Camilla Opperman, CEO and Founder of Nimbus, is revolutionizing the concept of dark kitchens by integrating front-of-house infrastructure to enhance customer engagement. Through innovative strategies and a commitment to creating immersive food experiences, Nimbus is transforming the perception and functionality of ghost kitchens. Opperman and Nimbus are challenging the traditional notion of ghost kitchens, which often operate in industrial areas with no direct consumer interaction.  Opperman explains to show host Shawn Walchef of Cali BBQ Media, “I think the word ghost kitchen or dark kitchen…there's no consumer interaction. And something that we're doing at Nimbus is not only providing the back of house infrastructure for food businesses to launch, to grow, to thrive, but also providing them with the front of house infrastructure to actually engage with the end consumer.”  This approach includes offering hospitality spaces for cooking classes, dinner parties, tastings, and other in-person, food-oriented events, bridging the gap between ghost kitchens and traditional brick-and-mortar restaurants, offering a unique value proposition for potential investors by combining innovative food business solutions with tangible consumer experiences. For Opperman, this both attracts and justifies investments due to the unique business model Nimbus offers. “We have about 75 members across our four facilities here in New York City. About ten of them have come to us through that front of house event space,” says Opperman. “We don't have institutional capital. A lot of those angel investors really resonated with that kind of experience of food and that understanding that when you're sitting around a dinner table chatting with friends, that's so much better than ordering food from some nameless, faceless ghost kitchen.” Another standout feature of Nimbus is their website, which features a dynamic blog that plays a crucial role in engaging potential clients and answering frequently asked questions. This strategic use of content not only streamlines the sales process but also enhances SEO efforts.  “I think those pieces that we've put out on our website are in direct response to the questions we get in our sales process.”Opperman highlights. “90% of our customers have come to us from inbound leads, and I think a big part of that is because we've been able to be really creative around that blog content and making sure that we're putting keywords out there.” Camilla Opperman's leadership and vision for Nimbus is setting a new standard in the ghost kitchen industry. Cali BBQ Media Digital Hospitality is an interview-based video podcast hosted by business owner Shawn P. Walchef (@shawnpwalchef) and produced by his Cali BBQ Media company sponsored by DAVO Sales Tax (@davosalestax) and Marqii (@getmarqii) The weekly digital series explores the ways successful businesses and entrepreneurs have merged old and new with innovative digital strategies that harness the power of the Internet and social media. Shawn is the founder of Cali BBQ Media and creator of the Restaurant Influencers podcast on Entrepreneur Media. ➤ Restaurant Influencers — https://link.chtbl.com/RIpodcast➤ Business Coaching — https://forms.gle/cnQ3sefMcAxQXbKa6➤ Cali BBQ Content — https://content.calibbq.media

Shawn Walchef lives by two deep thesis statements: Be the Show, not the commercial! Every business needs a show. Those ideas were brought to last weeks’ Rising Tide LinkedIn Live Room as the participants discussed just how to create a show.  The enlightening conversation led to the realization that doing so may not be as difficult as some may think, and a discussion of consistency was also had. Every Wednesday and Friday at 10am PDT, Shawn Walchef hosts the Rising Tide live room on LinkedIn. Leading voices in hospitality, and otherwise, from near and far join to discuss all things business and much more. Listen to the replay of the latest room where the participants discussed creating a show and follow Cali BBQ Media to keep up with the latest and join the rooms to tell your story and have your voice heard Key Quotes “What I learned is if you have two identical restaurants next to each other, people will go to the one where they know the story and they've seen who you are versus the other one.” -Michael Ungaro “It's that idea of not only is the content good, but the consistency is good.” -Richard Liverman “You need you. And you need the thing that you're holding right now, which is your smartphone. Like, you need access. You need to tell your truth, and you need to do it consistently. That's it. Doesn't matter the platform.” -Shawn Walchef “Make a lot of mistakes. Don't be afraid to make mistakes with your shows.” -Jay Ashton

During a Live Coaching Call with mentor David Meltzer, Shawn Walchef unlocked key insights into maximizing the value and distribution of content.  Meltzer emphasized the importance of understanding the quantitative value of post-production content, explaining how a single piece of content can reach millions if distributed correctly.  Unlocking Quantitative Value "The quantitative value of the post-production content, if utilizing the stage theory, can be millions of people for every piece of content," Meltzer noted. Maximizing Content Distribution In this session, Meltzer also stressed the necessity of a strategic approach to content capture and distribution. He shared that effective distribution begins with planning and capturing content in multiple ways to ensure it performs well across various platforms,and underscores the importance of a comprehensive strategy that includes identifying key participants and leveraging their networks for broader distribution. "It's the before, the during, and after that's captured in a way that is already aligned with certain platforms," he explained. “We maximize distribution. So it's capture and distribute internally and externally.” Aligning Timing and Risk Tolerance Aligning timing and risk tolerance is crucial for executing Meltzer’s Stage Theory. He advised focusing on building authentic relationships and managing them throughout the content creation and distribution process. He also emphasized the need for flexibility and ongoing alignment to ensure long-term success. "Your focus should be on aligning both parties involved with the timing and risk tolerance at each period of engagement," Meltzer said. “I don't hold anyone to their agreement because I think that's one of the biggest issues that is counterintuitive; is that we can come to an agreement that's a starting point. But the real relationship is managing and developing the timing and risk tolerance aligned with what we're going to do at all times.” This Live Coaching session with David Meltzer provided valuable lessons on harnessing the power of content and strategic distribution to drive business growth and engagement. Cali BBQ Media Digital Hospitality is an interview-based video podcast hosted by business owner Shawn P. Walchef (@shawnpwalchef) and produced by his Cali BBQ Media company sponsored by DAVO Sales Tax (@davosalestax) and Marqii (@getmarqii) The weekly digital series explores the ways successful businesses and entrepreneurs have merged old and new with innovative digital strategies that harness the power of the Internet and social media. Shawn is the founder of Cali BBQ Media and creator of the Restaurant Influencers podcast on Entrepreneur Media.➤ Restaurant Influencers — https://link.chtbl.com/RIpodcast➤ Business Coaching — https://forms.gle/cnQ3sefMcAxQXbKa6➤ Cali BBQ Content — https://content.calibbq.media

Many of the Rising Tide LinkedIn Live Room regulars took to the road to converge on the National Restaurant Association Show 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. The annual trade show brings together the best and brightest in the hospitality industry to learn, network, and build. A previous Rising Tide Room discussed best practices as it pertains to attending industry events large or small, but after being a part one of the largest restaurant shows, participants returned home with amazing stories.  In yesterday’s LinkedIn Room, they shared these stories, which included landing face time with the great Robert Irvine! Listen to the replay of yesterday’s conversations, and be sure to join us every Wednesday and Friday at 10am PST. Key Quotes: “Energy is a hell of an awesome currency, and I loved trading currency with a lot of these people in the room at the show, magical energy is a currency.” - Jason Berkowitz “One of my key learnings from it was just realizing even more so that people buy from people, they don't buy from companies.” - Justin Ulrich “until you speak those stories and share those stories, people make up their own story. And if you don't control your story, someone else will control it for you.” - Michael Unargo “Tell people what you want. Tell this community what you need. Tell people what you're working on. Tell people your ideas for whatever the fuck it is. Because we want to help.” - Troy Hooper “It's amazing how showing up every day does that. So show up, raise your hands high, put everything you can into it every single day, and you will be absolutely amazed at where you're going to be.”  - Charlie Eblen

Cali BBQ and Cali BBQ Media Founder, Shawn Walchef spoke on The Restaurant Growth Show powered by Dynpricing to discuss dynamic pricing and restaurants greatest fear. He also spoke to hosts Gordon Paterson and Jose Albis about incentivizing customer loyalty. Cali BBQ, have garnered national attention for implementing dynamic pricing. Often misunderstood as "surge pricing," Walchef clarifies the distinction between the two. Dynamic pricing involves adjusting prices based on supply and demand, a concept familiar to the restaurant industry. By partnering with tech companies like Juicer, Walchef ensures dynamic pricing benefits everyone, creating loyal customers through strategic pricing adjustments. Walchef is careful to make the distinction between the two pricing strategies.  “Dynamic incremental pricing is something that, as you guys know, we've been doing in restaurants since the beginning of time with happy hour and with early bird specials.” he explains. “We don't want to be cheated. No one wants to be cheated. And I think when you say the word surge, you think of 2X the price, 3X the price. That is surge pricing.” Addressing the core concerns of restaurateurs, Walchef highlights the dual fear of being overly scrutinized or completely overlooked. Despite the growing national spotlight on Cali BBQ, the focus remains on serving their local community and leveraging technology to build trust and prioritizing doing the best job within their community while using technology to share their knowledge with other restaurateurs around the world. "It's literally the greatest fear that every restaurant and every business owner has is that everyone's going to be talking about you or no one's going to be talking about you. And ultimately, it's somewhere in between everyone."  he says. “All we can do is do the best job that we can in our village, in our space, but also leverage technology to teach other restaurateurs and other people that believe in us.” While acquiring new customers is crucial, retaining them is paramount for sustained success. Walchef and Cali BBQ have teamed up with Incentivio to create a custom app for their new Navy location, aiming to incentivize repeat visits. By gamifying rewards and creating meaningful incentives, Walchef aims to foster a loyal customer base that returns time and again, benefiting both the business and its patrons. Walchef describes his vision for dynamic pricing and loyalty programs: "In my mind, that is what dynamic pricing is. Loyalty is really the key differentiator for how do you incentivize people to come more often?” Walchef's appearance on The Restaurant Growth Show sheds light on the nuanced approach to dynamic pricing, the importance of local focus amidst national attention, and innovative strategies for customer retention. His insights are invaluable for restaurateurs looking to leverage technology and foster loyal customer relationships. Cali BBQ Media Digital Hospitality is an interview-based video podcast hosted by business owner Shawn P. Walchef (@shawnpwalchef) and produced by his Cali BBQ Media company sponsored by DAVO Sales Tax (@davosalestax) and Marqii (@getmarqii) The weekly digital series explores the ways successful businesses and entrepreneurs have merged old and new with innovative digital strategies that harness the power of the Internet and social media. Shawn is the founder of Cali BBQ Media and creator of the Restaurant Influencers podcast on Entrepreneur Media. ➤ Restaurant Influencers — https://link.chtbl.com/RIpodcast➤ Business Coaching — https://forms.gle/cnQ3sefMcAxQXbKa6➤ Cali BBQ Content — https://content.calibbq.media

Just keep going. That adage has one that speaks to the persistence necessary to find success in life. In this week’s Rising Tide LinkedIn Live room by Cali BBQ Media, participants discussed stories and lessons learned surrounding the idea of persistence in business. What transpired was an inspiring conversation and the sharing of impactful stories from hospitality industry leaders. Take a listen to the replay and be sure to join us on Fridays and Wednesdays at 10am Pacific Standard Time for more insightful storytelling. Rising Tide LinkedIn Live Room Friday, May 17: https://www.linkedin.com/events/7196850561856503808/about/ Key Quotes: “Be your authentic self. Give without expectation, and the results will, but they will always take longer. The opportunities that go away will come back. Better opportunities will replace them 100% of the time. You will be rewarded ten fold. Whatever you think the opportunity is today, it will come to you.” -Troy Hooper, Hot Pallette America “Stop praying for as fast as possible and start praying for as long as it takes. It's another one of my favorite quotes. I think the persistence part is, I will not lose if I do not quit. I will not lose if I do not quit.” -Shawn Walchef, Cali BBQ Media “The answer is no if you don't ask.” -Laura Wilber, Dinova “The idea of patience and resilience and good things who come to those who wait is something that we probably don't talk about enough. And I think it's a brilliant expression.” -Richard Liverman, Richer Solutions“Focus on momentum, not results. Just make sure you're moving in the right direction. The results will come.” -Jordan Silverman, Starfish

Jason E. Brooks, an entrepreneur, author, speaker, coach, and founder of Hospivation LLC, has a passion for the hospitality industry, and is dedicated to empowering leaders through his book, "Every Leader Needs Followers."  His book provides a roadmap for transformation, offering ten actionable keys to success while preserving individuality.  "I've been trying to find how can I truly give back?" Brooks shares with host Shawn Walchef. “That's one of the main reasons why I wrote this book. “ Reflecting on his own journey, Brooks recalls the profound impact of a mentor early in his career. The exemplary leadership style from an early mentor left a lasting impression, teaching Brooks the essence of true leadership. His mentor’s deep connection with his team and customers laid the foundation for Brooks' understanding of effective leadership and the importance of knowing one's numbers. "He was the mayor of 4000 sqft," Brooks recalls. “I kid you not, he knew every single person to the t.”  When it comes to personal branding, Brooks focuses on growth and resilience. He stresses that personal branding isn't about perfection but rather about embracing growth and learning from failures. "Personal branding...is just about growth," Brooks asserts.  "It's about getting better. It's about failing forward." Jason E. Brooks' insights and experiences offer valuable guidance for aspiring leaders and entrepreneurs in the hospitality industry and beyond. Cali BBQ Media Digital Hospitality is an interview-based video podcast hosted by business owner Shawn P. Walchef (@shawnpwalchef) and produced by his Cali BBQ Media company sponsored by DAVO Sales Tax (@davosalestax) and Marqii (@getmarqii) The weekly digital series explores the ways successful businesses and entrepreneurs have merged old and new with innovative digital strategies that harness the power of the Internet and social media. Shawn is the founder of Cali BBQ Media and creator of the Restaurant Influencers podcast on Entrepreneur Media. ➤ Restaurant Influencers — https://link.chtbl.com/RIpodcast➤ Business Coaching — https://forms.gle/cnQ3sefMcAxQXbKa6➤ Cali BBQ Content — https://content.calibbq.media

How do you navigate large industry events? In preparation for the upcoming National Restaurant Association show in Chicago, this week’s Rising Tide LinkedIn Room was all about best practices while attending large events.  Industry expos and conferences can be exhausting and frustrating if not approached correctly. The consensus in the room was if funds are going to be allocated to events, they should be valuable to business and individuals.  Walchef provided a great example of how to capture content at events when he visited the The International Pizza Expo & Conference. Every Wednesday and Friday at 10am PDT, Shawn Walchef hosts the Rising room on LinkedIn. Leading voices in hospitality, and otherwise, from near and far join to discuss all things business and much more.  Listen to the replay of the latest Rising Tide LinkedIn Live room where the participants discussed everything from what to wear to setting meetings. Follow Cali BBQ Media to keep up with the latest and join the rooms to tell your story and have your voice heard. Key Quotes “When you come to these big shows where all of these incredible people are there, the other best advice that we can say is to plan who you're going to meet with and when you're going to meet with them. It is way too big of a show to think that you're just going to go.” -Shawn Walchef, Cali BBQ Media “If there's somebody that you want to meet or see, speak, plan your schedule accordingly, because restaurant leaders will be on various stages or, you know, sitting in the corner of the floor with, you know, seats set up for the audience.” -Laura Wilber, Dinova  “Reach out to everyone, all of your prospects, all of your clients ahead of NRA if you're going and tell them you're going to be there. I've been able to get meetings with prospects that haven't answered me in three, four months.” -Jordan Silverman, Starfish “Set up meetings in advance, if you can, and then make sure you hit those and then let the rest of it just, you know, happen.” -Jesse Turner, JJT Design  “Be strategic and have a purpose…But I always try to focus on what's the best return we can produce with the time we spent, because you're taking it away from your family, your friends, and your business. So come back with something more important.” -Michael Ungaro, San Pedro Fish Markets

No one is coming to tell your story. Storytelling is a vital tool for any brand looking to grow and create a loyal customer base. Many leaders struggle with out to do so consistently and effectively. Every Wednesday and Friday at 10am PDT, Shawn Walchef hosts the Rising Tide live room on LinkedIn. Leading voices in hospitality, and otherwise, from near and far join to discuss all things business and much more.  Listen to the replay of the latest room where the participants discussed Telling Your Story and follow Cali BBQ Media to keep up with the latest and join the rooms to tell your story and have your voice heard Join today's room to join in on these important conversations. Key Quotes “What resonate means is that somebody's going to feel something. People don't remember what you say. People don't remember what you do. But like Maya Angelou said, people will remember how you make them feel. If you can make them have an aha moment or a tearful moment or a, yeah, I've been there. I lived that. That is a problem that I face every day or I have faced before. If you can get those moments elicited in the conversation, in the storytelling, then it is a worthwhile story to tell because it's going to impact somebody.” -Troy Hooper, Hospitality Guru “For me to just simply ask or just say, how does this relate to you? What's your one word? When does just a little bit more to translate it to? I'm telling you something of my experience so that you can internalize it and recognize it and identify your experience. So we continue to learn. Just always ask that question. So what?” -Jason Berkowitz, ArrowUp Training, Founder “If that story resonates enough in you that you feel compelled to share it, then I think it takes the pressure off yourself to try to think for a thousand people and just talk like you're speaking to an audience in one.” -TJ Void, Writer/Author “The lessons that I've learned over the last three years is, you know, simply do the work, put in the effort. Tell your story. I would never be where I'm at today if it wasn't for being uncomfortable and listening to other people's points of view and doing things that I never would have done before I started this brand and met the people in this room. So get uncomfortable, put in the work, tell your story, and even if you don't feel like you're doing a good job of it, somebody is watching, somebody is listening, and it will resonate with someone and you can make an impact far greater than you would ever imagine.” -Charlie Eblen, Single Tree BBQ, Founder “There's nothing more important than being able to tell your story because it allows you to really hone in and focus on the things that are the most important for you.”  -Kristopher Groves, PassPass, Dir. of Business Development Digital Hospitality Digital Hospitality is an interview-based video podcast hosted by business owner Shawn P. Walchef (@shawnpwalchef) and produced by his Cali BBQ Media company sponsored by DAVO Sales Tax (@davosalestax) and Marqii (@getmarqii) The weekly digital series explores the ways successful businesses and entrepreneurs have merged old and new with innovative digital strategies that harness the power of the Internet and social media. Shawn is the founder of Cali BBQ Media and creator of the Restaurant Influencers podcast on Entrepreneur Media.➤ Restaurant Influencers — https://link.chtbl.com/RIpodcast➤ Business Coaching — https://forms.gle/cnQ3sefMcAxQXbKa6➤ Cali BBQ Content — https://content.calibbq.media

Gary Campbell, the CEO and Co-Founder of WineView, credits persistence and storytelling for his company's burgeoning partnership with Toast. He understood the importance of knowing his market inside out, especially when it came to earning the major partnership.  "You pretty much got to get in person.” he says to show host Shawn Walchef of Cali BBQ Media. “You have to have a unique value prop."  Which is exactly what Campbell has with the WineView app, a dual beneficial technology piece that gives guests the power to pick wine quickly and confidently, and helps teach restaurant staff how to sell their wine, recognize upselling opportunities and build confidence. Campbell’s journey to securing the partnership with Toast was a testament to his perseverance and belief in his product.  "The story of how we got there is really awesome, but it's a lot of persistence," expressed Campbell. Cali BBQ Media Digital Hospitality is an interview-based video podcast hosted by business owner Shawn P. Walchef (@shawnpwalchef) and produced by his Cali BBQ Media company sponsored by DAVO Sales Tax (@davosalestax) and Marqii (@getmarqii) The weekly digital series explores the ways successful businesses and entrepreneurs have merged old and new with innovative digital strategies that harness the power of the Internet and social media. Shawn is the founder of Cali BBQ Media and creator of the Restaurant Influencers podcast on Entrepreneur Media.➤ Restaurant Influencers — https://link.chtbl.com/RIpodcast➤ Business Coaching — https://forms.gle/cnQ3sefMcAxQXbKa6➤ Cali BBQ Content — https://content.calibbq.media

Do you believe that every piece of content has to be new and original?  In the world where content creation is becoming a requirement for conducting business, it is also becoming increasingly important to have a strategy for doing so.  Every Wednesday and Friday at 10am PDT, Shawn Walchef hosts the Rising Tide live room on LinkedIn. Leading voices in hospitality, and otherwise, from near and far join to discuss all things business and much more.  Listen to the replay of the latest room where the participants discussed Repurposing Content and follow Cali BBQ Media to keep up with the latest and join the rooms to tell your story and have your voice heard Key Quotes “Go back, take a look at the videos that have resonated with your audience and go back and retell some of those stories or reshare them to your IG stories or maybe pull them over onto LinkedIn. But how could you take some of that content and repurpose it? Because you've gotten new followers since that time that you posted.” -Elizabeth Doss, Animated GIF Sticker Artist & Social Media Consultant “I start with repurposing myself, to be honest with you, and opening up my mind to new ways of doing things. And I think that it's important to collaborate with people so that you can bring that content to life.” -Barry Joshua Orbach, Consultant/ CEOConsultant/ CEO Restaurant Hospitality Solutions “So not just repurposing content, but really dialing in your story and repurposing those right narratives in the right places.” -Matt Wampler, CEO & Co-Founder at ClearCOGS “I don't generate the best content, but I really believe in using other people's content and repurposing their content, whether that's, you know, trying to start conversations in the comments or reposting other people's comments. I think that's like one of the best ways to try to build trust and try to get your personality out there without just posting about yourself or your company.” -Mitch Zenaty, Business Development ManagerBusiness Development Manager at Appstem  “I repurposed other people's stuff just like Mitch was talking about. Because a lot of times I can't feed any better than I say. And so that's what I do. I engage. A rising tide lifts all shifts.” -Dean LaBay, Outside Sales at Labay & Company Digital Hospitality Digital Hospitality is an interview-based video podcast hosted by business owner Shawn P. Walchef (@shawnpwalchef) and produced by his Cali BBQ Media company sponsored by DAVO Sales Tax (@davosalestax) and Marqii (@getmarqii) The weekly digital series explores the ways successful businesses and entrepreneurs have merged old and new with innovative digital strategies that harness the power of the Internet and social media. Shawn is the founder of Cali BBQ Media and creator of the Restaurant Influencers podcast on Entrepreneur Media.➤ Restaurant Influencers — https://link.chtbl.com/RIpodcast➤ Business Coaching — https://forms.gle/cnQ3sefMcAxQXbKa6➤ Cali BBQ Content — https://content.calibbq.media

Discover the keys to thriving in the content creator economy with David Meltzer's invaluable guidance, shared during a recent coaching call with Cali BBQ Media. Digital Hospitality host and Cali BBQ Media owner Shawn Walchef has had the pleasure of having world renowned entrepreneur, author, motivational speaker, and business coach David Meltzer as a friend and mentor for a number of years.  In the latest of the live coaching calls, Meltzer divulged the secrets behind his successful coaching business. The first of which is to give freely. The Universal Principle of Giving On the call, Meltzer emphasizes the timeless principle that giving precedes receiving. Whether speaking to one person or addressing a massive audience, Meltzer believes in giving 100% of himself at all times.  "The more I give, the more I receive," he asserts, highlighting the importance of embodying generosity and authenticity. “I will utilize all that I'm given, not all that I'm receiving, in order to amplify my essence.” The B2B Success Catalyst Meltzer carries the importance of communication over to business. In the realm of B2B success, Meltzer underscores the pivotal role of communication and connection, specifically establishing a bond with decision-makers through what he labels a “communication charter”. "You want to bond with a communication charter with the B2B decision makers," Meltzer advises. “Connect with the decision-makers, and others will follow.” Content Creation: The Quality is in the Intention Meltzer goes on to dispel myths about content creation by highlighting the thought process that quality is determined more by intention than perceived results. He shares that he believes that content quality hinges on frequency and alignment with the audience's needs and preferences.  “The number one problem that most people have, they use judgment and separation in order to determine, this is good content or this is bad content.” Meltzer explains. "All content, in my opinion, is quality determinative upon the alignment.” Uncover the secrets to content success with David Meltzer through coaching session replays for actionable strategies and profound wisdom that will propel your journey.

David Meltzer is the Co-Founder of Sports 1 Marketing. He is also a world renowned motivational speaker, author, entrepreneur, business coach, and podcast host. For Cali BBQ Media founder Shawn Walchef, Meltzer is a mentor and friend. On Meltzer's quest to empower over one billion people to be happy, he has made a number of appearances on Cali BBQ Media's shows. It is well worth your time to watch and listen to every single episode that involves David Meltzer, including his live coaching calls with Walchef. Coaching Call: Surge Pricing vs. Dynamic Pricing Coaching Call: Empty Milers vs. Extra Milers Digital Hospitality 87: Coaching Call: 2-Minute Drill: Shawn's $5,000,001 Pitch Digital Hospitality 65: Coaching Call: Spotify Playlist Challenge Digital Hospitality 55: Coaching Call: Curiosity and Storytelling  Digital Hospitality 50: Coaching Call: Repurposing Content to Build Online Communities Digital Hospitality 22: Lions Don't Lose Sleep Over Fretting the Sheep Digital Hospitality 128: Believe in Others. Celebrate and Elevate Business Coaching: How to Pitch Your Big Idea Stage Theory: BTS Aspire Tour San Diego About Cali BBQ Media Digital Hospitality is an interview-based video podcast hosted by business owner Shawn P. Walchef (@shawnpwalchef) and produced by his Cali BBQ Media company. The weekly digital series explores the ways successful businesses and entrepreneurs have merged old and new with innovative digital strategies that harness the power of the Internet and social media. Shawn is the founder of Cali BBQ Media and creator of the Restaurant Influencers podcast on Entrepreneur Media.

Matt Wampler's journey to becoming the co-founder and CEO of ClearCOGS stemmed from a personal pain point in his restaurant career. Recognizing the lack of resources for obtaining essential answers, he envisioned ClearCOGS as a solution to translate overlooked data into actionable insights.  And now ClearCOGS has a huge announcement! Wampler's mission is clear: empower restaurant operators by providing them with a playbook for success. By leveraging modern technology and data science, ClearCOGS aims to simplify the complexities of managing metrics and spreadsheets, allowing operators to focus more on serving guests and empowering their teams.  "How do we provide that playbook, that daily cheat sheet, with the numbers that you need so that if you follow it, you've got a profitable, smoothly running business?" expresses Wampler to host Shawn Walchef of Cali BBQ Media. Wampler's disdain for traditional sales calls led to a pivotal "aha" moment for ClearCOGS on social media. By openly sharing their services and inviting interested parties to connect, Wampler discovered a more organic and effective approach to acquisition. The power of social media, as Wampler highlights, lies in the ability to communicate the value proposition without the need for intrusive sales calls.  “We just put it out there in the world what we were doing,” reflects Wampler. “It was that aha moment. Like, you mean to tell me that instead of these horrible sales calls, I can just say, this is what we're doing, and if it's for you, we'd love to talk?” ClearCOGS + Toast Integration  In a significant announcement, Wampler and ClearCOGS have created a simple integration with Toast POS, a move aimed at “democratizing” AI for the restaurant industry.  “Just click enable, and you're going to start receiving some incredibly helpful reports daily, weekly to help you run a smoother, more profitable operation.” says Wampler of the integration.  Wampler emphasizes the company's commitment to making this AI solution accessible to all, offering a freemium version of the product, as well.  “We want to get as many successful restaurants on Toast using this, understanding it, and we'll lead them to the future, where eventually, you're getting all your decision management done with a company like Clearcogs.”

An Inclusive Dining Experience Ernie Carrillo, the founder of Joe & Ernie's Pizzeria, is crafting an inclusive dining experience that caters to everyone's tastes and dietary needs. From vegan options to gluten-free delights, Carrillo's commitment to quality and diversity sets his pizzeria apart in Southern California's vibrant culinary scene. “I think pizza is that type of thing where everyone should enjoy it.” expressed Carrillo to host Shawn Walchef. “Our business model is, we try to cater to everyone.”  A Slice for Everyone At Joe & Ernie's Pizzeria, Carrillo's mission is clear: to ensure every customer finds a slice they love. Catering to dietary needs is a part of Carrillo’s practice of consistent, premium hospitality. He believes that exceptional customer service is the cornerstone of Joe & Ernie's success.  For Carrillo, "We all have jobs because of the customer.” said Carrillo. “I really stress customer service. Every time someone comes in, they should be greeted, and you should be giving them their best attitudes.” The Importance of Customer Service With such a high level of customer service, high volume days are inevitable. Carrillo's strategic approach to managing these times involve meticulous preparation and setting clear expectations for customers. Being over-prepared, from extra cheese to pre-folded boxes, to meet the demands of peak periods are just a few things done to increase the opportunities for success.  "You learn to be prepared.” reflected Carrillo on lessons learned. “Every year, we get busier. But you learn."

Solomon Choi, the CEO of Jabba Brands, believes in the power of giving more to ask for more.  Reflecting on his early career, Choi made a bold decision for his family business early in his career, which ultimately paid off. By providing greater service, Choi was able to raise prices confidently, recognizing the value of catering to a captive audience.  "Ask for more by giving them more," says Choi to host Shawn Walchef of Cali BBQ Media and co-host Avi Goren of Marqii. “I think that's a great, you know, symbiotic relationship with the customer. Everybody wins.”  Transitioning from running restaurants to becoming an investor, Choi applies that same strategic approach to startups. As an investor and advisor, Choi emphasizes the importance of identifying overlooked or undervalued aspects that can drive success. “Being on the side of an investor advisor for other startups, that is one of the things I look for is I'm like, what's your edge? What do you have that can be your, either competitive advantage or against something that is either being overlooked or undervalued?” emphasizes Choi. At the core of Choi's philosophy lies the hospitality mindset, where the customer always comes first. Despite the advancements in technology, Choi believes that hospitality begins and ends with doing what's best for the customer. For him, success in business stems from a genuine desire to serve guests and create meaningful experiences that resonate with their needs. “I think the first thing is to really just have this mindset of: do you truly want to do what's best for the guests?” remarks Choi. “If somebody came in and your menu item, for instance, didn't accommodate their needs: their dietary needs, their religion, whatever it may be. Wouldn't you try, if you were there, wouldn't you, as the owner, like, try to accommodate them if you could?” By prioritizing customer-centric approaches and identifying unique business advantages, Choi continues to drive innovation and growth within the industry. As businesses navigate evolving landscapes, Choi's insights serve as a guiding light, inspiring entrepreneurs to embrace hospitality as a cornerstone of success and to seize strategic opportunities for growth and expansion. “I think if you were at the heart of every person who's in hospitality for the right reasons, that answer is an overwhelming yes. There's no if, and. or buts.”

Christine Schindler, the Co-Founder and CEO of Pathspot, is spearheading a transformative movement in the restaurant industry by digitizing back-of-house operations.  Pathspot's mission is clear: to enhance efficiency and safety in restaurant environments by consolidating various operational and safety procedures into a single, streamlined platform.  “Pathspot is a system for operational and safety tools, both hardware and software, totally digitizing the back of house.” said Schindler to host Shawn Walchef of Cali BBQ Media One of the core principles driving Pathspot's innovation is the focus on collecting and leveraging the right data for optimal operational efficiency. By integrating with different ecosystem components and leveraging data insights, Pathspot ensures that its solutions are tailored to meet the specific needs of its clients.  “We're really working to create the right data throughputs... pulling in data to our system that helps make our solutions even more effective.” explained Schindler. As Pathspot continues to evolve, Schindler, the Forbes 30 under 30 honoree, remains committed to exploring new solutions and pushing the boundaries of innovation. This relentless pursuit of improvement is not just about finding solutions but empowering restaurant teams to innovate and overcome challenges, ultimately driving a paradigm shift in how restaurants operate in the digital age. “Every time you get to the next level, add in additional aspects, digitize something else... there's always more to discover.”  — “Every business needs a media company.” -Shawn Walchef Engage with Cali BBQ Media today for all media inquiries

Aligning Behavior and Goals In the pursuit of success, according to author, speaker, and entrepreneur David Meltzer, the crucial element lies in aligning one's behavior with the goals one aspires to achieve. He highlights the key factors to bridge this gap—wisdom, mentorship, faith, and, most importantly, humility. "Behavior that's aligned with where you want to be, or better, creates a distance between you and what you want or better." Meltzer shares with host Shawn Walchef of Cali BBQ Media, where he has been a frequent guest. "We don't know what we don't know.” Quality Over Quantity Meltzer's philosophy extends beyond individual success to the concept of community and networking. In the age of social media, where follower count often defines success. For him, the essence lies not in the quantity of people within one's community but in the quality they bring. "My neighborhood, my community, regardless of its size, is a community of people, a neighborhood of people that for a lifetime will buy from each other and sell for each other." Going the Extra Mile Another dimension of Meltzer's approach involves distinguishing between "empty milers" and "extra milers" in the quest for guidance and collaboration. Meltzer ensures that those seeking his expertise are "empty milers," individuals committed to putting in the necessary effort and dedication. “When people ask me, Dave, I want to start a podcast, I'm like, terrific, get ten in the can. At least I put them into the top 1%. And I also see whether they're an empty miler or an extra miler.” In times of economic challenge, he notes that "empty milers" tend to thrive, benefiting from their dedication and understanding of the essential principles. “I want to resonate with people that I can help and know people that I can help. Because my neighborhood, my community, regardless of its size, is a community of people, a neighborhood of people that for a lifetime will buy from each other and sell for each other.”

Finding time for thought leadership can be a challenge. However, for Zach Goldstein, the CEO of Thanx, the responsibility to share knowledge and uplift the industry is paramount. Goldstein acknowledges the industry's lag in becoming data-driven and sees thought leadership, even if its ROI is not immediately visible, as a means to assist operators.  He believes that amplifying best practices and sharing insights is part of his mission and leadership obligation. Goldstein also emphasizes the significance of data in the restaurant industry. He challenges restaurant operators to measure the returns on their strategies, particularly on loyalty programs. According to Goldstein, understanding the positive outcomes and optimizing efforts accordingly is crucial. He advocates for a data-driven approach to marketing, where identifying successful initiatives leads to informed decision-making and sustained growth in same-store sales over time. For Goldstein, loyalty programs, when executed thoughtfully, align seamlessly with the essence of hospitality. The key, he says, lies in enhancing the customer experience rather than just offering discounts. Loyalty, according to Goldstein, should focus on elements like convenience and personalization which well aid in recognizing customers, making digital experiences easy, and saving customers time are vital aspects of driving loyalty without merely relying on value exchanges.

The birth of Schedulefly was rooted in the chaos of manually creating restaurant schedules using Post-It Notes. Wil Brawley and his partners recognized the inefficiencies in this process and envisioned a streamlined solution aimed to eliminate the constant need for phone calls and last-minute changes. Schedulefly emerged as that solution, and revolutionized communication within the restaurant industry, simplifying scheduling processes and enhancing efficiency. "The idea was, why don't we just provide this really simple solution that eliminates the need for all these phone calls and all these fire drills when somebody's sick and just have email and text and an app and just a way to just get this information to people. And then when the changes happen, it's automatic." said Brawley to host Shawn Walchef of Cali BBQ Media. Facing the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and a ransomware threat, Brawley and Schedulefly experienced the power of storytelling and transparent communication. In times of crisis, Brawley embraced openness, regularly sharing updates through videos posted to Instagram. This genuine approach not only strengthened the connection with Schedulefly's community but also showcased the resilience of a small, independent restaurant-facing adversity. “We were very clear with what was going on.” recalls Brawley. “That's when we really realized the power of storytelling and communication in a big way.” Wil Brawley's journey extends beyond scheduling software; it delves into the realm of storytelling. Despite initial hesitations, Brawley compiled impactful stories of independent restaurant owners in the book "Restaurant Owners Uncorked". Taking a leap of faith, Schedulefly self-published the book, and it turned out to be a success. Brawley's dedication to sharing these stories and connecting with the community reflected a belief in the importance of authentic narratives and has since evolved into a podcast of the same name, which has featured Cali BBQ Media’s Shawn Walchef.