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:

April 02, 2025Nobody Will Talk About Your Business FOR YOU! Video Marketing Success in 5 Simple Steps
One of the biggest myths entrepreneurs fall for is the old saying, “If you build it, they will come.” Inspired by Hollywood fantasy, it’s a dangerous lie in the real world of business. Shawn Walchef, founder of Cali BBQ Media, breaks this idea apart with one clear message: If you don’t promote yourself, no one will. You could have the best product or the most inspiring mission, but if your story isn’t out there—on Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, or even your local community Facebook page—you’re invisible.

Interview Takeaways:
If You Build It, They Will Come Is a Lie – No matter how great your product or service is, people won’t show up unless you actively promote it through consistent storytelling and content creation.
Consistency Beats Perfection – Success in digital storytelling doesn’t come from one perfect post—it comes from quantity, speed, and consistency. You must embrace looking and sounding imperfect at first in order to get better over time.
Business Owners Must Become Storytellers – Whether you’re opening a restaurant or launching a new product, you need to be your brand’s loudest advocate. Creating content around your journey, your partners, and your decisions builds trust, opportunity, and community.
Episode Links:
Nobody Will Talk About Your Business FOR YOU! Video Marketing Success in 5 Simple Steps: https://youtu.be/inAKIVlqXxI

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

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11min
April 01, 2025Rising Tides Live: Hospitality Talent Acquisition
In this session, we dive into the world of hospitality recruiting and talent acquisition—what it takes to find, retain, and grow great people in today’s restaurant and hospitality industry. In this episode of Rising Tides Live, guest hosts Ian Hoxworth and Lauren Hodges of EHS Recruiting step in for Shawn Walchef to lead a practical and heartfelt conversation about hiring strategies, the evolving job market, and the human side of recruitment. From proactive outreach and employee referrals to job board challenges and the value of mentorship, the group shares insights and real-world stories that reflect the complexities of building great teams. At its core, this conversation reminds us that recruiting isn’t just about filling roles—it’s about relationships, culture, and creating opportunities that change lives.

Interview Takeaways:
Why Recruiting Is Really About Relationships – Recruiting isn’t just about filling open roles; it’s about building trust, understanding company culture, and forming long-term partnerships. As Lauren Hodges explains, the most successful placements happen when recruiters deeply understand both the candidate and the company—turning a transactional process into a transformational one.
How Operators Can Compete Without Big Budgets – You don’t need a massive talent acquisition team to attract top talent. From employee referral incentives to grassroots networking and clear communication, smaller operators can level the playing field by being more intentional, proactive, and strategic in how they approach hiring.
The Future of Hiring Is Personal – In today’s labor market, job seekers want more than just a paycheck—they want to feel connected, valued, and aligned with a company’s mission. Whether it’s through earned wage access, flexible scheduling, or mentorship opportunities, businesses that personalize the employee experience will have the edge in both recruitment and retention.
Episode Links:
Cali BBQ Media: https://content.calibbq.media/

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

Ian Hoxworth LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-hoxworth/

Lauren Hodges LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-hodges1/

EHS Recruiting: https://ehsrecruitingcompany.com/

About Our Sponsors
DAVO:

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

Marqii is designed to create unforgettable customer experiences...
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Where to find Cali BBQ Media
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1h 7min
March 31, 2025Why Joe Fontana’s Chicken Sandwich Brand Is Built on Culture and Comedy
Joe Fontana, founder of Fry the Coop, isn’t afraid to fail, create, or stand out. In just seven years, he’s grown his spicy chicken concept into a multi-location brand known for bold marketing, loyal culture, and a commitment to quality—from beef tallow to storytelling. Whether he’s roasting competitors on TikTok or turning a Zamboni into a mobile billboard, Joe shows how creativity and community drive success. In this episode, he shares lessons on leadership, brand building, digital tools, and why every restaurant should be more than just a place to eat—it should be a show.

Interview Takeaways:
Why Culture and Failure Go Hand in Hand – Joe Fontana isn’t afraid to call out a store location that failed. Instead, he uses failure to sharpen his vision and reinforce the importance of team culture and customer connection at every new Fry the Coop store.
How Content and Community Can Grow Your Brand – Whether it’s dressing a Zamboni with a chicken sandwich or roasting a competitor on TikTok, Joe proves that storytelling and hyper-local community efforts can make a brand unforgettable.
Why Beef Tallow Matters – Joe uses beef tallow in every Fry the Coop kitchen—not just because it tastes better, but because it reflects his commitment to health, transparency, and food education. It’s a small detail that makes a big statement.
Episode Links:
Fry The Coop Online: https://www.frythecoop.com/

Fry The Coop on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frythecoop/?hl=en

Fry The Coop Zamboni: https://www.instagram.com/frythecoop/reel/DEk_33uyelv/?locale=zh-hans

Joe Fontana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephfontana/

Joe Fontana on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joefontanachicago/

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...
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Where to find Cali BBQ Media
Visit our Website
Follow Restaurant Technology Substack
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36min
March 27, 2025Rising Tides Live: IRL Meet Ups
In this episode of Rising Tides Live, the community explores how to turn online relationships into real-life connections through intentional meetups. Angelo Esposito, CEO and Co-Founder of WISK.ai, joins the conversation to share how a spontaneous text about a Vegas happy hour turned into a full-scale Rising Tides in-real-life event. Alongside host Shawn Walchef and others from the community, Angelo dives into the importance of putting a flag in the ground, why smaller meetups often yield bigger impact, and how showing up in person adds depth to digital connections. This episode breaks down the mindset and strategy behind hosting meaningful in-person gatherings that grow community, strengthen partnerships, and fuel momentum.

Interview Takeaways:
Just Start—Even If It Feels Last Minute – When Angelo first pitched the idea of a Rising Tides happy hour during the Vegas trade shows, he thought it might be too late to pull off. But the community said yes—and quickly. The result? A fully planned event with major industry names attending. Sometimes momentum starts with one message.
IRL Events Don’t Need to Be Huge to Matter – While large trade shows have their place, Angelo emphasizes the value of smaller, more intimate gatherings. A 30-person happy hour can lead to deeper conversations, stronger connections, and more meaningful business opportunities than a packed party with hundreds of attendees.
Be the One Who Puts the Flag in the Ground – Real-life meetups only happen when someone is bold enough to take the lead. Whether it’s a happy hour, coffee meetup, or trade show dinner, being the one to say “Let’s meet here at this time” sets everything in motion and creates space for community to grow.
Episode Links:
Angelo Esposito on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/espositoangelo/

Wisk.ai on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wisk/

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
1h
March 26, 2025What Restaurants Can Learn from Google’s NYC Influencer Summit
Shawn Walchef of Cali BBQ Media joined industry leaders at Google HQ in New York City for the Restaurant Industry Influencer Summit—an invite-only event focused on helping restaurants grow through digital tools. With powerful insights from partners like Toast and conversations led by experts like David “Rev” Ciancio and Troy Hooper, the event highlighted the growing importance of Google Business Profiles, first-party integrations, and especially YouTube. As restaurants face increasing competition, the message was clear: treat your digital presence like a storefront. When used strategically, tools like YouTube and Google can drive real business impact and build long-term brand loyalty.

Interview Takeaways:
Own Your Digital Real Estate – Google and Toast are working together to help restaurants control more of the customer journey—from search to reservations to ordering. Operators who actively manage their Google Business Profile and integrate first-party tools are better positioned to drive traffic and conversions.
Don’t Sleep on YouTube – YouTube is still one of the most underutilized tools in the restaurant marketing toolkit. Rev Ciancio and Troy Hooper emphasized that restaurants should repurpose their short-form content for YouTube Shorts and treat the platform as a primary driver of visibility—not just a content dump.
Think Like a Tech Company, Act Like a Hospitality Brand – Today’s most successful restaurants blend traditional hospitality with digital savvy. From managing listings to running YouTube campaigns, embracing tech doesn’t mean losing your identity—it means amplifying it to reach more people, more efficiently.
Episode Links:
Shawn Walchef on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnpwalchef/

Google Restaurant Industry Influencers Summit - YouTube Live: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfXM50PXOig

Cali BBQ Media: https://betheshow.media/

Troy Hooper on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jtroyhooper/

David "Rev" Ciancio: https://www.linkedin.com/in/revciancio/

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
9min
March 25, 2025Rising Tides Live: B2B Marketing On LinkedIn
In this episode of Rising Tides Live, the conversation dives into the evolving world of B2B marketing and how business leaders can leverage platforms like LinkedIn and YouTube to grow their brands with purpose. Guest Finn McKenty, marketing strategist, content creator, and online education entrepreneur, shares insights from a career that spans work with top global brands, over 130 million YouTube views, and a massive LinkedIn following. Joined by host Shawn Walchef and the Rising Tides community, Finn explores the value of building in public, the power of video for establishing trust, and why consistency beats perfection. Together, they unpack practical strategies for content creation, audience growth, and long-term relationship-building in the digital age.

Interview Takeaways:
Consistency Builds Trust – Posting once or twice isn’t enough to see results. Finn McKenty emphasizes that building a presence on platforms like LinkedIn or YouTube takes time and repetition. Whether it’s one video a week or daily text posts, showing up consistently is the key to building credibility and long-term engagement.
Know Your Goal Before You Hit Record – Not all content needs to go viral to be effective. Finn reminds creators to define what success looks like before hitting record. Are you trying to attract leads, share expertise, or build brand awareness? Clear goals help ensure each piece of content serves a specific business purpose.
Quality Over Quantity—Especially on LinkedIn – While big follower counts may impress on other platforms, LinkedIn is all about reaching the right people. Finn stresses that even if a post only gets 25 views, it can be a win if those views come from decision-makers. The value lies in connection, not just volume.
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/

Finn McKenty on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/finnmckenty/

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
53min
March 24, 2025How Scottie J Uses Storytelling and Strategy to Empower Los Angeles
Jeremy Jones, who goes by Scottie J, is the founder of Suburban LA and has turned a high school blog into one of LA’s most trusted digital media platforms. With over 10,000 Instagram posts and a growing presence on YouTube and beyond, Scottie has built a community rooted in storytelling, consistency, and cultural relevance. His work became especially vital during the recent LA wildfires, where he partnered with local nonprofits to provide real-time, verified information. Now expanding into premium content and live events, Scottie continues to lead with impact, proving that digital media—when fueled by purpose—can drive real-world change and lasting community connection.

Interview Takeaways:
Staying Consistent to Build Community – Scottie J understands that success on social media isn’t about going viral—it’s about showing up every day. With over 10,000 posts on Suburban LA’s Instagram account, Scottie has proven that relentless consistency is the key to building trust, engagement, and a loyal digital following.
Transforming a Passion Project into a Media Brand – What began as a blogspot in 2012 has grown into a full-fledged media platform. Scottie J credits his growth to a willingness to evolve, learn, and adapt. Suburban LA now includes podcasts, newsletters, event coverage, and plans for a food show—all built from a foundation of storytelling.
Leading with Empathy During Crisis – When wildfires devastated Los Angeles, Scottie J didn’t just report the news—he became part of the solution. Working alongside the NOAH Foundation, his team provided verified information and real-time updates to the community, offering both awareness and support during a time of chaos.
Episode Links:
Jeremy Jones (Scottie J) on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-jones-b7375b18a/

Scottie J on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sccottiee/

SBRNLA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sbrbnla/

SBRNLA Online: https://thesbrbn.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
29min
March 21, 2025Rising Tides Live: Trade Shows and Conferences
In this episode of Rising Tides Live, the conversation dives into the high-stakes world of industry trade shows and strategic networking. Featured guests Laura Wilber, Restaurant Guest Acquisition & Retention Expert with Dinova, and Mark Hatch, VP of Trade Relations and Events at Informa, share their insights on how to maximize opportunities at conferences, build meaningful connections, and create lasting business impact. Laura and Mark join host Shawn Walchef to explore the art of preparation, the importance of showing up with intention, and the best ways to navigate events for long-term success. Together, they break down the strategies that turn trade shows from an expense into an investment, leaving listeners with actionable takeaways to elevate their networking game and grow their brands.

Interview Takeaways:
Preparation Defines Success – The best trade show experiences start before you even step on the floor. Research the speaker lineup, set reminders for key sessions, and engage with attendees on LinkedIn ahead of time. Knowing who you want to meet and why ensures every interaction is intentional.
Show Up With Purpose – Walking the floor aimlessly or sticking with familiar faces won’t drive results. Prioritize attending sessions where your target connections are speaking, engage in meaningful conversations, and avoid the trap of staying in your comfort zone. Trade shows are about making new connections, not just reinforcing old ones.
Follow-Up is the Long Game – Trade show connections don’t turn into business overnight. Many operators get overwhelmed with post-show outreach, so persistence matters. Continue engaging on social media, reinforce the relationship through thoughtful follow-ups, and play the long game—success comes from consistency, not a single conversation.
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/

Laura Wilber On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauramwilber/

Mark Hatch On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-hatch-a4382a2b/

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
1h 34min
March 19, 2025What Shaquille O’Neal Knows About Winning in Business That Most People Don’t
Shaquille O’Neal knows success is a team effort—on the court and in business. With Big Chicken, he’s applying the same leadership philosophy that won him championships: surround yourself with the right people, trust them to execute, and build a strong culture. With 4,700 franchise applicants, Shaq and CEO Josh Halpern are focused on quality over speed, ensuring Big Chicken grows the right way. Employees don’t work for Shaq—they work with him, reinforcing a culture of collaboration and excellence. This conversation originally took place on Restaurant Influencers.

Interview Takeaways:
Building a Championship Business – Shaquille O’Neal believes success isn’t about doing everything yourself—it’s about surrounding yourself with the right people. Just as he trusted his teammates on the court, he relies on CEO Josh Halpern and the Big Chicken team to lead with expertise. His approach is about vision, empowerment, and letting specialists do what they do best.
Culture-Driven Leadership – At Big Chicken, employees don’t say they work for Shaq—they say they work with him. That distinction speaks to the company’s strong culture, where leadership values trust, collaboration, and humor. For Shaq, leading with respect and keeping the energy light helps drive long-term success.
Commitment to Quality and Growth – With 4,700 franchise applicants eager to join, Big Chicken isn’t expanding just for the sake of growth—it’s doing it the right way. Shaq and his team are building what they call the “Harvard of franchise systems,” ensuring that each new location meets high standards and is set up for long-term success.
Episode Links:
Shaquille O’Neal Restaurant Influencers Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WU-OR5zb7ms

Big Chicken Online: https://www.bigchicken.com/

Big Chicken Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigchickenshaq/

Big Chicken TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bigchickenshaq

Big Chicken Franchise Information: https://www.bigchicken.com/franchise-information

Shaquille O’Neal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shaq/

Shaq (aka DJ Diesel) TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@djdiesel

The Big Podcast w/ Shaq: https://open.spotify.com/show/0guAc2jbnOD2TviAU8K9eN?si=aee160104df4462c

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
7min
March 19, 2025Rising Tides Live: Generating Leads
In this session, we explore the art of lead generation and why understanding its nuances is essential for businesses, entrepreneurs, and hospitality professionals. In this episode of Rising Tides Live, hosted by Shawn Walchef, the group dives into effective strategies for attracting and converting leads in B2B, B2C, and H2H (human-to-human) interactions. The conversation highlights real-world examples of how restaurants, service providers, and consultants generate leads through networking, content marketing, partnerships, and technology. From leveraging referrals to mastering digital engagement, this discussion breaks down practical, scalable methods for driving growth while maintaining authenticity and building lasting relationships.

Interview Takeaways:
Specialization Builds Trust – Businesses that clearly define their expertise and consistently deliver on it naturally attract leads. Instead of trying to be everything to everyone, narrowing focus and excelling in a niche makes it easier for potential clients to find and refer you.
Networking Drives Growth – Lead generation isn’t just about digital marketing; in-person networking remains invaluable. Engaging at industry events, speaking on panels, and forming partnerships with aligned businesses can open doors to meaningful, long-term opportunities.
Referrals Are Gold – The best leads often come from past clients and trusted relationships. Proactively asking for referrals and incentivizing word-of-mouth recommendations can create a steady stream of high-quality leads, reducing the need for constant outbound prospecting.
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/

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
1h 7min

FAQs about Digital Hospitality:

How many episodes does Digital Hospitality have?

The podcast currently has 648 episodes available.