January 23, 2025

Lessons in Catering and Storytelling with Behind The Scenes Access

38 minutes

Shawn Walchef, owner of Cali BBQ, and Steven Swiderski, Director of Events and Hospitality, showcased the behind-the-scenes magic of their catering operations during a lively Saturday livestream. From delivering barbecue to Snapdragon Stadium for Monster Jam to highlighting technology like Toast, they shared lessons on preparation, teamwork, and digital hospitality. Steven emphasized, “Bring enough food and supplies. Always have a checklist.” Shawn added, “Invest in tools and storytelling to grow your business.” Their transparent approach blends old-school hospitality with modern tech, inspiring restaurateurs to innovate. This livestream exemplified their commitment to delivering exceptional experiences—both on the plate and through their media presence.

Interview Takeaways:

Catering for the Chargers – Big or small, every order deserves your best effort. But what does it take to feed an entire NFL team? That’s exactly what Cali BBQ did for the San Diego Chargers, showcasing their ability to deliver exceptional food on a grand scale.

Believing in your dreams – Steven Swiderski, Director of Events and Hospitality at Cali BBQ, shares his inspiring journey of joining the team and the lessons he’s learned about the value of hard work—all while delivering catering on a busy Saturday morning.

The Value Of A Process – Having a solid process in place is essential for any business, including catering. This ensures that if your main person is unavailable, someone else can seamlessly step in. Additionally, it’s crucial to stay focused on why you’re doing this, especially during stressful moments.

Episode Links:

Cali BBQ: https://calibbq.media/

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

Shawn Walchef on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawnpwalchef/?hl=en

Steven Swiderski on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-swiderski-09b06b76/

Snapdragon Stadium Online: https://www.snapdragonstadium.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...