," Beck explains, underscoring the deep dive his team takes into understanding and shaping a brand's identity.  This process is to ensure that every aspect of a brand—from its voice and message to how it would metaphorically dress or drive—is consistent and compelling. This attention to detail is part of what makes Popcorn GTM stand out. In sales, Beck is known for his authenticity and what he calls the "pattern interrupt."  "I am the pattern interrupt. I want to be different. I want to be memorable." He states. “it is different. It is authentic.” Beck’s sales methodology also centers on the importance of discovery, the moment when a customer's pain points are unveiled and addressed. As he succinctly puts it, "Your sale happens in the discovery. If you think it's any other place, you got lucky." Michael Beck’s career and philosophy at Popcorn GTM are pictures of commitment to not just participate in the market but shape it. The firm's mantra, "Make it Pop," reflects their commitment to not just enter the market but to dominate it with innovative strategies and bold branding. Cali BBQ Media Digital Hospitality is an interview-based video podcast hosted by business owner Shawn P. Walchef (@shawnpwalchef) and produced by his Cali BBQ Media company sponsored by Marqii (@getmarqii) The weekly digital series explores the ways successful businesses and entrepreneurs have merged old and new with innovative digital strategies that harness the power of the Internet and social media. Shawn is the founder of Cali BBQ Media and creator of the Restaurant Influencers podcast on Entrepreneur Media. ➤ Restaurant Influencers — https://link.chtbl.com/RIpodcast➤ Business Coaching — https://forms.gle/cnQ3sefMcAxQXbKa6➤ Cali BBQ Content — https://content.calibbq.media

The 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 cuisine had the desire to create a unique restaurant concept featuring world class pizzas, salads and sandwiches alongside great wines and craft beers. That dream encompassed an atmosphere that felt like home and an extension of your kitchen; a place where family and friends could gather around for any type of occasion. The menu was crafted with the partnering of a local James Beard award-winning chef. After months of trial and error and with the help of friends and family, a final SPIN! menu was created, and the first restaurant opened in 2005. The fast-casual concept, one of the first of its kind, opened with grand reviews and long lines. The owners worked hard to ensure a culture of guest-first service which resulted in locals driving across town with a demand to open more locations in their area. The brand continues to grow. Sponsored by R365 Restaurant365 is the industry’s leading all-in-one, cloud-based accounting, inventory, scheduling, payroll, and HR solution developed specifically for restaurants. R365’s restaurant enterprise management software simplifies day-to-day management for operators, allowing them to control food costs and optimize labor. Integrations and open APIs enable Restaurant365 to connect with other systems, including POS providers, vendors, and banks. The result is accurate, timely reporting that provides a clear and complete view of their businesses. Restaurant365 is based in Irvine, California with an office in Austin, Texas. Try it out at restaurant365.com

Controversy sells. At least that’s what we’ve been told. But put the word “beautiful” in front of it, and the idea of calamity somehow dissipates. Or at least that's what those in hospitality hope to happen.  Listen to the replay of the latest Rising Tide LinkedIn Live room where the participants discussed beautiful controversy and follow Cali BBQ Media to keep up with the latest and join the rooms to tell your story and have your voice heard Every Wednesday and Friday at 10am PDT, Shawn Walchef hosts the Rising Tide live room on LinkedIn. Leading voices in hospitality, and otherwise, from near and far join to discuss all things business and much more. Key Quotes: “You never know the impact you can make on someone's life just by saying hello and making them like you give a s**it.” -Mike Larue “Beautiful controversy, beautiful chaos.” -Shawn Walchef “The power of hospitality is so great. When you put multiple minds into one place, you get a better outcome." -Mercedes Montijo “This world would be a lot better place if we didn't find controversy with others for other viewpoints." -Chris Dial“I'm down for a beautiful controversy, and you just gotta experiment with it and give it a shot.” -Mandi Graziano Cali BBQ Media Digital Hospitality is an interview-based video podcast hosted by business owner Shawn P. Walchef (@shawnpwalchef) and produced by his Cali BBQ Media company. The weekly digital series explores the ways successful businesses and entrepreneurs have merged old and new with innovative digital strategies that harness the power of the Internet and social media. Shawn is the founder of Cali BBQ Media and creator of the Restaurant Influencers podcast on Entrepreneur Media. ➤ Restaurant Influencers — https://link.chtbl.com/RIpodcast➤ Business Coaching — https://forms.gle/cnQ3sefMcAxQXbKa6➤ Cali BBQ Content — https://content.calibbq.media

What 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 the path of asking questions. Listen to the replay of the latest room where the participants discussed curiosity and follow Cali BBQ Media to keep up with the latest and join the rooms to tell your story and have your voice heard Every Wednesday and Friday at 10am PDT, Walchef and others hosts the Rising Tide live room on LinkedIn. Leading voices in hospitality, and otherwise, from near and far join to discuss all things business and much more.  Key Quotes: "The lesson my grandfather taught me, stay curious, get involved, ask for help." -Shawn Walchef "By being curious, for me, it's about having conversations with people, asking questions and listening." -Richard Liverman “Curiosity drives innovation. It drives new ways of thinking about things, new ways of solving problems, but it gets you to the solution.” -Justin Ulrich “Seek first to understand. Ask questions before giving opinions.” -Troy Hooper “You have to constantly be curious, be able to innovate or be a disruptor. So never stop being curious.” -Chris Berryman Cali BBQ Media Digital Hospitality is an interview-based video podcast hosted by business owner Shawn P. Walchef (@shawnpwalchef) and produced by his Cali BBQ Media company. The weekly digital series explores the ways successful businesses and entrepreneurs have merged old and new with innovative digital strategies that harness the power of the Internet and social media. Shawn is the founder of Cali BBQ Media and creator of the Restaurant Influencers podcast on Entrepreneur Media. ➤ Restaurant Influencers — https://link.chtbl.com/RIpodcast➤ Business Coaching — https://forms.gle/cnQ3sefMcAxQXbKa6➤ Cali BBQ Content — https://content.calibbq.media

Shawn 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. For Walchef, video is more than just a medium—it's a gateway to transparency and authenticity, allowing audiences to connect with the real people behind a business. He passionately stated, "Every single platform pushes video. Why? Because we're tired of people telling us what to do. Show me. What does video do? Video unlocks who you are."  At Cali BBQ Media, Walchef operates under the four C’s: content, commerce, communication, and community.  These four C’s are not just theoretical constructs; they are practical strategies that have helped Cali BBQ Media thrive and serve as a blueprint for other businesses to follow and are embedded in every aspect of his business. "Those four things live and breathe inside of every single person's smartphone that walks into our restaurant.” says Walchef. “How do we build a community around barbecue? How do we communicate the hospitality that we have through barbecue? And how do we share stories about barbecue?"  Walchef's journey with Cali BBQ Media is a story of perseverance and belief in the power of smartphone storytelling. He invested years into his media company before seeing any significant financial return.  Reflecting on this period, Walchef shared, "I invested in this media company, this crazy idea, for five years before I got our first brand deal…What is the investment? The investment is in myself, of knowing that the Internet is going nowhere. And being able to communicate on the Internet and to create content and tell stories on the Internet is invaluable."  This long-term vision underscores his commitment to the digital future and his belief in the enduring power of the internet as a platform for business growth and personal connection. Walchef's appearance on Fast Casual by Landed highlighted not only his success but also his dedication to helping other businesses harness the power of digital media. By sharing his journey and insights, Shawn Walchef continues to inspire and educate, demonstrating that with the right mix of content, commerce, communication, and community, any business can thrive in the digital age. Cali BBQ Media Digital Hospitality is an interview-based video podcast hosted by business owner Shawn P. Walchef (@shawnpwalchef) and produced by his Cali BBQ Media company sponsored by Marqii (@getmarqii) The weekly digital series explores the ways successful businesses and entrepreneurs have merged old and new with innovative digital strategies that harness the power of the Internet and social media. Shawn is the founder of Cali BBQ Media and creator of the Restaurant Influencers podcast on Entrepreneur Media. ➤ Restaurant Influencers — https://link.chtbl.com/RIpodcast➤ Business Coaching — https://forms.gle/cnQ3sefMcAxQXbKa6➤ Cali BBQ Content — https://content.calibbq.media