Digital Hospitality Shawn P. Walchef

Tim McLaughlin is a technology savant. His company, GoTab (@gotab.inc), pushes technology, such as QR codes, to the forefront of the hospitality industry by putting the guest at the center of the POS experience. 

 

“I would say get a demo if you want to actually know.” McLaughlin tells host Shawn Walchef (@shawnpwalchef) of calibbq.media.  “All the stuff I touched on [in the interview], that’s like one of 40 things that we do that nobody else in the industry does.”



Listen and watch the full Digital Hospitality episode and let us know your experiences with QR Codes.





























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Interview Takeaways























The Psychology Behind Changing Habits – Using QR Code ordering, even after the pandemic, still requires a level of habit breaking for consumers. Tim McLaughlin approaches habit changing by addressing pain points. For him, you can find ways to create “pain avoidance”, habits can start to change.  Digital Hospitality Revolution – Tim McLaughlin is an engineer by trade. However, the upcoming movement into a more digitally forward hospitality space brings him great joy. He is set to ease the angst of customers with ordering food digitally, especially because society orders essentials online everyday using platforms like Amazon. The Truth Behind QR Menus in Restaurants – QR Codes are a divisive piece of technology in the restaurant space. Tim McLaughlin believes that is due to the widespread misunderstanding and misuse of them within restaurants.





























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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.➤ Restaurant Influencers — https://link.chtbl.

The National Association of Restaurant Show taking place from May 20 – 23  has been coined the “Super Bowl of the Industry” by some. Ahead of this year’s show, host Shawn Walchef (@shawnpwalchef) of Calibbq.media spoke with restaurant growth expert and commercial realtor Kyle Inserra (@kyleinserra) about why restaurant owners should attend the show and what to expect while there. In partnership with Digital Hospitality alum DAVO, has allowed the duo to giveaway free tickets to a lucky select few. Be sure to watch and Listen to the full episode to learn how to or ensure your attendance by purchasing tickets to the National Association of Restaurant Show 2023.



























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Interview Takeaways























Preparation is Key! – The National Restaurant Association (NRA) Show is a lot to take in. According to Kyle Inserra, the best thing to be is prepared. Be sure to map out your course and wear comfortable shoes to take full advantage of the event experience.

 

Ticket Giveaway Courtesy of DAVO – Everyone loves a good giveaway! In conjunction with DAVO, Kyle and Shawn are giving away a few tickets to the NRA show completely free. There isn’t much time left DM @shawnpwalchef on Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok or message Shawn on LinkedIn for your chance to win.



Telling Your Story is the Name of the Game – SmartPhone Storytelling is a pillar of Digital Hospitality. The NRA Show is a chance for restaurants to get their names out there and begin telling their story for themselves. No one is coming to tell it for you.





























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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.➤ Restaurant Influencers — https://link.chtbl.com/RIpodcast➤ Business Coaching — a rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" href="https://forms.

Tom Rutledge (@rdmsgroup), the owner of outsource accounting firm RDMS (Restaurant Data Management System), is a problem solver. Speaking with host Shawn Walchef (@shawnpwalchef) of https://calibbq.media at this year’s Restaurant Transformation Tour put on by Restaurant365, Rutledge speaks on how their systems have proven to be a valuable tool for his company since its adoption in 2017. While there was some initial hesitation among team members, the unexpected changes caused by the COVID pandemic accelerated their adoption of the technology. Rutledge understands the importance of digital hospitality and engaging with customers through various channels as a necessary component to success in today’s climate. A part of that Digital Hospitality is ensuring that the RDMS story is being told consistently.  Watch and listen as Tom Rutledge discusses how his company has pivoted to embrace being outside of their comfort zone. Also, grab your tickets to the Restaurant Transformation Tour 2023 coming to a city near you!

































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Interview Takeaways























Going All In with Restaurant365 – Tom Rutledge positions RDMS as a service company that uses technology; not a technology company. One of those pieces of technology is the services of Restaurant365. Though everyone wasn’t on board immediately, the unexpected changes due to COVID expedited the buy in. Digital Hospitality Requires Full Engagement – With all of the ways to receive feedback and market beyond food sales, Tom Rutledge still feels that many restaurants miss the mark to fulfill their digital hospitality duties. As he says, if you are missing that mark, “you might as well be selling bad food”.  The Pitfalls of an Accounting Mindset – As accountants, Tom Rutledge and RDMS was admittedly focused on the numbers and their products. Unfortunately, that didn’t bring enough attention to the products they had to offer. They know they can help people, and have since included intentional efforts to share their story and become more recognizable as a brand.  





























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Digital Hospitality is an interview-based video podcast hosted by business owner Shawn P. Walchef (@shawnpwalchef) and produced by his Cali BBQ Media company.

Digital Hospitality host Shawn Walchef (@shawnwalchef) of https://calibbq.media and special guests Troy Hooper, serial entrepreneur and Founder and CEO of Kiwi Restaurant Partners (@apineappleperspective) and Massimo DeMarco, CEO of Ghost Kitchen Brands and Founder of Kitchen United, as they discuss how the digital era is transforming the restaurant industry.  In this episode, which took place during last year’s National Restaurant Association Show, they explore the benefits of closing knowledge gaps and improving communication through technology. “Digital Hospitality is a blending of two worlds,” says Walchef. “We became a barbecue media company and we teach restaurant owners, business owners how important storytelling is.”  Learn how Cali BBQ Media’s philosophy of “Stay Curious. Ask Questions. Ask For Help.” is more relevant than ever in the digital age, and how Troy Hooper believes that help is now more accessible than ever before, and how you can take advantage of it. In this episode Massimo DeMarco also shares his insights on the importance of being prepared to pivot in an increasingly digital world and advocates for automation and robotics in the restaurant industry. Register Now for the National Restaurant Association Show 2023 taking place May 20 to 23, 2023 at McCormick Place in Chicago. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to Digital Hospitality for more insights and conversations on the latest trends in the restaurant industry. 





























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Interview Takeaways























Digital Storytelling Evens the Playing Field – Shawn Walchef, host of Digital Hospitality, Troy Hooper, and Massimo DeMarco have all embraced the digital era. According to Walchef, not only does it close knowledge gaps, it also closes the loops of communication so people are able to obtain information at a more evenly distributed level. Asking for Help is Necessary and Easier than Ever – “Stay Curious. Ask Questions. Ask For Help.” Those are words that Cali BBQ Media was built on. For Troy Hooper, they believe those words ring true and help is more easily accessible today than ever before. Prepare Proactively – Massimo DeMarco is a proponent of automation and robotics. With the world becoming increasingly digital, he warns restaurant owners of the perils of being unprepared to pivot and the benefit of being proactive.

David Esau (@davidresau) is a digital marketing consultant extraordinaire, owner of Click Track Marketing, and author of the book “Raising the Digital Bar” which is aimed at helping businesses grow their impact through digital marketing. As a former Google employee, he has a unique understanding of the digital marketing space.

 

As his book lays out, he emphasizes the importance of automating processes and segmenting email lists to better connect with customers. Esau preaches consistency on social media and using multiple channels for posting and creating content that resonates with the audience. He believes that social media posting should be part of a daily routine and encourages sharing stories to connect with customers on a personal level. His ultimate goal is to build trust with small business owners and help them grow their businesses.



Watch and listen to this with host Shawn Walchef to learn about efficient email marketing, creating the ultimate business card, and good social media practices for small businesses.













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Interview Takeaways







The Ultimate Business Card –  David Esau has a wealth of knowledge to share. In order to advertise his book, Raising the Digital Bar, Esau positioned himself as an authoritative voice in the space by posting tidbits of information on social sites, such as LinkedIn and Facebook. Email Marketing the Done Correctly – David Esau places priority on efficiency. As a necessary part of business in today’s age, email marketing is a key to success, and Esau believes companies should be tactical in their approach. Social Media Guide for Small Business – Every business should be on social media. For David Esau, the size of your business is less important than being consistent and posting across multiple platforms.













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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.➤ Restaurant Influencers — https://link.chtbl.com/RIpodcast➤ Business Coaching — https://forms.

If humility is a prerequisite for hospitality, Nish Patel (@nishpcny), CEO of Paperchase Accountancy, has it in spades. In a sit down with host Shawn Walchef of https://calibbq.media/ during the 2023 Restaurant Transformation Tour put on by Restaurant365, Patel referred to his business as “small” despite having accounts internationally.  Paperchase began when Patel and his brothers pulled their expertise from running the family restaurant and accounting knowledge to form a business aimed to ease the stress of accounting within the hospitality space. Although modest in speaking about Paperchase, Patel fully understands its importance.“Without understanding of finance and numbers of the business, you will never be able to create a successful business. So you have to know what is happening in the day to day life of the restaurant,” he says.Listen and watch Nish Patel’s interview on the Digital Hospitality podcast as he discusses the power of referrals, Restaurant365’s positive affect on their business, and the importance of knowing your financial data. Also, be sure to purchase your tickets to Restaurant365’s Restaurant Transformation Tour coming to a city near you!













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Interview Takeaways







Creating “Sticky” Relationships – Nish Patel still considers Paper Chase a small business. However, they have been able to create long lasting relationships with business and companies through high level service and hospitality that has allowed the business to expand internationally.  Paper Chase and Restaurant365  – After a meeting with Resturant365 co-Owner Morgan Harris, Nish Patel gained a better understanding of the company’s capability and began using their services in multi-unit locations. Patel applauds the investment saying “that’s what makes life so easy”. “Without an Understanding of Finance, You Will Never Build a Successful Business” –  Nish Patel knows a thing or two about owning a business and about finance. He firmly believes that without looking at the data, sometimes daily, it will be impossible to have the information to build a business.













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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.➤ Restaurant Influencers — https://link.chtbl.