Digital Hospitality

In this episode of Digital Hospitality, David Meltzer shares how businesses can leverage Stage Theory to maximize visibility and impact. He explains why post-production content is the most valuable asset from any event and how capturing the right moments can amplify brand growth. Meltzer also highlights how technology has made high-quality content creation more accessible than ever, eliminating th...

In this session, we explore how childhood experiences and early passions can shape careers, personal growth, and the way we navigate the world as adults. In this episode of Rising Tides Live , guest host Elizabeth Doss fills in for Shawn Walchef , leading a conversation filled with personal stories about the seemingly small moments from childhood that turned out to be clues about future paths. The...

Scott Porter’s journey with San Diablo Churros is a masterclass in persistence, innovation, and internet storytelling. Inspired by fresh-filled churros in Mexico City, Porter saw a gap in the U.S. market and launched San Diablo, evolving from catering to frozen, ready-to-bake churros at home. His viral Costco Churro Funeral and mission to deliver churros to Charles Barkley showcase his marketing g...

In 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 storytel...

Shawn Walchef knows digital storytelling is the future. At the Google Restaurant Industry Influencers Summit , the Cali BBQ owner shared why every business must take YouTube seriously. For years, YouTube was just a content archive for Cali BBQ—until Shawn saw top creators prioritizing it. Now, short-form videos, long-form storytelling, and live content are driving real results. His philosophy? Be...

In this episode of Rising Tides Live , the conversation focuses on the often-overlooked but critical world of restaurant repairs and maintenance. Featured guest Daniel Estrada , co-founder and CEO of 86 Repairs , shares his insights on how proactive repair strategies, data-driven decision-making, and smart vendor management can transform the way restaurants handle equipment maintenance. Daniel joi...

For 50 years, Melting Pot has brought people together through interactive dining and warm hospitality. More than just a fondue restaurant, it’s a place where shared experiences create lasting memories. Behind the scenes, innovation ensures every visit feels effortless. Front Burner Brands, the company behind Melting Pot, drives this balance, blending technology with tradition to enhance service. L...

In 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 guests and businesses. The...

At the Toast Panel, Shawn Walchef of Cali BBQ shared how technology, hospitality, and community shape the future of the industry. He emphasized the power of learning from others, the importance of balancing digital tools with real-world hospitality, and how events like these create connections that drive success. With 2025 bringing new challenges, Toast is helping restaurant owners streamline oper...

In 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 in content success. The conversation challenges the trad...

Finn McKenty knows what it takes to create content that connects. From YouTube to LinkedIn , he’s built a career around storytelling, strategy, and consistency. In this article, McKenty shares his insights on why storytelling is the foundation of great content, how LinkedIn video builds relationships, and why showing up consistently is the key to success. He breaks down the biggest mistakes conten...

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Shawn 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, a longtime champion of storytelling, digital media, and the evolution...

In 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, the power of new media...

Ric Gruber Jr. , owner of Billy Bricks  Pizza, is proving that mobile expansion isn’t just an add-on—it’s essential for restaurant growth. By integrating food trucks and catering into his business model, Gruber ensures Billy Bricks reaches more customers while maintaining profitability. His strategy prioritizes pre-booked events over risky vending, creating a sustainable revenue stream. Beyond mob...

In 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 dynamic group of business owners, entrepreneurs, and hospitality leaders who share their hard-earned wisdom on avoiding costly missteps. From partnerships gone wrong to contracts overlooke...

In 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 explains how the evolution of media parallels the growth of Software as a Service (SaaS). Wit...

In this episode of Rising Tides Live, the conversation explores the transformative 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 estab...

KidsMenus.com is transforming family dining by making restaurant experiences more enjoyable for kids and stress-free for parents. Co-founders Crissy Saint and German Wegbreit saw the lack of engaging options for children and created a platform that provides customizable, high-quality activity menus. Restaurants using KidsMenus.com benefit from happier families, longer visits, and increased custome...

Welcome to this special edition of Rising Tides Live—the British Takeover! With Shawn Walchef in NYC today, 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 hospitality—both in the UK and beyond. From world-class service to unforgettable gue...

In 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 the evolving landscape of content...

In 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 around people’s first jobs in hospitality and how they got h...

Omar Zebi , Co-Founder of A-Team Delivery & Logistics , has transformed restaurant delivery services. Since launching in 2017, A-Team has grown to manage 24,000 monthly deliveries, supported by Shipday advanced logistics platform. Partnering with Shipday in 2019 enabled A-Team to scale operations by 300-400%, expand into cities like Los Angeles and New York City, and improve accountability for...

In 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 Nagy . 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 media channels...

Shawn Walchef , owner of Cali BBQ , and Steven Swiderski , Director of Events and Hospitality, showcased the behind-the-scenes magic of their catering operations during a lively Saturday livestream. From delivering barbecue to Snapdragon Stadium for Monster Jam to highlighting technology like Toast, they shared lessons on preparation, teamwork, and digital hospitality. Steven emphasized, “Bring en...