Digital Hospitality

In this session, we explore the power of nostalgia marketing and why tapping into the past can be a strategic advantage for entrepreneurs, restaurant operators, and hospitality professionals.  In this episode of   Rising Tides Live , hosted by  Shawn Walchef , the group unpacks how memory, tradition, and emotion fuel brand loyalty and customer engagement. The conversation features real-world examp...

Albi Zogaj is turning his restaurant into a brand—and a media company. The co-founder of Albi Italian Kitchen in San Antonio, Zogaj has embraced the digital storytelling strategies championed host Shawn Walchef. From posting skits and behind-the-scenes content to launching a podcast and product line, Albi is showing what’s possible when restaurant owners lean into content creation and systems. His...

In this session, we explore the impact of location selection and why making strategic real estate decisions is essential for entrepreneurs, restaurant operators, and hospitality professionals. In this episode of   Rising Tides Live , hosted by  Shawn Walchef , the group discusses how physical location, community presence, and digital strategy intersect to shape business success. The conversation f...

You don’t need money to build a media company. You need courage, consistency, and a smartphone. In this breakdown from Cali BBQ Media's Shawn Walchef, learn how to turn your everyday business actions into powerful digital storytelling. From embracing quantity over perfection to showing up across platforms, this guide highlights the mindset shift entrepreneurs need to grow their brand in today’s cr...

In this session, we explore the power of sales funnels and why designing them with intention is crucial for businesses, entrepreneurs, and hospitality professionals. In this episode of   Rising Tides Live , hosted by  Shawn Walchef , the group unpacks how B2B and B2C brands are building smarter, more efficient sales systems. The conversation features real-world strategies from restaurant operators...

Mike Bathurst , VP of Barney Enterprises , oversees 14 Wendy’s , locations in Northwest Indiana. With rapid growth came operational challenges—especially in repairs and maintenance. After struggling with unreliable vendors and disjointed asset tracking, Mike turned to 86 Repairs . The platform helped centralize equipment data, streamline service requests, and refine vendor management across stores...

In this session, we explore the power of personal tech stacks and how the tools we use shape the way we communicate, create, and collaborate. In this episode of Rising Tides Live , hosted by Shawn Walchef , the community dives into the devices, apps, and digital habits that fuel productivity, connection, and creativity in both personal and professional life. From AI tools like Claude and ChatGPT t...

In this episode of Rising Tides Live , the conversation centers on the power of YouTube Shorts and how restaurant brands can use the platform to improve local SEO, brand visibility, and content strategy. Guest Claudia Tomina , CEO of Reputation Arm , brings insights from her work in citation management, review automation, and local search optimization. Joined by host Shawn Walchef and the Rising T...

Chef Paul Natrall , founder of Mr. Bannock Indigenous Cuisine, is leading a movement to bring Indigenous foods and stories to the forefront of hospitality. Paul shares his story about launching Vancouver’s first Indigenous food truck, despite it breaking down on day one. Now a national leader and advocate, he’s helping shape the future of Indigenous culinary arts through education, mentorship, and...

In this session, we dive into the creative and practical world of mind mapping—a simple but powerful tool for organizing ideas, breaking through mental blocks, and bringing clarity to both personal and professional goals. In this episode of Rising Tides Live , guest hosts Laura Wilber , Restaurant Guest Acquisition & Retention Expert at Dinova , and Jason Berkowitz, Founder of Arrow Up Trainin...

One of the biggest myths entrepreneurs fall for is the old saying, “If you build it, they will come.” Inspired by Hollywood fantasy, it’s a dangerous lie in the real world of business. Shawn Walchef , founder of Cali BBQ Media , breaks this idea apart with one clear message: If you don’t promote yourself, no one will. You could have the best product or the most inspiring mission, but if your story...

In this session, we dive into the world of hospitality recruiting and talent acquisition—what it takes to find, retain, and grow great people in today’s restaurant and hospitality industry. In this episode of Rising Tides Live , guest hosts Ian Hoxworth and Lauren Hodges of EHS Recruiting step in for Shawn Walchef to lead a practical and heartfelt conversation about hiring strategies, the evolving...

Joe Fontana , founder of Fry the Coop , isn’t afraid to fail, create, or stand out. In just seven years, he’s grown his spicy chicken concept into a multi-location brand known for bold marketing, loyal culture, and a commitment to quality—from beef tallow to storytelling. Whether he’s roasting competitors on TikTok or turning a Zamboni into a mobile billboard, Joe shows how creativity and communit...

In this episode of Rising Tides Live , the community explores how to turn online relationships into real-life connections through intentional meetups. Angelo Esposito , CEO and Co-Founder of WISK.ai , joins the conversation to share how a spontaneous text about a Vegas happy hour turned into a full-scale Rising Tides in-real-life event. Alongside host Shawn Walchef and others from the community, A...

Shawn Walchef of Cali BBQ Media joined industry leaders at Google HQ in New York City for the Restaurant Industry Influencer Summit—an invite-only event focused on helping restaurants grow through digital tools. With powerful insights from partners like Toast and conversations led by experts like David “Rev” Ciancio and Troy Hooper , the event highlighted the growing importance of Google Business...

In this episode of Rising Tides Live , the conversation dives into the evolving world of B2B marketing and how business leaders can leverage platforms like LinkedIn and YouTube to grow their brands with purpose. Guest Finn McKenty , marketing strategist, content creator, and online education entrepreneur, shares insights from a career that spans work with top global brands, over 130 million YouTub...

Jeremy Jones , who goes by Scottie J, is the founder of Suburban LA and has turned a high school blog into one of LA’s most trusted digital media platforms. With over 10,000 Instagram posts and a growing presence on YouTube and beyond, Scottie has built a community rooted in storytelling, consistency, and cultural relevance. His work became especially vital during the recent LA wildfires, where he...

In this episode of Rising Tides Live , the conversation dives into the high-stakes world of industry trade shows and strategic networking. Featured guests Laura Wilber , Restaurant Guest Acquisition & Retention Expert with Dinova, and Mark Hatch, VP of Trade Relations and Events at Informa, share their insights on how to maximize opportunities at conferences, build meaningful connections, and...

Shaquille O’Neal knows success is a team effort—on the court and in business. With Big Chicken , he’s applying the same leadership philosophy that won him championships: surround yourself with the right people, trust them to execute, and build a strong culture. With 4,700 franchise applicants, Shaq and CEO Josh Halpern are focused on quality over speed, ensuring Big Chicken grows the right way. Em...

In this session, we explore the art of lead generation and why understanding its nuances is essential for businesses, entrepreneurs, and hospitality professionals. In this episode of   Rising Tides Live , hosted by  Shawn Walchef , the group dives into effective strategies for attracting and converting leads in B2B, B2C, and H2H (human-to-human) interactions. The conversation highlights real-world...

Josh Bucens , the Director of Food & Beverage at Guinness Open Gate Brewery in Chicago , is redefining hospitality by blending the legacy of Guinness with the city’s dynamic food and drink scene. With a background in bars, restaurants, and nightlife, Bucens leads a high-volume operation that serves thousands each month. Through strategic use of technology, a focus on hiring the right talent, a...

In this session, we explore the power of direct outreach and why mastering this skill is a game-changer for businesses, entrepreneurs, and creators. In this episode of   Rising Tides Live , hosted by  Shawn Walchef , the group dives into effective strategies for personalizing outreach, building relationships, and leveraging digital tools to connect with potential clients and partners. The conversa...

At 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 tree planted decades ago in front of his fami...

In this session, we dive into the fundamentals of social selling 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 how building an authentic digital presence can create meaningful connections and drive business success. The conversation highlights key social selling...

Joshua Sharkey , CEO and founder of Meez , is modernizing how chefs manage recipes and food costs. A former chef himself, Sharkey saw firsthand how inefficiencies in recipe management and costing hurt restaurant margins. That frustration led him to create Meez—an intuitive, chef-driven culinary operating system that simplifies real-time food costing, ingredient tracking, and menu engineering. Unli...