In this session of Rising Tides Live, hosted by Shawn Walchef, the group dives into how to maximize the experience of attending the 2025 National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago. Whether it’s your first time walking the floor, your tenth time exhibiting, or your chance to finally meet longtime digital connections in real life, this event is […]

An IRS-enrolled agent with a master’s degree in taxation, Zenon McHugh spent two decades helping other small businesses navigate payroll, real estate deals, and tax planning. But when a property opened up in his Chicago neighborhood, he saw an opportunity too good to pass up. It wasn’t just about owning a bar — it was […]

In this session of Rising Tides Live, hosted by Shawn Walchef, the group dives into the meaning behind business milestones and why most people don’t celebrate them enough. Whether it’s opening your first restaurant, hitting a round-number anniversary, or simply surviving another month in business, these moments deserve recognition. More than just feel-good celebrations, milestones can drive connection, […]

Running a great restaurant in 2024 takes more than good food. According to Shawn Walchef, founder of Cali BBQ Media, it takes storytelling, tech savvy, and a willingness to unlearn everything you thought you knew about hospitality. “The traditional restaurant model is dead,” he says. “If you’re not adapting, you’re not surviving.” For decades, restaurant […]

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 […]

Albi Zogaj didn’t wait for permission to start telling his story—he just hit record. The San Antonio-based restaurateur, who co-founded Albi Italian Kitchen with his mother, is proving that you don’t need a fancy production studio to build a real media brand. With a smartphone, a clear brand identity, and the willingness to show up […]

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 features firsthand insights […]

Building a media company used to sound like something only celebrities or big brands could do. But in 2024, if you’ve got a phone and Wi-Fi, you already have the tools. According to Shawn Walchef, founder of Cali BBQ Media, the only real barrier is mindset. “You’re already telling stories every day,” he says. “You just […]

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 […]

Mike Bathurst didn’t set out to work in restaurants. The chemical engineer found his way into the fast food business thanks to a call from his best friend in first grade. That call led him to Barney Enterprises, a Wendy’s franchise group based in Northwest Indiana that was growing fast and needed fresh leadership. Bathurst […]