Digital Hospitality

Shawn P. Walchef
  • 4.7 (103)
  • Marketing
  • Updated Weekly

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 Shawn P. Walchef.

  1. 2d ago

    Give Operators Their Time Back—How Nory Automates Restaurant Decisions

    How can restaurant technology solve bigger operational problems instead of responding to everyday frustrations? Raphaël Daverio, vice president of product at Nory, joins Shawn Walchef to explain how the company is building an AI operating system for multi-unit restaurants. Daverio shares how Nory turns restaurant data into proactive recommendations, allows operators to control the level of automation and explains the reasoning behind every suggested action. He also discusses Nory’s work with Dave’s Hot Chicken, the importance of measuring technology’s impact on margins and why restaurants should move beyond reactive software. Solve the Root Problem – Nory looks beyond everyday operational frustrations to understand the larger issues affecting a restaurant. By focusing on margins, guest satisfaction and employee experience together, the company can build technology that creates a measurable impact.Build Trust Before Automating – Restaurant operators can control how much responsibility they give Nory, beginning with proactive recommendations before moving toward automated decisions. Explaining the data behind each recommendation helps teams trust the system and increase automation over time.Turn Restaurant Data Into Action – Nory connects information across scheduling, inventory, ordering, forecasting and customer reviews. The platform uses that broader context to recommend actions that improve consistency, reduce unnecessary work and help multi-unit restaurant groups operate more profitably.Episode Links Raphaël Daverio on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rapha%C3%ABl-daverio-48878850/Nory Online: https://www.nory.ai/Nory on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asknory/What's Cooking? | A Podcast from Nory: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whats-cooking-a-podcast-from-nory/id1825066598Nory on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@noryaiNory on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asknory/?utm_source=linktree&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=linkedin  Where to find Cali BBQ Media Visit our WebsiteFollow Restaurant Technology SubstackFollow us on InstagramFollow us on LinkedInLearn About our Media Services

  2. 5d ago

    How Stage Theory Turns Content Into Community w/ David Meltzer

    Waiting for more time or better content could be costing your business valuable connections. David Meltzer joins Shawn Walchef on Digital Hospitality to explain how entrepreneurs can turn everyday conversations into content and build relationships through storytelling. They discuss why quantity, speed and consistency improve quality, how one viewer can change your business, and why a small, engaged audience can matter more than thousands of social media followers who never take the next step. Make time by using what you already do - Meetings, coaching calls and everyday conversations can become podcasts, videos and social clips. Creating content starts with capturing the work and conversations already happening in your business.Quality comes through consistency - Waiting until your content is perfect delays the practice needed to improve. Producing more, moving faster and showing up consistently helps you become more comfortable and create better content over time.One meaningful connection can change your business - Shawn became David’s coaching client after watching a video with only a few hundred views. Reaching someone who takes action can be more valuable than attracting thousands of followers who scroll past.Episode Links David Meltzer Online: https://dmeltzer.com/David Meltzer Podcast: https://dmeltzer.com/#podcastDavid Meltzer Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidmeltzer/?hl=en Where to find Cali BBQ Media Visit our WebsiteFollow Restaurant Technology SubstackFollow us on InstagramFollow us on LinkedInLearn About our Media Services

  3. 5d ago

    People First, Tech Second—How Michel Falcon Is Scaling Brasa Peruvian Kitchen Without Losing Its Soul

    How can a restaurant operator scale a multi-location brand without sacrificing authentic human connection in a digital world? Michel Falcon, CEO of Brasa Peruvian Kitchen, joins Shawn Walchef on Digital Hospitality to share his playbook for building a people-first culture in the restaurant industry. Falcon explains how he modernizes onboarding for tech-savvy employees to keep turnover low, uses tools like Incentivio and Toast to build customer loyalty, and carves out time every Friday to personally email his most frequent guests. He also argues against automating food assembly, showing why technology should streamline back-of-house operations—such as sales tax and inventory—so employees can focus on real face-to-face hospitality as the brand expands across North America. Use Technology to Support Humans, Not Replace Them – Falcon advocates using automation strictly behind the scenes to eliminate repetitive administrative tasks—like sales tax processing and inventory counting—freeing up managers and staff to deliver genuine face-to-face hospitality.Nurture Employee Loyalty Through Modernized Systems – To maintain near-zero turnover in an industry known for churn, Brasa Peruvian Kitchen designs digital-first onboarding and mobile learning experiences tailored to younger, tech-savvy team members.Build Direct, Personal Relationships with Top Customers – Instead of relying solely on automated marketing sequences, Falcon blocks out time every Friday to personally email his most frequent guests from his own inbox to thank them, creating lasting brand loyalty and meaningful personal connections.Episode Links Michel Falcon Website: https://michelfalcon.com/Falcon Leadership Academy: https://michel-s-site-7878.thinkific.com/courses/teamsbymichelfalconMichel Falcon Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelfalcon/?originalSubdomain=caMichael Falcon Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michelfalcon/?hl=enMichel Falcon Blog and Podcast: https://michelfalcon.com/blog/Brasa Peruvian Kitchen: https://brasaperuvian.com/Brasa Peruvian Kitchen Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brasaperuvian/?hl=enBrasa Peruvian Kitchen TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brasaperuvian Where to find Cali BBQ Media Visit our WebsiteFollow Restaurant Technology SubstackFollow us on InstagramFollow us on LinkedInLearn About our Media Services

  4. 6d ago

    From Morning Coffee to Happy Hour: How Colada Shop Sets the Mood With Music

    Daniella Senior built Colada Shop to be a place people could visit throughout the day, from morning coffee to lunch and happy hour. On Digital Hospitality, she talks with Shawn Walchef about the café’s unexpected start, its expansion into an airport and the details that make guests feel welcome. Music is one of them. Across seven locations, Colada Shop uses Soundtrack to create playlists that fit each shop and change with the time of day. Chefs, baristas and café associates all contribute songs, making the music part of the team’s culture as well as the guest experience. Build for the whole day - Senior designed Colada Shop so guests could come in for coffee, return for lunch and stay for cocktails. That approach also suits the airport location, where travelers need different things throughout the day and the café can serve them without changing its concept.Let each shop shape the music - Colada Shop uses Soundtrack to adjust playlists for each location and time of day. Chefs, baristas and café associates suggest songs and speak up when something no longer fits. Their input helps the music reflect both the people working there and the guests who spend time there.Protect the experience as you grow - Senior was hesitant to open an airport location until she found a partner that would give the brand enough attention. Colada Shop remains involved in decisions about vendors, menu items and the way the space operates because an airport guest’s experience still shapes how they see the brand.Episode Links Colada Shop: https://www.coladashop.com/Colada Shop Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ColadaShopDaniella Senior Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daniellasenior/?hl=en Soundtrack: https://soundtrack.io/ Where to find Cali BBQ Media Visit our WebsiteFollow Restaurant Technology SubstackFollow us on InstagramFollow us on LinkedInLearn About our Media Services

  5. Sep 23

    Grow Slow, Stay Local—How Ggiata Is Building the Modern Neighborhood Deli

    What does it take to grow a restaurant brand without losing the neighborhood hospitality that made it special? Jack Biebel of Ggiata Delicatessen joins Shawn Walchef at the CREATE conference after Ggiata received the Emerging Brand Award. Bible explains how three childhood friends from New Jersey built a modern Los Angeles deli despite having no restaurant experience, why Ggiata uses technology behind the scenes instead of replacing personal interaction and how the company prioritizes gradual growth over rapid expansion. He also discusses developing leaders, learning from each neighborhood and telling an authentic story that keeps every Ggiata location connected to its community. Use Technology to Strengthen Hospitality – Ggiata uses technology behind the scenes to reduce administrative work, improve restaurant systems and give managers more time to support employees and connect with customers.Let Leadership Determine the Pace of Growth – The company is pursuing gradual acceleration instead of rapid expansion. Biebel believes restaurants must develop capable teams and understand each market before adding more locations.Become Part of the Neighborhood – Ggiata studies every community by walking the surrounding blocks, meeting local businesses and asking residents where they eat. Those relationships help each location feel like a neighborhood deli rather than another unit in a chain.Episode Links Ggiata: https://www.ggiata.com/Ggiata Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ggiata/?hl=enGgiata TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ggiata?lang=enJack Biebel Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jackbyebull/ Where to find Cali BBQ Media Visit our WebsiteFollow Restaurant Technology SubstackFollow us on InstagramFollow us on LinkedInLearn About our Media Services

  6. Sep 22

    Roulette and Tom Brady—The Unlikely Story Behind F3 Technologies

    What does it take to keep a restaurant’s technology running while building a company through dark times? Dan Diaz of F3 Technologies joins Shawn Walchef at the CREATE conference to explain how F3 supports restaurants by managing their networks, POS systems, loyalty platforms and Wi-Fi. Diaz shares why operators often underestimate the importance of their network until it fails, how F3 grew from a business where he handled every installation to a team of approximately 180 employees, and why entrepreneurs must keep building when momentum arrives. He also reveals how a Tom Brady memorabilia collection and $36,000 in roulette winnings helped fund F3’s first payroll and insurance payments. Protect the Technology That Runs Your Restaurant – Dan Diaz says restaurant operators often underestimate their networks until something fails. F3 Technologies manages POS systems, Wi-Fi, loyalty platforms and other essential technology that can cost restaurants thousands of dollars when it goes down.Keep Building Through the Dark Times – Diaz believes entrepreneurs must continue moving forward when challenges become overwhelming. Sharing those difficult experiences can also remind business owners how much they have survived and help others facing similar struggles.Build on Your Momentum – F3 grew from Diaz handling installations and operations himself to a team of approximately 180 employees. He says business owners should keep pushing when opportunities begin opening while still taking time to recognize and appreciate their progress.Episode Links Dan Diaz LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-d-diaz/F3 Online: https://f3tech.com/F3 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@F3fixes/videosF3 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/f3incF3 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/f3inc/ Where to find Cali BBQ Media Visit our WebsiteFollow Restaurant Technology SubstackFollow us on InstagramFollow us on LinkedInLearn About our Media Services

  7. Sep 21

    Know Your Numbers—How Don Connor Uses Financial Discipline to Build Better Restaurants

    What does it take to turn a love for hospitality into a profitable restaurant business? Don Connor of Whiskey ‘N Rye Smokehouse joins Shawn Walchef at the CREATE conference to explain why restaurant operators must understand the numbers behind their business. Connor shares how his experience in corporate strategy and finance shaped his approach to restaurant ownership, why operators need to monitor labor, food and occupancy costs, and how strategic discounts can help fill an empty dining room. He also discusses California barbecue, his work with the California Restaurant Association and why giving back to the community creates long-term value. Know Where Every Dollar Goes – Don Connor says restaurant operators must understand the financial basics of their business, including food, labor and occupancy costs. Knowing the right benchmarks helps operators identify problems and make better decisions before margins disappear.Use Discounts Strategically – Connor sees operators who would rather accept an empty dining room than lower a price or promote an offer. Strategic discounts can introduce more people to the restaurant, generate traffic and create opportunities for future business.Build Through Hospitality and Community – Whiskey ‘N Rye Smokehouse approaches business from a place of abundance, including giving more than $100,000 to charitable causes in one year. Connor believes generosity and memorable hospitality create connections that bring long-term value back to the restaurantEpisode Links Don Connor LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/don-conner-626a953a/Whiskey ‘N Rye Smokehouse: https://www.whiskeynrye.com/Whiskey ‘N Rye Smokehouse Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whiskeynryebbq/Whiskey ‘N Rye Smokehouse LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/whiskey-n-rye-smokehouse/ Where to find Cali BBQ Media Visit our WebsiteFollow Restaurant Technology SubstackFollow us on InstagramFollow us on LinkedInLearn About our Media Services

  8. Sep 17

    Post for Strangers—How Shootz Uses Content, Influencers and AI to Grow

    What does it take for an emerging restaurant brand to reach new customers and prepare for its next stage of growth? Harold Walters of Shootz joins Shawn Walchef at the CREATE conference to explain how the Hawaiian-Asian fusion brand approaches content, advertising and restaurant technology. Walters shares why restaurants should create every social media post for someone who has never heard of the brand, how Shootz turns successful organic videos and micro-influencer content into Meta ads, and why authenticity matters more than expensive production. He also discusses Shootz IQ, an internal AI tool that connects the company’s sales, labor and marketing data, as Shootz prepares to open its sixth location and first standalone restaurant. Create Content for Strangers – Harold Walters says restaurants should not assume viewers already know or care about their brand. Shootz frames its posts for people discovering the restaurant for the first time, using strong hooks and authentic storytelling to earn attention.Turn Organic Success Into Paid Growth – Shootz uses videos that have already performed well organically as Meta ads. The brand then retargets those viewers with content from micro-influencers, building a library of authentic videos without relying on expensive creators.Make Restaurant Data Easier to Use – Shootz IQ connects sales, labor, advertising and social media data through an internal AI system. Team members can ask questions and generate reports without manually searching through multiple restaurant platforms.Episode Links Harold Walters LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haroldiwalters/Shootz LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shootzofficial/Shootz: https://eatshootz.com/Shootz Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shootz.officialShootz TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shootz.official Where to find Cali BBQ Media Visit our WebsiteFollow Restaurant Technology SubstackFollow us on InstagramFollow us on LinkedInLearn About our Media Services

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4.7
out of 5
103 Ratings

About

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 Shawn P. Walchef.

Information

  • Creator
    Shawn P. Walchef
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2026
  • Episodes
    600
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Cali BBQ Media
  • Show Website
    Digital Hospitality