Digital Hospitality

Shawn P. Walchef
  • 4.7 (102)
  • 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. 4d ago

    Restaurant Tech Only Works If People Use It | Chat w/ Keegan Conrey

    Keegan Conrey, CEO of Decision Logic, joins Shawn Walchef live from the Restaurant Leadership Conference to discuss why successful restaurant technology depends on adoption, not just innovation. Conrey explains why AI starts with quality data, how operators can improve food and labor costs through better operational habits, and why helping restaurant teams embrace change is just as important as building great software. The Best Restaurant Technology Solves People Problems – Keegan Conrey believes great restaurant software isn't about flashy features. The companies that create lasting value help operators manage change, train employees quickly, and make technology easy enough for anyone to use. Better Data Creates Better AI – While many companies are racing to add artificial intelligence, Conrey says AI is only as valuable as the data behind it. Clean, structured data allows restaurant leaders to identify problems faster and make smarter decisions. Small Operational Habits Create Big Financial Results – Conrey shared that one restaurant brand improved profitability by approximately $15,000 to $30,000 per location simply by consistently taking inventory. He explains why operational discipline often delivers bigger returns than chasing the next new technology. Episode Links Keegan Conrey LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keeganconrey/ Decision Logic: https://decisionlogic.co/ Decision Logic LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/decisionlogic/ Decision Logic YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@decisionlogic8201 Decision Logic Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/decision_logic/ Decision Logic Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/decisionlogicsoftware Where to find Cali BBQ Media Visit our WebsiteFollow Restaurant Technology SubstackFollow us on InstagramFollow us on LinkedInLearn About our Media Services

    15 min

  2. Jul 2

    He Saw the Technology Chaos Inside Restaurants — Now Dan Diaz Is Cleaning It Up

    In this episode of Digital Hospitality, Shawn Walchef sits down with Dan Diaz, founder and CEO of F3 Tech, to discuss why restaurant technology starts with strong infrastructure, not just great software. Diaz shares how his team helps operators navigate POS transitions, simplify complex IT environments, and build technology systems that support hospitality instead of getting in the way. They also discuss the importance of storytelling, building relationships at the National Restaurant Association Show, and why every restaurant has a story worth telling. Restaurant IT Requires Restaurant Experience – Dan Diaz believes technical knowledge alone isn't enough to support restaurants. His team is made up of industry veterans who understand the realities of service, allowing them to guide operators through stressful technology transitions with empathy, speed, and a hospitality-first mindset. Strong Infrastructure Powers Every Guest Experience – From POS systems and kitchen printers to cameras, music, and online ordering, nearly every tool inside a restaurant depends on a reliable network. Diaz explains why investing in the technology behind the walls is just as important as the software employees use every day. Every Restaurant Has A Story Worth Sharing – Beyond technology, Diaz encourages operators to document their journey. He believes founders often overlook the value of their own experiences, and that sharing both successes and setbacks builds stronger relationships, helps others in the industry, and creates lasting trust. Episode Links Dan Diaz LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-d-diaz/ Dan Diaz Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/f3diaz/ F3 Technologies Online: https://www.f3tech.com/ F3 Technologies YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@F3fixes/videos F3 Technologies Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/f3inc/ F3 Technologies Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/f3techinc Where to find Cali BBQ Media Visit our WebsiteFollow Restaurant Technology SubstackFollow us on InstagramFollow us on LinkedInLearn About our Media Services

    12 min

  3. Jul 1

    CREATE 2026: The Event for Emerging Restaurateurs | Chat w/ Sam Oches

    Sam Oches, editor-in-chief of Nation's Restaurant News, joins Shawn Walchef to discuss what separates memorable restaurant brands from the rest. Drawing on 17 years covering the industry, Oches shares why storytelling, hospitality, and relationships matter as much as great food, how he defines an "emerging" restaurant brand, and why founders should never stop thinking like entrepreneurs. He also previews CREATE and explains why stepping outside your restaurant can be one of the best investments you make. The Best Restaurant Brands Tell Better Stories – Sam Oches believes memorable brands don't stand out because of their menus alone. They build authentic stories, strong relationships, and a clear identity that customers and the industry remember. An Entrepreneurial Mindset Doesn't End With Growth – Whether a brand has 10 locations or 2,600, the best leaders continue learning, adapting, and looking for new ways to improve their business. Getting Out Of Your Restaurant Can Change Your Business – Conferences like CREATE give operators the opportunity to learn from experienced founders, build meaningful relationships, and discover ideas that are difficult to find while working inside the day-to-day operation. Episode Links For More Information On CREATE: https://informaconnect.com/create/ Register for CREATE: https://web.cvent.com/event/0ae8fbb0-16d7-4b45-868d-a81373bacf4b/register?RefId=CREATE26-website&rt=8s3c6PHeDEaFupHQqsmBmQ&utm_campaign=CREATE26&utm_medium=website&utm_source=digital Sam Oches on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-oches-5923bb13/ Informa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/informa/ Where to find Cali BBQ Media Visit our WebsiteFollow Restaurant Technology SubstackFollow us on InstagramFollow us on LinkedInLearn About our Media Services

    29 min

  4. Jun 30

    The Restaurant AI Lesson Every Operator Should Hear: A Chat w/ Conor Sheridan of Nory

    Conor Sheridan, founder and CEO of Nory, explains why restaurants don't need more dashboards, they need better decisions. After leaving a career in quantitative finance to launch the fast-growing restaurant brand Mad Egg, Sheridan experienced firsthand how difficult it is to scale operations while maintaining consistency and profitability. This episode explores agentic AI, restaurant forecasting, demand planning, operational consistency, Toast integration, and why the future of restaurant technology will be defined by software that takes action, not just provides insights. More Data Doesn't Create Better Decisions – Conor Sheridan built Nory after realizing restaurant operators were overwhelmed with dashboards but still lacked clear answers. He believes technology should tell operators what to do, not just what happened. Restaurant Managers Need More Than Reports – Most managers are experts at hospitality, not finance or data analysis. Sheridan says AI should handle forecasting, labor planning, purchasing, and prep so teams can focus on guests. The Future Of Restaurant AI Is Action, Not Insights – Sheridan believes the next generation of AI won't simply identify problems. It will automatically recommend and execute operational changes that improve profitability while keeping operators in control. Episode Links: Conor Sheridan on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheridanconor/ Nory Online: https://www.nory.ai/ Nory on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asknory/ Nory on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@asknory What's Cooking? | A Podcast from Nory: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whats-cooking-a-podcast-from-nory/id1825066598 Nory 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

    38 min

  5. Jun 29

    He Saw a Problem Every Parent Knows — Now Mick Carr Is Helping Restaurants Solve It

    Mick Carr, founder and CEO of Grub Lab, believes restaurants have overlooked one of their biggest opportunities: creating better experiences for families. Drawing from his own experiences as a father, Carr explains why reducing the stress of dining with kids leads to happier guests, longer visits, and more repeat business. He shares how Grub Lab helps independent restaurants compete on experience, turning family meals into memorable moments that keep parents and children coming back. Families Are Worth More Than a Kids Meal – Carr reminds restaurant operators to think beyond the price of a kids meal. A positive experience for one child can influence where an entire family chooses to dine again and again. Great Hospitality Removes Friction – From interactive entertainment to a more enjoyable dining experience, Grub Lab is designed to reduce the stress parents often feel when eating out with young children, giving families more reasons to stay longer and return. Independent Restaurants Can Compete on Experience – Carr believes family-friendly experiences shouldn't be limited to large chains. Grub Lab helps independent restaurants create memorable moments that build loyalty while showcasing their own brand. Episode Links: Mick Carr on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mick-carr1/ Grub Lab: https://www.grublab.co/us Grub Lab on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grublab__ Grub Lab on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grub-lab/ Grub Lab on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GrubLab.io/ Grub Lab on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@grublab Where to find Cali BBQ Media Visit our WebsiteFollow Restaurant Technology SubstackFollow us on InstagramFollow us on LinkedInLearn About our Media Services

    16 min

  6. Jun 26

    Why This Investor Believes Restaurant Hiring Is Broken — and How Swob Is Fixing It

    Steve Mandell, chairman and CEO of Game Plan Entertainment, explains why he became an advisor and investor in Swob after negotiating more than 1,000 licensing and brand agreements throughout his career. Drawing on decades of experience in sports, entertainment, and business, Mandell shares how he evaluates founders, why solving real problems matters more than chasing trends, and how AI is transforming restaurant hiring. This episode explores execution, curiosity, hiring innovation, and why the best operators never stop learning. Great Companies Solve Real Problems – Steve Mandell has evaluated businesses throughout his career as an attorney, advisor, and investor. What convinced him to back Swob was not the technology itself, but its ability to remove friction from one of restaurants' biggest operational challenges: hiring hourly workers. The Best Founders Listen Before They Build – Mandell believes successful entrepreneurs spend more time understanding customers than pitching solutions. He was impressed that Swob's founders listened to restaurant operators, identified the shortcomings of traditional hiring, and built a platform around those real-world pain points. Execution Matters More Than Ideas – Throughout the conversation, Mandell returned to one theme: execution. Great ideas are common, but businesses succeed when they consistently solve customer problems. For Swob, that means helping restaurants hire faster through AI-powered matching, QR codes, and a hiring experience designed specifically for today's workforce. Episode Links: Steve Mandell LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mandell-steve-08011593/ Steve Mandell Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevemandellgameplan/?hl=en Stephanie Florio LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-florio-51397765/ Alexander Florio LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexanderflorio/ Swob: https://www.swobapp.com/ Swob Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swobapp/ Swob Tik Tok: https://www.instagram.com/swobapp/ Swob LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/swob-inc/?originalSubdomain=ca Where to find Cali BBQ Media Visit our WebsiteFollow Restaurant Technology SubstackFollow us on InstagramFollow us on LinkedInLearn About our Media Services

    25 min

  7. Jun 24

    He Wanted to Know Why Sales Were Down 30% — Now Brian Kelley Helps Restaurants Predict What's Next

    Brian Kelley, founder and CEO of Butter AI, shares how his experience as a restaurant owner led him to build a platform that helps operators make faster, smarter decisions. What started as a search for answers behind sales fluctuations evolved into a tool that combines POS data, weather, sports schedules, reviews, reservations, and AI-powered insights. This episode explores predictive analytics, menu optimization, restaurant operations, and why technology should help managers spend more time leading people and less time staring at spreadsheets. Managers Need Less Reporting, More Leading – Brian Kelley built Butter AI after watching restaurant managers spend too much time buried in spreadsheets and not enough time running the floor, coaching employees, and serving guests. The Best Predictions Use More Than POS Data – Butter combines sales data with weather, sports schedules, reservations, reviews, and local events to help operators understand what happened yesterday and prepare for what might happen next. Small Menu Changes Can Unlock Big Revenue – By comparing menus against local competitors, Butter helps restaurants identify pricing opportunities that can improve profitability without adding new menu items or increasing traffic. Episode Links: Brian Kelley LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianckelley/ Butter AI LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/butterme-ai/ Butter AI: https://butterme.ai/ Butter AI Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/butterme.ai/ Butter AI Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/buttermeai Butter AI YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ButterAI-e6o Where to find Cali BBQ Media Visit our WebsiteFollow Restaurant Technology SubstackFollow us on InstagramFollow us on LinkedInLearn About our Media Services

    18 min

  8. Jun 22

    She Built the Tool She Wished She Had at Chipotle — Now Yusha Hu Is Helping Restaurant Operators Plan Ahead

    Yusha Hu, founder of Sightline, shares how her experience in supply chain, procurement, and planning roles at Sweetgreen, Chipotle, and HelloFresh inspired her to build an AI-powered platform for restaurant operators. She discusses the growing complexity of restaurant supply chains, the challenges of manual reporting, and how better visibility can help teams spot problems earlier, reduce risk, and spend more time on strategic work instead of putting out fires. Supply Chain Teams Need Better Visibility – Yusha Hu believes many restaurant supply chain teams spend too much time manually gathering information and reacting to problems. From distributor reports to inventory tracking, operators often lack a clear view of what's coming next. Better visibility allows teams to identify risks earlier and make smarter decisions before disruptions impact restaurants. The Best Technology Comes From Real Pain Points – Before founding Sightline, Hu worked in supply chain leadership roles at Sweetgreen, Chipotle, and HelloFresh, after running her own food distribution company. The platform was built around problems she experienced firsthand, including hours of manual reporting, inventory management challenges, and the constant pressure of keeping restaurants stocked. Partnerships Drive Better Results – Hu learned throughout her career that suppliers should be viewed as partners, not just vendors. Whether working with local farms at Sweetgreen or large national suppliers at Chipotle, she found that the strongest relationships come from understanding each other's businesses, sharing feedback, and working together to solve problems across the supply chain. Episode Links: Yusha Hu LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yushahu/ Slightline OS: https://www.sightlineos.com/ Slightline OS LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sightline-os/ Sightline SO Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560543863631 Yusha Hu Email: Yusah@slightlineos.com Where to find Cali BBQ Media Visit our WebsiteFollow Restaurant Technology SubstackFollow us on InstagramFollow us on LinkedInLearn About our Media Services

    17 min
See All (595)

4.7
out of 5
102 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
    595
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Cali BBQ Media
  • Show Website
    Digital Hospitality

You Might Also Like