Robbie Schloss, founder of Castle Hospitality Group, joins Shawn Walchef on Digital Hospitality to share how he built Shore Club Chicago and scaled JoJo’s ShakeBAR. Robbie explains how nostalgia, immersive experiences, and over-the-top shakes turned JoJo’s into a social media sensation. He also breaks down why tech partners like Toast and F3 are critical for growth. From Winter Wonderland pop-ups to his “Robbie’s Recs” videos, Robbie shows how creative marketing, culture, and community can fuel both hospitality and expansion.

DAVO automates every step of the sales tax process — from collecting to filing to paying. It works seamlessly with your POS, so there’s nothing you need to do. And because DAVO guarantees your taxes will be paid on time and in full, there’s nothing to worry about either.

Digital Hospitality doesn't have to be complicated and our partners at Marqii live that every day. Marqii is designed to create unforgettable customer experiences from first search to latest visit with their one-stop digital operations platform built for hospitality operators.

In this session of Rising Tides Live, hosted by Shawn Walchef, the focus was on public speaking and the “Stage Theory”—how showing up on stage, online, or in front of a camera creates opportunities far beyond the moment. Guests opened up about their own fears, breakthroughs, and lessons learned, from corporate presentations to casual livestreams, highlighting how preparation, confidence, and storytelling shape every audience connection. The conversation underscored that great speakers aren’t born but built through reps, iteration, and authenticity. By treating every stage as a chance to practice and every story as a bridge, business leaders can transform public speaking from a fear into a growth engine

DAVO automates every step of the sales tax process — from collecting to filing to paying. It works seamlessly with your POS, so there’s nothing you need to do. And because DAVO guarantees your taxes will be paid on time and in full, there’s nothing to worry about either.

Digital Hospitality doesn't have to be complicated and our partners at Marqii live that every day. Marqii is designed to create unforgettable customer experiences from first search to latest visit with their one-stop digital operations platform built for hospitality operators.

Adam Rainy and David Valentine turned a chance connection into 3 Keys and Company, a growing restaurant management group operating multiple concepts across the Southeast. Scaling came with its share of challenges — from juggling facilities to keeping financials clear across several locations. That’s when KitchenSync stepped in. By streamlining reporting and integrating seamlessly with their systems, KitchenSync helped them cut end-of-month reports from weeks to just days. With better clarity, Adam and David can focus less on chasing numbers and more on guiding their teams, supporting growth, and keeping their eyes on tomorrow.

DAVO automates every step of the sales tax process — from collecting to filing to paying. It works seamlessly with your POS, so there’s nothing you need to do. And because DAVO guarantees your taxes will be paid on time and in full, there’s nothing to worry about either.

Digital Hospitality doesn't have to be complicated and our partners at Marqii live that every day. Marqii is designed to create unforgettable customer experiences from first search to latest visit with their one-stop digital operations platform built for hospitality operators.

In this session of Rising Tides Live, hosted by Shawn Walchef,  the conversation explored the shifting landscape between old media and new media—and what that means for storytellers, business owners, and consumers alike. From newspapers and cable TV to podcasts, livestreams, and TikTok, the group compared how information is created, shared, and trusted in a world where everyone can be their own broadcaster. The discussion touched on the enduring value of legacy outlets, the democratization of content creation, and the need for authenticity in a crowded digital space. Personal stories highlighted how media habits have evolved, why credibility still matters, and how the smartest brands are meeting audiences wherever they consume. It was a candid look at where media has been, where it’s headed, and how to navigate both worlds with intention and trust.

DAVO automates every step of the sales tax process — from collecting to filing to paying. It works seamlessly with your POS, so there’s nothing you need to do. And because DAVO guarantees your taxes will be paid on time and in full, there’s nothing to worry about either.

Digital Hospitality doesn't have to be complicated and our partners at Marqii live that every day. Marqii is designed to create unforgettable customer experiences from first search to latest visit with their one-stop digital operations platform built for hospitality operators.

Kevin Planovsky, Principal and Head of Growth at Croud, is helping brands merge technology, strategy, and storytelling to create stronger guest experiences. After selling his boutique Atlanta agency, Kevin joined Croud’s global, tech-enabled marketing team to focus on multi-location restaurant and retail growth. His philosophy blends first-party data analysis with authentic storytelling, ensuring every interaction feels personal. Beyond Croud, Kevin invests in ventures like Relish, a platform that connects restaurants with local creators. With AI reshaping marketing possibilities, he remains committed to efficiency, measurable growth, and keeping hospitality at the heart of every brand experience.

DAVO automates every step of the sales tax process — from collecting to filing to paying. It works seamlessly with your POS, so there’s nothing you need to do. And because DAVO guarantees your taxes will be paid on time and in full, there’s nothing to worry about either.

Digital Hospitality doesn't have to be complicated and our partners at Marqii live that every day. Marqii is designed to create unforgettable customer experiences from first search to latest visit with their one-stop digital operations platform built for hospitality operators.

In this session of Rising Tides Live, hosted by Shawn Walchef, the conversation centered on the uncomfortable, unpolished, and ultimately rewarding process of building in public. Whether you’re launching a product, reshaping your brand, or just trying to find your voice, the act of showing your work before it’s perfect can feel terrifying—but also deeply liberating. This session explored why vulnerability is a competitive advantage, how imperfection builds trust, and what happens when you trade polished optics for real momentum. From false starts to quiet wins, the group reflected on the power of consistency, the value of community feedback, and the freedom that comes when you stop waiting to be ready and start sharing what’s real.

DAVO automates every step of the sales tax process — from collecting to filing to paying. It works seamlessly with your POS, so there’s nothing you need to do. And because DAVO guarantees your taxes will be paid on time and in full, there’s nothing to worry about either.

Digital Hospitality doesn't have to be complicated and our partners at Marqii live that every day. Marqii is designed to create unforgettable customer experiences from first search to latest visit with their one-stop digital operations platform built for hospitality operators.

Running a high-volume hospitality group requires more than just great food and vibes. It takes airtight systems and rapid response. That’s why Nils Westlind partners with F3, a restaurant technology and support provider that helps power his Chicago concepts from the ground up. F3 handles everything from network setup to real-time issue resolution, ensuring that operations run smoothly even during peak hours. When a late-night systems crash threatened thousands in sales, F3 showed up in person to fix it. For Westlind, they are a critical part of the team that keeps service flowing and revenue protected. Check out this episode of Digital Hospitality to hear how Nils blends tech, culture, and storytelling to build unforgettable hospitality experiences.

DAVO automates every step of the sales tax process — from collecting to filing to paying. It works seamlessly with your POS, so there’s nothing you need to do. And because DAVO guarantees your taxes will be paid on time and in full, there’s nothing to worry about either.

Digital Hospitality doesn't have to be complicated and our partners at Marqii live that every day. Marqii is designed to create unforgettable customer experiences from first search to latest visit with their one-stop digital operations platform built for hospitality operators.

After 26 years at Applebee’s, Denny LiPira made the leap from corporate stability to entrepreneurial growth. Now overseeing operations for Island Wing Company and The Toasted Yolk Café, he’s building something new with leaner teams, stronger culture, and smarter systems. In this episode of Digital Hospitality, LiPira shares how Kickfin helped eliminate the chaos of nightly tip-outs and gave staff instant access to their earnings. Integrated with Toast, it streamlines operations and builds trust

DAVO automates every step of the sales tax process — from collecting to filing to paying. It works seamlessly with your POS, so there’s nothing you need to do. And because DAVO guarantees your taxes will be paid on time and in full, there’s nothing to worry about either.

Digital Hospitality doesn't have to be complicated and our partners at Marqii live that every day. Marqii is designed to create unforgettable customer experiences from first search to latest visit with their one-stop digital operations platform built for hospitality operators.

In this session of Rising Tides Live, the community gathered for a special Ask Shawn Anything, where host Shawn Walchef took questions from the group and encouraged everyone to do the same. From a former dishwasher turned GM sharing leadership lessons, to a barbecue pitmaster navigating burnout and balance, the conversation was honest, practical, and full of insight. Shawn opened up about imposter syndrome, learning to ask for help, and the power of storytelling over sales. The group exchanged ideas about AI, content creation, restaurant leadership, and mentorship. Whether you’re building a team, launching a product, or just trying to keep your table stable, this session was a reminder that curiosity, consistency, and community are the real secret ingredients.

DAVO automates every step of the sales tax process — from collecting to filing to paying. It works seamlessly with your POS, so there’s nothing you need to do. And because DAVO guarantees your taxes will be paid on time and in full, there’s nothing to worry about either.

Digital Hospitality doesn't have to be complicated and our partners at Marqii live that every day. Marqii is designed to create unforgettable customer experiences from first search to latest visit with their one-stop digital operations platform built for hospitality operators.

US Foods is reimagining the traditional food show with Food Fanatics 2025, an immersive event for restaurant operators happening August 19–20 at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. Behind it all are industry veterans like Lance Reynolds and Chef Scott McCurdy, whose passion for helping operators grow is the heartbeat of the event. With live demos, hands-on tech, and real-world workshops, this isn’t just about food—it’s about the future. “This is about recharging,” says Scott. “Come recharge with us.” For Lance and Scott, it’s not just a show. It’s personal. And it’s built for you. They joined Shawn Walchef on Digital Hospitality to preview what’s coming.

DAVO automates every step of the sales tax process — from collecting to filing to paying. It works seamlessly with your POS, so there’s nothing you need to do. And because DAVO guarantees your taxes will be paid on time and in full, there’s nothing to worry about either.

Digital Hospitality doesn't have to be complicated and our partners at Marqii live that every day. Marqii is designed to create unforgettable customer experiences from first search to latest visit with their one-stop digital operations platform built for hospitality operators.