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 599 episodes available.

Digital Hospitality episodes:

September 09, 2025Rising Tides Live: AI Technology In Restaurants
In this session of Rising Tides Live, hosted by Matt Wampler, CEO & Co-Founder of ClearCOGS, filling in for Shawn Walchef, the conversation centered on how restaurants can harness AI as a form of “learned intelligence.” Matt opened with his own story of struggling through the early days of restaurant ownership, sleeping in the back of his Jimmy John’s, and realizing the value of having a true “finger on the pulse” of operations. That experience led to ClearCOGS, built to help operators forecast and act proactively instead of constantly reacting. Joined by leaders across training, finance, and operations, the discussion explored how AI can take the overwhelming breadth of restaurant knowledge—compliance, scheduling, prep, service—and turn it into actionable, time-saving support. The key takeaway was clear: AI isn’t about replacing people, it’s about freeing them to focus on hospitality, culture, and growth.

Interview Takeaways:
AI Turns Learned Intelligence into Action: Matt Wampler shared how ClearCOGS was built from his own sleepless nights running a failing Jimmy John’s, proving that restaurant “know-how” can be digitized into systems that predict needs before problems arise.
Time Is the Most Valuable Currency: Guests emphasized that AI’s real promise isn’t fancy tech—it’s giving managers, chefs, and servers back the hours they usually lose to scheduling, compliance, or endless reports so they can spend more time with guests and teams.
Hospitality Still Comes First: From training to marketing to finance, AI can streamline the noise, but it can’t replace human connection. Used wisely, it becomes a co-pilot that strengthens culture, service, and the guest experience.
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/

Matt Wampler on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewjwampler/

ClearCOGS Online: https://www.clearcogs.com/

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1h
September 08, 2025Restaurant Industry Trends & the Future of Tech in Hospitality
Danny Klein, Vice President of Editorial at QSR and FSR Magazine, has spent the last decade chronicling the restaurant industry’s evolution. From his early, nerve-wracking days at the National Restaurant Show to launching packed conferences, Klein has built a career on amplifying the voices of operators. He’s watched trends shift from SEO to curated storytelling, from robotics hype to AI results, and from automation to a renewed focus on hospitality. For Klein, the mission is clear: listen to the industry, share its stories, and create spaces where restaurants can thrive.

Interview Takeaways:
Media Must Evolve: Over his decade at QSR and FSR Magazine, Klein has steered the publications from casting a wide SEO net to creating highly curated content funnels. He also expanded into live events like QSR Evolution, proving that restaurant storytelling isn’t confined to print or digital—it’s about building real communities.
AI Becomes Practical: At the 2025 National Restaurant Show, Klein observed a major shift. AI has moved from blue-sky theory to practical application, with operators now using it to improve margins, streamline operations, and optimize the back of the house in measurable ways.
Human Connection Wins: The pandemic era sparked a rush toward automation, but Klein highlights how customers quickly rebelled against transactional dining. Today’s guests want experiences that feel personal and differentiated, with technology supporting—not replacing—the human element of hospitality.

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18min
September 03, 2025Rising Tides Live: How To Get Engagement For Your Business
In this session of Rising Tides Live, hosted by Shawn Walchef, the spotlight was on engagement—what it really means, how to build it, and why it matters. From “the truth vibrates the fastest” to the art of making stories sticky, the conversation moved through practical lessons on creating attention, trust, and loyalty. Guests explored how speed and relevance fuel social media, how to mine everyday logs for story gold, and why one-to-one connections outlast broad marketing buckets. By treating engagement as both a discipline and a daily practice, business leaders can transform casual interactions into lasting relationships.

Interview Takeaways:
Truth Sparks Instant Connection: Guests highlighted that honesty—whether uplifting or uncomfortable—creates the deepest engagement. When people sense authenticity, they stop scrolling, lean in, and respond. Engagement begins with telling the truth, not polishing the perfect pitch.
Everyday Stories Are Marketing Gold: From a frozen yogurt shop delighting an Alzheimer’s patient daily to restaurants mining their manager logs, the discussion showed that ordinary moments are extraordinary when captured and shared. Collecting these stories creates a renewable source of meaningful content.
One-to-One Beats Broad Buckets: Old-school segmentation can’t match the power of personalized engagement. Whether it’s a direct text, a thank-you video, or a small gift, treating customers as individuals builds loyalty that mass marketing simply can’t replicate.
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...
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Marqii:

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1h 8min
September 01, 2025How to Get Out of Your Four Walls and Grow Your Restaurant
In this episode of Digital Hospitality, host Shawn Walchef sits down in Las Vegas with two industry powerhouses: Matt Plapp, CEO of America’s Best Restaurants, and veteran restaurant coach David Scott Peters. Together, they unpack why storytelling is the most powerful weapon independents have against chains and why events like Pizza Expo are vital for growth and energy. If you’re a restaurant owner searching for clarity, connection, or customers, this conversation is a must-listen.

Interview Takeaways:
Compete with Restaurant Chains by Owning Your Story
David Scott Peters, the original “restaurant coach,” stresses that independent operators must embrace storytelling to compete with chain restaurants. Sharing your “why,” your values, and your community connection can build loyalty that no ad campaign can buy.
The Roadshow Effect
Matt Plapp, Chief Energy Officer of America’s Best Restaurants, is helping operators get out of the shadows with the ABR Roadshow. Modeled after Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, his team has already filmed over 2,500 episodes spotlighting local restaurants on their own social media platforms.
Why You Need to Leave Your Four Walls
Both leaders push operators to get outside their restaurants—whether at Pizza Expo, Bar & Restaurant Expo, or other events. The networking, energy, and even two new ideas can transform a business. “You can’t stay within your four walls and only know what you know,” says Peters.
Episode Links:
Matt Plapp Online: https://mattplapp.com/

Matt Plapp on Instagram: @mattplapp

Matt Plapp on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattplapp/

Matt Plapp on Facebook: @therealmattplapp

Matt Plapp YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCskGP9q7UwhAwUvDFLjEU9A

David Scott Peters YouTube Channel: @DavidScottPeters

David Scott Peters on Instagram: @DavidScottPeters

David Scott Peters on Facebook: @davidscottpetersbiz

David Scott Peters Online: https://www.davidscottpeters.com/

David Scott Peters on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/david-scott-peters/

Pizza Expo Las Vegas: https://pizzaexpo.pizzatoday.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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10min
August 27, 2025Turning AI into Daily Practice for Growth
Artificial intelligence is no longer optional, it is essential. In this episode, Shawn Walchef and mentor David Meltzer break down how AI connects with the Stage Theory and why building a “social silo” is more valuable than a website. Meltzer explains how he incorporates AI into his values, daily practices, and execution model, sharing examples from client coaching to personal decision-making. The discussion highlights how AI speeds up content creation, personalizes storytelling, and amplifies distribution across platforms. For business leaders and creators, this conversation is a roadmap to making AI a daily habit that fuels exponential growth.

Interview Takeaways:
AI as Daily Practice – David Meltzer emphasizes that artificial intelligence isn’t something to experiment with once in a while; it’s a tool to practice daily. By aligning values, daily activities, execution models, and incentives with AI, he treats it as a skill that compounds over time.
Beyond ChatGPT – While most people stop at ChatGPT, Meltzer highlights the growing ecosystem of specialized AI tools built for industries like restaurants, book writing, and legal research. He stresses that exploring multiple platforms can unlock unique advantages.
Social Silos Over Websites – Meltzer’s Stage Theory has evolved into the concept of a “social silo,” where your presence across platforms creates a rabbit hole for audiences. Instead of relying solely on SEO and websites, AI-powered content capture and distribution feed the algorithms so that audiences inevitably discover and re-discover you.
Episode Links:
David Meltzer Online: https://dmeltzer.com/

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

David Meltzer Email: [email protected]

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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0min
August 27, 2025Rising Tides Live: Squashing Automatic Negative Thoughts (Squashing ANT’s!)
In this session of Rising Tides Live, hosted by Mike Bisceglia filling in for Shawn Walchef, the focus was on “ANTs”—Automatic Negative Thoughts—and how recognizing and reframing them can unlock confidence and clarity. Guests shared personal experiences of battling doubt, stress, and self-criticism, offering strategies for shifting mindset, challenging false narratives, and leaning on community support. The discussion highlighted that negative thoughts are natural, but they don’t have to define outcomes. By learning to spot them, challenge them, and replace them with more constructive perspectives, business leaders and entrepreneurs can turn mental roadblocks into opportunities for growth.

Interview Takeaways:
Recognize and Reframe Automatic Negative Thoughts (ANTs): Identifying negative thought patterns is the first step toward building confidence and clarity. By reframing these thoughts, individuals can shift from self-doubt to self-empowerment.
Mindset Matters: Challenging false narratives and replacing them with constructive perspectives helps transform mental roadblocks into growth opportunities, especially for business leaders and entrepreneurs.
Community Support is Key: Leaning on others for perspective and encouragement plays a vital role in managing stress, battling self-criticism, and maintaining a healthy mindset.
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...
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...more
0min
August 25, 2025PodPitch Connects Entrepreneurs with the Podcasts That Matter Most
PodPitch is helping entrepreneurs, creators, and businesses land more podcast interviews without the manual grind. Co-founded by Parker Olson, the platform automates research, qualification, and outreach, enabling users to connect with the right shows at scale. In the past year alone, PodPitch has powered more than one million outreach emails, representing nearly 8% of all podcast interviews booked. Beyond placement, Olson emphasizes the ripple effects: podcasts create relationships, provide repurposable marketing content, and help entrepreneurs sharpen their story. In this Digital Hospitality episode, he shares how PodPitch is streamlining access to one of today’s most valuable growth channels.

Interview Takeaways:
Podcasts as Opportunity Engines: Parker Olson discovered that a single guest appearance could open doors to buyers, investors, and partnerships, sparking the creation of Pod Pitch.
Automation at Scale: PodPitch uses AI, no-code tools, and automation to research, qualify, and pitch guests — accounting for nearly 8% of all podcast interviews in the past year.
Beyond the Mic: The value of podcasting isn’t just audience reach — it’s building relationships with past guests, repurposing content into ads, and sharpening how entrepreneurs tell their story.
Episode Links:
Parker Olson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/parker-h-olson/

PodPitch Online: https://www.podpitch.com/

PodPitch on Instagram: @podpitch

PodPitch on Facebook: @trypodpitch

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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22min
August 20, 2025How To Keep Multiple Restaurant Locations Operating Successfully
Robbie Schloss, founder of Castle Hospitality Group, joins Shawn Walchef on Digital Hospitality to share how he built Shore Club Chicago and scaled JoJo’s ShakeBAR. Robbie explains how nostalgia, immersive experiences, and over-the-top shakes turned JoJo’s into a social media sensation. He also breaks down why tech partners like Toast and F3 are critical for growth. From Winter Wonderland pop-ups to his “Robbie’s Recs” videos, Robbie shows how creative marketing, culture, and community can fuel both hospitality and expansion.

Interview Takeaways:
Scaling Beyond Chicago – What started as a single beachside concept has grown into JoJo’s ShakeBAR, with nine locations across four states. By blending nostalgia-driven dining with themed pop-ups and consistent guest experiences, Castle Hospitality Group has shown that creative storytelling and solid operations can fuel rapid expansion.
F3 as a Growth Partner – Technology alone isn’t enough. F3 acts as an embedded partner for Robbie’s team, handling everything from system installs and server setups to answering helpline calls in seconds. Their support gives managers confidence, ensures reliability across markets, and allows operators to focus on people, not problems.
Storytelling that Sticks – Beyond giant shakes and Instagrammable moments, Robbie connects directly with guests through his unscripted video series, Robbie’s Recs. The off-the-cuff clips showcase menu items with humor and authenticity, humanizing the brand while driving digital buzz that translates into real-world traffic and loyal customers.
Episode Links:
Robbie Schloss on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/robbieschloss_/?hl=en

JoJo’s ShakeBAR on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jojosshakebar/

Shore Club Chicago on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shoreclubchi/

Castle Hospitality Group: https://castlehgroup.com/

F3Tech Online: https://www.f3tech.com/

F3 Tech Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/f3inc/#

F3 Tech Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/f3techinc

Dan Diaz LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-d-diaz/

Dan Diaz Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/f3diaz/

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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...more
17min
August 19, 2025Rising Tides Live – Public Speaking “The Stage Theory”
In this session of Rising Tides Live, hosted by Shawn Walchef, the focus was on public speaking and the “Stage Theory”—how showing up on stage, online, or in front of a camera creates opportunities far beyond the moment. Guests opened up about their own fears, breakthroughs, and lessons learned, from corporate presentations to casual livestreams, highlighting how preparation, confidence, and storytelling shape every audience connection. The conversation underscored that great speakers aren’t born but built through reps, iteration, and authenticity. By treating every stage as a chance to practice and every story as a bridge, business leaders can transform public speaking from a fear into a growth engine

Interview Takeaways:
Public Speaking Is a Universal Fear but a Teachable Skill: Even the most confident entrepreneurs and leaders admitted they once dreaded being on stage. Through preparation, repetition, and a willingness to stumble, they showed how anyone can transform fear into a strength and build real confidence over time.
Stage Theory Extends the Reach of Every Talk: A single presentation no longer stops at the walls of a conference hall. By recording and sharing across platforms like YouTube, LinkedIn, and podcasts, one talk can echo far beyond the initial audience and reach thousands who never sat in the room.
Stories Beat Slides Every Time: While data and decks have their place, it’s the personal stories that resonate most. From lessons learned in sales competitions to heartfelt testimonies, the discussion reinforced that audiences remember emotion and narrative long after they forget charts and bullet points.
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
...more
1h
August 18, 2025The Tech Stack Behind a Modern Restaurant Empire
Adam Rainy and David Valentine turned a chance connection into 3 Keys and Company, a growing restaurant management group operating multiple concepts across the Southeast. Scaling came with its share of challenges — from juggling facilities to keeping financials clear across several locations. That’s when KitchenSync stepped in. By streamlining reporting and integrating seamlessly with their systems, KitchenSync helped them cut end-of-month reports from weeks to just days. With better clarity, Adam and David can focus less on chasing numbers and more on guiding their teams, supporting growth, and keeping their eyes on tomorrow.

Interview Takeaways:
Systems Drive Growth – For Adam and David, building restaurants without reliable systems wasn’t an option. 3 Keys and Company runs on processes that reduce chaos and let managers focus on people and service. As Adam explained, “Systems and processes make this business. Otherwise the phone never stops ringing.”
Financial Clarity Brings Peace of Mind – Reports that once took up to two weeks now land in just three to five days. With KitchenSync, Adam and David know exactly where their restaurants stand at any given time, turning stress into confidence. As David put it, “We get to sleep ten nights better now.”
Infrastructure Before Expansion Growth can be tempting, but 3 Keys and Company cautions operators to slow down. “Don’t do it quickly,” Adam advised. David adds that true success comes from reinvesting in people and infrastructure before opening the next location — a formula that creates stability, balance, and long-term growth.
Episode Links:
David Valentine LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-valentine-0734b113/

Nic and Norman's Online: https://www.nicandnormans.com/

Crust and Craft Online: https://www.crustandcraftpizza.com/

KitchenSync Online: https://www.kitchensync.us/

KitchenSync LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kitchensync3/

KitchenSync Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kitchensync.us/

KitchenSync YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/@KitchenSync_us/videos

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
...more
26min

FAQs about Digital Hospitality:

How many episodes does Digital Hospitality have?

The podcast currently has 599 episodes available.