Joshua Sharkey, CEO and founder of Meez, has built a career around his passion for the culinary industry. A former chef with years of experience, Sharkey saw firsthand how recipe mismanagement, inaccurate food costing, and inefficiencies hurt restaurant operations. His solution? Meez—an all-in-one culinary operating system designed by chefs, for chefs. Unlike traditional recipe storage […]

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 […]

In this latest Digital Hospitality episode, host Shawn Walchef sits down with entrepreneur, speaker, and mentor David Meltzer to discuss Stage Theory, content creation, and how businesses—especially in hospitality—can leverage events for growth. The conversation explores Meltzer’s insights on business development, post-production content, and why strategic content capture is more valuable than ever. David Meltzer […]

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 […]

Scott Porter isn’t just selling churros, he’s selling an experience, a story, and a movement. As the CEO and founder of San Diablo Churros, Porter has built his brand on innovation, persistence, and storytelling, turning a simple fried pastry into a cultural phenomenon. His journey into the churro business wasn’t a calculated corporate move, it […]

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 […]

Shawn Walchef knows the power of digital storytelling. As the owner of Cali BBQ and founder of Cali BBQ Media, he’s spent 17 years building a brand that’s as much about content as it is about barbecue. But at the Google Restaurant Industry Influencers Summit in New York City, Shawn wasn’t just talking about restaurants—he […]

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 joins […]

For 50 years, Melting Pot has been more than just a restaurant—it has been a place where people come together, slow down, and connect over an interactive dining experience unlike any other. In an era where many restaurants struggle to stay relevant, Melting Pot continues to thrive not just because of its fondue, but because […]

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 […]