304 episodes

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.

Digital Hospitality Shawn P. Walchef

    • Business
    • 4.7 • 101 Ratings

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.

    Revolutionizing Restaurant Operations with Christine Schindler of Pathspot

    Revolutionizing Restaurant Operations with Christine Schindler of Pathspot

    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

    How to Turn Your Business into Media Company: Coaching Call with David Meltzer

    How to Turn Your Business into Media Company: Coaching Call with David Meltzer

    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.”

    Loyalty is Hospitality with Zach Goldstein of Thanx

    Loyalty is Hospitality with Zach Goldstein of Thanx

    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. 

    Wil Brawley of Schedulefly Fostered Trust Through Storytelling

    Wil Brawley of Schedulefly Fostered Trust Through Storytelling

    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.

    Optimizing Tech Stacks with Chris Fletcher of Tech on Toast

    Optimizing Tech Stacks with Chris Fletcher of Tech on Toast

    As the restaurant industry becomes increasingly immersed in the world of technology, Chris Fletcher, founder of Tech on Toast, is addressing the gaps between restaurant operators and tech suppliers. 



    Tech on Toast: Bridging the Gap Between Operations and Technology



    Chris Fletcher, founder of Tech on Toast, recognized a significant gap between tech suppliers and restaurant operators during his extensive industry experience. Fueled by a desire to address this gap, he established Tech on Toast to serve as a bridge between the two. Tech on Toast operates as a marketplace and consulting service, connecting tech suppliers with operators, leveraging Fletcher's dual expertise in operations and technology to foster collaboration and innovation.



    "You've got an Ops Director who's great with people, great with experience, great with food, but actually isn't too knowledgeable about tech. So I found this gap and I wanted to fill it." expresses Fletcher to host Shawn Walchef of Cali BBQ Media.



    Building Community and Providing Insight



    Beyond the digital realm, Chris Fletcher has successfully built a vibrant digital community through Tech on Toast. Recognizing the irreplaceable value of in-person events, Fletcher emphasizes the growing camaraderie among tech industry leaders. In addition to fostering connections, Tech on Toast's live events serve as a platform for industry insights, addressing topics ranging from retention to food and labor costs, creating a space where operators can gain valuable knowledge while building relationships.



    “It's just about community." says Fletcher. “We can connect online, but doing it in person, there's nothing better. And I think that's where you get the real value of what you've built or what you're building and you really understand what you can do better.”



    Buy with the End in Mind



    When it comes to tech stacks, the goal should be to make work more efficient. For Fletcher, there is power in simplifying complex technology stacks. He advises companies to start with a clear problem in mind. Then, reverse engineering to a solution and use tech tools that quantifiable help with that process.



     "The first thing to do is start with a problem in mind...really look at the problem you're trying to fix before you do anything." says Fletcher. 



    “When we buy a piece of tech, how do we measure the success of it?”

    • 33 min
    The Robotics Revolution in Hospitality with Sudheer Sajja of Pringle Robotics

    The Robotics Revolution in Hospitality with Sudheer Sajja of Pringle Robotics

    Sudheer Sajja, the Founder of Pringle Robotics, recognized a pressing need for innovative solutions to address the worker shortage issue. Listening to feedback and observing the challenges faced by waitstaff, Sajja identified a gap in service that inspired the creation of Pringle Robotics. 



    "We really thought maybe where we could add additional help to the waiters and waitresses was to actually build out a robot that actually would do the food runner job, essentially allowing for food to be sent from the kitchen directly to the tables." articulates Sajja to host Shawn Walchef of Cali BBQ Media



    The journey of Pringle Robotics extends beyond the confines of the restaurant space, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sajja and his team adapted to the crisis by leveraging their technological expertise to contribute to sanitization efforts across various industries, including hospitals, airports, and schools. The result was the creation of a productor utilizing UV sanitation and a disinfectant dry mist method, offering a comprehensive solution for hospitals, airports, schools, and beyond.



    Sajja explains, "We need to get this fear out of people when certain crises come in. So look at it from addressing the problem instead of running away from it." 



    Pringle Robotics is committed to not just providing groundbreaking solutions but also to educating those interested in their services. Through this educational approach, Sudheer Sajja envisions not only promoting robotics but also fostering a deeper understanding of the transformative potential these technologies hold for the future. 



    “The universities that we have are actually doing all the research, but the actual implementation of it, adoption of it is very slow, though. The universities are doing a good job of having these programs and people are writing white papers and things like that. But you cannot stop with white papers. You got to put white papers to work.”

    • 37 min

Customer Reviews

4.7 out of 5
101 Ratings

101 Ratings

Jon Cheung ,

A Must Listen Podcast for Restauranteurs

Being at the forefront of the Digital Hospitality space for a while now, Shawn is able to share immense value for business owners in the hospitality space! I had the opportunity to jump on a quick call with him to discuss where I was stuck in my restaurant and he got right into a few actionable steps and helped me understand things at a deeper level. All class and service here, subscribed and ready to become a Digital Media Company, here’s to raising all tides and ships!

Single Tree BBQ ,

Hospitality at it finest!

The podcast absolutely awesome! What Shawn and his team are creating and doing each day is awesome. I’m a huge fan of what they have built and the amazing opportunities they provide for others to tell their stories.

Mr. Marty O'Brion ,

A fun and unique podcast, love BBQ!

Cali BBQ has been in my life for over 10 years. I’m such a fan of what Shawn and his team are doing I’ve asked them to discuss business success with my high school business class, his team has so much to offer! What a story that continues to grow! BBQ is Life!

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