Digital Hospitality

By Shawn P. Walchef

Digital Hospitality is an interview podcast series that explores the ways successful people have harnessed the power of the Internet and social media. The show is hosted by Cali BBQ Media Founder Shaw... more

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FAQs about Digital Hospitality:

How many episodes does Digital Hospitality have?

The podcast currently has 648 episodes available.

Digital Hospitality episodes:

May 28, 2025Traditional PR Is Dead
Traditional PR is no longer the key to getting your story heard. Press releases, media gatekeepers, and curated coverage have been replaced by something more powerful: your own voice. In this new media era, business owners don’t have to wait for permission—they can publish directly to the platforms people already use. This article follows the transformation of Cali BBQ from PR hopefuls to content creators, showing how authentic storytelling outperforms traditional strategies. With a simple five-step approach—plan, produce, publish, promote, repeat—any business can control its narrative and build real community in 2025 and beyond.

Interview Takeaways:
Traditional PR is outdated – People trust real voices over polished press. A personal video or behind-the-scenes post can connect more than a traditional news segment ever could.
Every business is a media company – You don’t need a middleman to get your story out. With the right tools and mindset, you can publish directly to your audience and control your own narrative.
Consistency builds visibility – Success doesn’t come from one viral moment—it comes from showing up often. Regular content builds momentum, trust, and long-term attention.
Episode Links:
Traditional PR Is Dead on YouTube: https://youtu.be/eZFJZmeabjE

Shawn Walchef On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnpwalchef

Join Our Rising Tides Live Show: https://betheshow.media/rising-tides/

About Our Sponsors
DAVO:

DAVO automates every step of the sales tax process — from collecting to filing to paying...
Click here to learn more
Marqii:

Marqii is designed to create unforgettable customer experiences...
Click here to learn more
Where to find Cali BBQ Media
Visit our Website
Follow Restaurant Technology Substack
Follow us on Instagram
Follow us on LinkedIn
Learn About our Media Services
...more
13min
May 27, 2025Rising Tides Live: Looking Back At The National Restaurant Association Show
In this session of Rising Tides Live, hosted by Shawn Walchef, the community reunited to reflect on the stories, lessons, and breakthroughs from the 2025 National Restaurant Show. Attendees shared tips on balancing content creation with human connection, leaning into both high-tech tools and handwritten takeaways. Whether filming with drones or just showing up with a phone, the message was clear: hospitality is still a people business—and the best innovation is rooted in real relationships.

Interview Takeaways:
Content Creation + In-Person Connection = Impact – Participants emphasized the power of combining digital storytelling with face-to-face interactions. Whether capturing smartphone footage on the expo floor or showing up in-person to build deeper relationships, the fusion of content and connection was a recurring theme.
Innovation Only Works if You Use It – Tech was everywhere—from smart lockers to AI-powered menu optimization—but the real conversation centered on action. Attendees asked: how do we actually implement what we saw, and how do we make it stick without losing focus on people and operations?
Community Over Competition – Whether it was a spin class led by Wow Bao’s Jeff Alexander or impromptu hallway interviews, the show revealed a shift in mindset. Leaders are dropping competitive barriers and showing up for one another—because in today’s hospitality landscape, shared stories and mutual support matter more than ever.
Episode Links:
National Restaurant Association Show: https://www.nationalrestaurantshow.com/

Restaurant Show App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/the-show-to-go-2025/id1492482397

Cali BBQ Media: https://content.calibbq.media/

Join Our Next Show: https://betheshow.media/rising-tides/

Shawn Walchef on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnpwalchef/

About Our Sponsors
DAVO:

DAVO automates every step of the sales tax process — from collecting to filing to paying...
Click here to learn more
Marqii:

Marqii is designed to create unforgettable customer experiences...
Click here to learn more
Where to find Cali BBQ Media
Visit our Website
Follow Restaurant Technology Substack
Follow us on Instagram
Follow us on LinkedIn
Learn About our Media Services
...more
52min
May 26, 2025How a Barbecue Boss Became One of the Industry’s Leading Content Creators
Duce Raymond is a barbecue master, a catering powerhouse, and now a content creator with more than 750,000 followers across social media. In this episode of Digital Hospitality, Duce joins host Shawn Walchef at Catersource to share how he went from posting shaky iPhone videos to becoming a trusted voice in food and entrepreneurship. His advice is simple. Start creating. Stay consistent. Tell your story. That belief has doubled his business and given him a life beyond the kitchen.

Interview Takeaways:
Just Start – The first episode of Barbecue Like a Boss was a shaky selfie video. Duce Raymond didn’t wait for perfection. He simply pressed record and shared. That decision changed everything.
Tell Stories, Not Commercials – With guidance from The Sasha Group, Duce launched original content that spotlighted education, personality, and passion. That shift moved his business into new territory.
Consistency Builds Trust – Millions of views later, Duce has proven that a steady stream of authentic content does more than build an audience. It builds credibility and community.
Episode Links:
Duce Raymond LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/duceraymond/

Duce Raymond YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEbFPZr-u8_zOKw6wMNZhUA

Duce Raymond Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/duceraymond/?hl=en

Sweet Baby Ray’s: https://www.sweetbabyrays.com/

True Cuisine: https://www.truecuisine.com/about/duce-raymond

Duce’s Wild: https://duceswildbbq.com/https://www.truecuisine.com/about/duce-raymond

Duce Raymond Restaurant Influencers Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TC46F1XvHJw

The Sasha Group: https://thesashagroup.com/

About Our Sponsors
DAVO:

DAVO automates every step of the sales tax process — from collecting to filing to paying...
Click here to learn more
Marqii:

Marqii is designed to create unforgettable customer experiences...
Click here to learn more
Where to find Cali BBQ Media
Visit our Website
Follow Restaurant Technology Substack
Follow us on Instagram
Follow us on LinkedIn
Learn About our Media Services
...more
23min
May 21, 2025How A Fight Night Nearly Bankrupt Cali BBQ
Shawn Walchef, owner of Cali BBQ, learned a hard lesson early in his restaurant career: one fight night can nearly take down your entire business. In this cautionary tale, he shares how illegally streaming a pay-per-view UFC event led to three lawsuits and almost bankrupted his restaurant. From that near-disaster came a shift—toward doing things the right way, paying for commercial licenses, and eventually building a packed fight night destination. Today, Shawn shares why he no longer shows fights and urges restaurant owners to avoid shortcuts that could cost them everything. It’s a story about risk, resilience, and doing better.

Interview Takeaways:
Know the Rules Before You Stream – Broadcasting fights, sports, or even music in a restaurant requires proper commercial licensing. What feels like a savvy shortcut can quickly lead to costly lawsuits.
Short-Term Wins Can Lead to Long-Term Damage – That packed bar and spike in sales? It wasn’t worth the three lawsuits and near-bankruptcy that followed. Quick gains aren’t worth risking the entire business.
Build a Reputation the Right Way – Cali BBQ went from nearly shuttering to becoming one of San Diego’s top fight night spots—by doing things legally and transparently. Sustainability comes from integrity.

Episode Links:
Shawn Walchef On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnpwalchef

Full YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/reprPaDnSBA

About Our Sponsors
DAVO:

DAVO automates every step of the sales tax process — from collecting to filing to paying...
Click here to learn more
Marqii:

Marqii is designed to create unforgettable customer experiences...
Click here to learn more
Where to find Cali BBQ Media
Visit our Website
Follow Restaurant Technology Substack
Follow us on Instagram
Follow us on LinkedIn
Learn About our Media Services
...more
6min
May 20, 2025Rising Tides Live: Mother’s Day Hospitality
In this session of Rising Tides Live, hosted by Shawn Walchef, the community gathered to reflect on the power of hospitality through the lens of Mother's Day. From honoring the women who raised us to reimagining family-friendly experiences in restaurants, the conversation highlighted how thoughtful details—like personalized kids’ menus, surprise gifts for working moms, or simply easing the burden of planning—can create moments that matter. Special guest Germain Wegbrait of KidsMenus.com brought both expertise and heart to the discussion, underscoring how hospitality begins with empathy. Leaders shared heartfelt stories, practical ideas, and powerful reminders that every table served is a chance to show care, connection, and gratitude—on Mother’s Day and every day.

Interview Takeaways:
Giving Back Starts with Intentionality – You don’t need a massive budget to make a meaningful impact. From mentoring youth to hosting school partnerships, leaders showed that small, consistent actions rooted in your brand’s purpose can create lasting value.
Community Service Should Reflect Your Brand’s DNA – Whether it’s celebrating mothers or mentoring future hospitality leaders, the episode emphasized that giving back isn’t a trend—it should align with who you are and how you operate year-round.
Hospitality is About Human Connection – The conversation reminded us that true hospitality extends beyond great food or customer experience—it’s about showing up for your community in real, personal ways, especially during meaningful moments like Mother’s Day.
Episode Links:
Cali BBQ Media: https://content.calibbq.media/

Join Our Next Show: https://betheshow.media/rising-tides/

Shawn Walchef on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnpwalchef/

German Wegbrait on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/german-wegbrait-6a189230/

KidsMenus Online: https://kidsmenus.com/

About Our Sponsors
DAVO:

DAVO automates every step of the sales tax process — from collecting to filing to paying...
Click here to learn more
Marqii:

Marqii is designed to create unforgettable customer experiences...
Click here to learn more
Where to find Cali BBQ Media
Visit our Website
Follow Restaurant Technology Substack
Follow us on Instagram
Follow us on LinkedIn
Learn About our Media Services
...more
47min
May 19, 2025From Backyard Lemons to Boardroom Strategy: Jim Taylor’s Mission to Help Restaurants Succeed
Jim Taylor helps restaurants do more than stay afloat. Jim breaks down complex business concepts using a simple lemonade stand metaphor that even a 5-year-old can follow. From understanding labor costs to increasing profitability, Jim’s approach is rooted in clarity, connection, and creativity. Jim Taylor is the owner of Benchmark Sixty, based in Vancouver. He’s built a career out of helping restaurant operators turn insights into action. Tune in to hear why relationships matter, how better systems create better outcomes, and what whales have to do with hospitality.

Interview Takeaways:
Simplifying the Complex – Jim Taylor helps restaurant owners make sense of their operations—whether it’s understanding profit margins or fixing sour recipes. By translating data into plain language and playful metaphors, he empowers leaders to make smarter decisions.
The Lemonade Stand Method – From labor costs to marketing strategy, Jim uses a lemonade stand as a kid-friendly analogy to explain big business concepts. It’s a reminder that the basics—like cost, quality, and efficiency—are as relevant to a backyard business as they are to a multi-unit restaurant group.
Relationships Over Everything – Jim believes the best part of the job is connecting with people. Whether in Vancouver or Las Vegas, he shows that building trust, sharing stories, and showing up in person are as essential to restaurant success as spreadsheets and software.
Episode Links:
Jim Taylor on LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/jimtaylor60

Benchmark Sixty Online: https://www.benchmarksixty.com/

Benchmark Sixty LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jimtaylor60/

Benchmark Sixty Podcast: https://www.benchmarksixty.com/podcasts

Benchmark Sixty Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benchmarksixty/

About Our Sponsors
DAVO:

DAVO automates every step of the sales tax process — from collecting to filing to paying...
Click here to learn more
Marqii:

Marqii is designed to create unforgettable customer experiences...
Click here to learn more
Where to find Cali BBQ Media
Visit our Website
Follow Restaurant Technology Substack
Follow us on Instagram
Follow us on LinkedIn
Learn About our Media Services
...more
12min
May 15, 2025Rising Tides Live: Gearing Up For The National Restaurant Association Show
In this session of Rising Tides Live, hosted by Shawn Walchef, the community gathered ahead of the 2025 National Restaurant Show to share insights, connections, and strategies for making the most of the industry’s biggest event. From first-timers to seasoned veterans, voices across the hospitality space offered practical tips—like walking the floor with intention, leading with curiosity, and always taking the photo—alongside deeper reminders about the power of presence. Whether you're showing up with a business card or a camera, the takeaway was clear: events like NRA aren't just about products or platforms. They're about people—and the small, intentional acts that turn a crowded floor into a thriving community.

Interview Takeaways:
Be Curious, Not Just Strategic – Attendees emphasized the importance of approaching the show floor with curiosity over control. Whether you’re a founder or first-timer, showing up with questions—not just pitches—can lead to the most valuable connections.
Relationships Over Transactions – Industry leaders reminded us that the real ROI of NRA isn’t found in booths or badges—it’s built through intentional moments of connection, vulnerability, and shared learning.
Content Is Hospitality – From podcasts to behind-the-scenes video, several speakers noted that creating and sharing content is a modern form of hospitality. It’s not just storytelling—it’s a way to serve your community before they ever walk through your door.
Episode Links:
National Restaurant Association Show: https://www.nationalrestaurantshow.com/

Restaurant Show App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/the-show-to-go-2025/id1492482397

Cali BBQ Media: https://content.calibbq.media/

Join Our Next Show: https://betheshow.media/rising-tides/

Shawn Walchef on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnpwalchef/

About Our Sponsors
DAVO:

DAVO automates every step of the sales tax process — from collecting to filing to paying...
Click here to learn more
Marqii:

Marqii is designed to create unforgettable customer experiences...
Click here to learn more
Where to find Cali BBQ Media
Visit our Website
Follow Restaurant Technology Substack
Follow us on Instagram
Follow us on LinkedIn
Learn About our Media Services
...more
40min
May 14, 2025We Tested Dynamic Pricing at Our Restaurant
In this episode of the Cali BBQ Media podcast, Shawn Walchef breaks down his restaurant’s real-world experiment with dynamic pricing. Shawn shares how language, perception, and industry double standards fuel misunderstanding, and why embracing technology is key to long-term restaurant sustainability.

Interview Takeaways:
Dynamic Pricing Is Already Here – Restaurants have long used strategies like Happy Hour or early bird specials. Digital tools just make it smarter and more adaptive.
Language Shapes Perception – Calling it “surge pricing” triggered backlash. Clear, intentional communication is essential when introducing new pricing strategies.
Restaurants Face a Unique Double Standard – Airlines and gas stations adjust prices daily, but when restaurants do it, customers take it personally—highlighting the need for transparency and education.
Episode Links:
Surge Vs Dynamic Pricing YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/dkS8A4XmBT0

Shawn Walchef On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnpwalchef

About Our Sponsors
DAVO:

DAVO automates every step of the sales tax process — from collecting to filing to paying...
Click here to learn more
Marqii:

Marqii is designed to create unforgettable customer experiences...
Click here to learn more
Where to find Cali BBQ Media
Visit our Website
Follow Restaurant Technology Substack
Follow us on Instagram
Follow us on LinkedIn
Learn About our Media Services
...more
8min
May 13, 2025Bringing Sports and Showbiz Lessons into Business
In this session of Rising Tides Live, with Richard Liverman and Mike Bisceglia filling in for host Shawn Walchef, the community came together to explore the powerful parallels between sports, showbiz, and business leadership. From football clubs rebuilding their culture to athletes transitioning into entrepreneurship, the discussion highlighted how teams thrive through trust, coaching, and shared values. Guests reflected on lessons from their favorite teams—whether it's building momentum like a winning season or learning to bounce back after a loss. This episode underscores how cultivating a strong internal culture and clear leadership off the field can lead to championship-level performance in business.

Interview Takeaways:
Culture Drives Performance, On and Off the Field – Whether it’s a football club or a restaurant team, success hinges on the strength of your culture. Coaches and business leaders alike must set clear standards, remove toxicity, and foster environments where people believe in the mission and each other.
Leadership Isn’t Just Strategy—It’s Personal – The most effective leaders don’t just manage operations; they inspire belief. From turning around underperforming teams to mentoring rising talent, great leaders invest in people and lead by example, creating lasting momentum.
Build Raving Fans Through Shared Identity – Just like sports teams create lifelong supporters, businesses can build loyal communities by aligning brand, experience, and values. When customers and employees feel like part of something bigger, they stick around—and bring others with them.
Episode Links:
Richard Liverman on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-liverman/?originalSubdomain=uk

Cali BBQ Media: https://content.calibbq.media/

Join Our Next Show: https://betheshow.media/rising-tides/

Shawn Walchef on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnpwalchef/

About Our Sponsors
DAVO:

DAVO automates every step of the sales tax process — from collecting to filing to paying...
Click here to learn more
Marqii:

Marqii is designed to create unforgettable customer experiences...
Click here to learn more
Where to find Cali BBQ Media
Visit our Website
Follow Restaurant Technology Substack
Follow us on Instagram
Follow us on LinkedIn
Learn About our Media Services
...more
56min
May 12, 2025How Kickfin Helped Riot Hospitality Eliminate the Back-Office Bottleneck
J Goldin is the Systems Director at Riot Hospitality Group, a company known for high-volume, high-energy nightlife experiences. But behind the scenes, he is focused on precision, not chaos. In this episode, Goldin explains how technology, particularly Kickfin, has transformed Riot’s tip payout process. The result is saved time, fewer errors, and more managers on the floor where they belong. From eliminating cash to building custom tip structures that scale, Goldin shows how a thoughtful tech stack can drive efficiency without losing the human touch. It is a look at what it really takes to run a modern nightlife operation.

Interview Takeaways:
Speed at Scale – In nightlife, seconds matter. For J Goldin, Systems Director at Riot Hospitality Group, shaving even half a second off a transaction can mean thousands in extra revenue. Kickfin’s real-time tip payout platform has helped his venues move faster, stay compliant, and improve nightly operations across the board.
Simplifying Complex Tip Structures – With multiple venues and highly variable tip rules, Riot needed a platform that could adapt. Kickfin worked closely with Goldin to build a custom system in just 90 days, helping Riot Hospitality eliminate spreadsheets and reduce tip payout time.
Partners Who Understand Hospitality – Goldin credits Kickfin’s team for deeply understanding the unique demands of nightlife. Their responsiveness, accuracy, and follow-through made them not just a vendor, but a strategic partner in helping Riot scale smartly and sustainably.
Episode Links:
J Goldin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/j-goldin-1675237/

Riot Hospitality Group Online: https://riothg.com/

Riot Hospitality Group On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/riot-hospitality-group/

Kickfin Online: https://kickfin.com/

Justin Roberts LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjustinroberts/

About Our Sponsors
DAVO:

DAVO automates every step of the sales tax process — from collecting to filing to paying...
Click here to learn more
Marqii:

Marqii is designed to create unforgettable customer experiences...
Click here to learn more
Where to find Cali BBQ Media
Visit our Website
Follow Restaurant Technology Substack
Follow us on Instagram
Follow us on LinkedIn
Learn About our Media Services
...more
21min

FAQs about Digital Hospitality:

How many episodes does Digital Hospitality have?

The podcast currently has 648 episodes available.