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, and a deep passion for Chicago’s hospitality culture, he ensures an unforgettable guest experience. From large-scale events to daily service, Bucens and his team create a welcoming environment where great beer, innovative food, and community come together seamlessly.

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, 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 conversation highlights real-world examples of B2B and B2C outreach, the impact of community-driven engagement, and the balance between scalable automation and authentic, unscalable interactions. Instead of relying solely on mass communication, this discussion breaks down how businesses can take a targeted, value-driven approach to outreach that fosters trust and drives long-term success.

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.

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 family’s restaurant, a symbol of heritage, persistence, and the evolution of his business. The tree was nearly removed during renovations, but his wife stood firm, insisting it remain. That decision became more than just a landscaping choice—it became a metaphor for the stories business owners often overlook, the deeply personal moments that define their journey. Inspired by this idea, several business owners in attendance stepped forward to share their own Orange Tree Stories. From a father and son team reviving a long-dormant product to a chef whose personal transformation led to a focus on special dietary needs, these stories underscored a universal truth: Customers connect with businesses that share their journey, struggles, and purpose.

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, 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 strategies, the role of storytelling in engaging potential customers, and why consistency in content creation is crucial. Instead of simply posting online, the discussion focuses on crafting a social strategy that fosters trust, amplifies reach, and generates real opportunities.

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.

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. Unlike static spreadsheets, Meez gives operators the power to make proactive, data-driven decisions. Through The Meez Podcast, Sharkey also explores the intersection of food, tech, and business, reinforcing his mission: to help chefs blend creativity with profitability in a rapidly evolving industry.

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 episode of Rising Tides Live, the conversation explores the evolving role of artificial intelligence in the restaurant industry. Featured guest Jesse Stein, co-founder of Hermetic AI, shares his insights on how AI-driven automation is transforming private event bookings, guest engagement, and operational efficiency. Jesse joins host Shawn Walchef to discuss the biggest opportunities and challenges AI presents for hospitality businesses, from enhancing customer interactions to streamlining operations without replacing the human element. Together, they examine real-world applications of AI, the future of AI-powered agents collaborating across restaurant functions, and how operators can embrace this technology to improve service, profitability, and long-term guest relationships.

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 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 the need for large production teams. Whether in hospitality, sports, or business, embracing content strategy and leveraging key platforms can drive long-term success. Tune in to learn how to be the show, not the commercial.

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, 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 group discusses how hobbies, early interests, and even unexpected childhood experiences—whether selling drawings at church, discovering a love for storytelling, or working in a family business—often reveal more about our purpose than we realize in the moment. Through these reflections, the conversation highlights the importance of curiosity, play, and embracing the unique experiences that make each person’s journey their own.

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.

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 genius. With a mission to fill lives with happiness, Porter proves that the right mix of passion, creativity, and resilience can turn a simple dessert into a nationwide sensation.

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, 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 storytelling techniques, the importance of repetition in refining your narrative, and how framing a story can make all the difference. Instead of simply sharing information, the discussion focuses on crafting stories that leave a lasting impact and inspire action.

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.