Do 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 on LinkedIn. Leading voices in hospitality, and otherwise, from near and far join to discuss all things business and much more.  Listen to the replay of the latest...

Discover 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 and mentor for a number of years.  In the latest of the live coaching calls, Meltzer divulged the secrets behind his successful...

David 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 appearances on Cali BBQ Media's shows. It is well worth your time to watch and listen to every single episode that involves David Meltzer, including his live...

Matt Wampler's journey to becoming the co-founder and CEO of ClearCOGS stemmed from a personal pain point in his restaurant career. Recognizing the lack of resources for obtaining essential answers, he envisioned ClearCOGS as a solution to translate overlooked data into actionable insights.  And now ClearCOGS has a huge announcement! Wampler's mission is clear: empower restaurant operators by providing them with a playbook for success. By leveraging modern technology and data science,...

An Inclusive Dining Experience Ernie Carrillo, the founder of Joe & Ernie's Pizzeria, is crafting an inclusive dining experience that caters to everyone's tastes and dietary needs. From vegan options to gluten-free delights, Carrillo's commitment to quality and diversity sets his pizzeria apart in Southern California's vibrant culinary scene. “I think pizza is that type of thing where everyone should enjoy it.” expressed Carrillo to host Shawn Walchef. “Our business model is, we try...

Solomon Choi, the CEO of Jabba Brands, believes in the power of giving more to ask for more.  Reflecting on his early career, Choi made a bold decision for his family business early in his career, which ultimately paid off. By providing greater service, Choi was able to raise prices confidently, recognizing the value of catering to a captive audience.  "Ask for more by giving them more," says Choi to host Shawn Walchef of Cali BBQ Media and co-host Avi Goren of Marqii. “I think that's a...

Christine Schindler, the Co-Founder and CEO of Pathspot, is spearheading a transformative movement in the restaurant industry by digitizing back-of-house operations.  Pathspot's mission is clear: to enhance efficiency and safety in restaurant environments by consolidating various operational and safety procedures into a single, streamlined platform.  “Pathspot is a system for operational and safety tools, both hardware and software, totally digitizing the back of house.” said Schindler...

Finding time for thought leadership can be a challenge. However, for Zach Goldstein, the CEO of Thanx, the responsibility to share knowledge and uplift the industry is paramount. Goldstein acknowledges the industry's lag in becoming data-driven and sees thought leadership, even if its ROI is not immediately visible, as a means to assist operators.  He believes that amplifying best practices and sharing insights is part of his mission and leadership obligation. Goldstein also emphasizes the...

The birth of Schedulefly was rooted in the chaos of manually creating restaurant schedules using Post-It Notes. Wil Brawley and his partners recognized the inefficiencies in this process and envisioned a streamlined solution aimed to eliminate the constant need for phone calls and last-minute changes. Schedulefly emerged as that solution, and revolutionized communication within the restaurant industry, simplifying scheduling processes and enhancing efficiency. "The idea was, why don't we just...

As the restaurant industry becomes increasingly immersed in the world of technology, Chris Fletcher, founder of Tech on Toast, is addressing the gaps between restaurant operators and tech suppliers.  Tech on Toast: Bridging the Gap Between Operations and Technology Chris Fletcher, founder of Tech on Toast, recognized a significant gap between tech suppliers and restaurant operators during his extensive industry experience. Fueled by a desire to address this gap, he established Tech on...

Sudheer Sajja, the Founder of Pringle Robotics, recognized a pressing need for innovative solutions to address the worker shortage issue. Listening to feedback and observing the challenges faced by waitstaff, Sajja identified a gap in service that inspired the creation of Pringle Robotics.  "We really thought maybe where we could add additional help to the waiters and waitresses was to actually build out a robot that actually would do the food runner job, essentially allowing for food to be...

In the world of Public Relations, Gigi Peterkin, founder of Amplify PR, is a trailblazer reshaping the narrative. Fueled by a desire for authenticity, she founded the firm to counter the prevalent practice of crafting stories for those with deep pockets, whether genuine or not. 

The Staffing Solutions Pain Point Jennifer 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 […]

Get to know Marqii CEO Avi Goren In the restaurant industry, Marqii CEO Avi Goren is a visionary leader, shaping the landscape of digital hospitality through strategic partnerships and groundbreaking solutions. With a unique perspective derived from both his consumer experience and entrepreneurial journey, Goren navigates the challenges faced by the industry with a keen […]

Avery 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 Shipday cofounder Moin Islam, Shipday has proven to be a game-changer, unlocking hidden potentials in operational efficiency...

In the dynamic landscape of technology and entrepreneurship, Kshitiz Sanghi emerges as a visionary co-founder, playing a pivotal role in the success story of Voosh. With a passion for innovation and a wealth of experience, Sanghi has navigated the challenging realms of startup growth and development. Along with his partner Priyam Saraswat, Voosh is striving to revolutionize financial management, sales tracking, and team accountability for businesses in the digital age. In his interview with...

Shawn 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 only allowed him to build a network of like-minded individuals but has also positioned him as a valuable resource for other...

Rob Napoli, Head of Global Commercial and Business Brand at Omniboost, has a unique journey that spans from Iowa to Italy and eventually leading him to New York. With a career steeped in Entrepreneurship, both as a business owner and a consultant/coach, it is no wonder that he was able to adapt enough to navigate the multiple terrains that such moves would inevitably bring. It was the last move, however, where Napoli recognized the need to reinvent himself.  “It’s the third time I had to...

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. Nick Capozzi's insights and expertise position him as a leading voice in the ever-evolving landscape of digital marketing and content creation. Watch and Listen to this Digital...

In the bustling world of the food service industry, Jen Hidinger-Kendrick embarked on a journey that transcended mere entrepreneurship. As the Founder of The Giving Kitchen, she aimed to be of service to those in need. However, it wasn’t until she recognized the importance of asking for help herself that the venture truly took flight.    Reflecting on her experience, she states, “I absolutely raised my hand as someone who didn’t need help. At the moment that we let that wall break and said,...

Aaron Palacios is the Senior Director of People Services at Swadley’s BBQ. While in his role, he has orchestrated a transformative shift by integrating Restaurant365 across key business functions. This move not only streamlined accounting and marketing but also introduced a dedicated HR support center within Restaurant365, enhancing the experience for managers, customers, and employees alike. “We wanted to bring everything in-house, and the first thing they brought on was HR,” affirms Aaron...

In the midst of the tumultuous impact of COVID-19 on the restaurant industry, Andrew Simmons, the CEO of Mamma Ramona's, and forward-thinking leader, leveraged technology to navigate the challenges. Recognizing the need for adaptability, Simmons witnessed a surge in restaurants embracing change, particularly in reclaiming control over their data and managing partnerships to shield themselves from third-party companies. As the industry continues to evolve, Andrew Simmons serves as a beacon,...

Jamie Hoffman, the seasoned managing partner at SanTan Brewing Company has contributed significantly to the company’s growth and success throughout his impressive 16-year tenure with the brewery. Listen to this entire Digital Hospitality episode conducted at the Restaurant Transformation Festival put on by Restaurant365 in Austin, TX to learn more about Hoffman's commitment to the growth of SanTan Brewing Company. Interview Takeaways: The Importance of Distributors for Breweries -...

Local 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. Watch the full interview to learn more about why every marketer, business person, or entrepreneur should be using video to build their brand.