Digital Hospitality

Shawn Walchef thought he understood social media—until he discovered the deeper power of storytelling. His Orange Tree Theory was born from a real tree planted by his immigrant grandfather outside the family restaurant. Overlooked for decades, that tree became a symbol of legacy, values, and identity once its story was shared. Now a cornerstone of Cali BBQ’s brand, it inspires Walchef’s message to business owners everywhere: stop treating content like a commercial and start telling stories that matter. Your business already has meaningful moments—like your own orange tree—you just haven’t shared them yet. It’s time to...

In this session of Rising Tides Live, hosted by Shawn Walchef, the group dives into how to maximize the experience of attending the 2025 National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago. Whether it’s your first time walking the floor, your tenth time exhibiting, or your chance to finally meet longtime digital connections in real life, this event is packed with opportunities. More than just a massive trade show, NRA is a place to build relationships, discover innovations, and strengthen your brand presence. From setting up booth meetings to joining Rising Tides community meetups and documenting your journey through social media, this...

Zenon McHugh did not just open a bar, he built a vision. By prioritizing real estate ownership over short-term gains, Zenon turned Twisted Shamrock Pub into a true community anchor near Chicago’s Midway Airport. His background in accounting and tax strategy gave him an edge, helping him secure key licenses, manage costs, and survive the brutal early months. Weekly financial reviews, brand integrity, and smart marketing helped Twisted Shamrock grow without sacrificing its identity. Today, the pub stands as proof that in hospitality, owning the dirt and knowing your numbers can make all the difference.

In this session of Rising Tides Live, hosted by Shawn Walchef,  the group dives into the meaning behind business milestones—and why most people don’t celebrate them enough. Whether it’s opening your first restaurant, hitting a round-number anniversary, or simply surviving another month in business, these moments deserve recognition. More than just feel-good celebrations, milestones can drive connection, storytelling, team morale, and customer loyalty. From viral TikTok promos to client thank-you packages and personal goal tracking, this episode is full of examples from leaders who are learning to pause, reflect, and share the journey.

Running a successful restaurant today means becoming more than a chef or operator—you have to be a storyteller. Shawn Walchef, founder of Cali BBQ Media, believes digital content is now just as essential as great food. From swapping out legacy tech for cloud-based systems to sharing behind-the-scenes moments on YouTube and LinkedIn, Shawn champions “digital hospitality.” He urges restaurateurs to stop waiting for perfect conditions and start using their phones to build brand trust. Whether it’s through failure, experimentation, or honest storytelling, modern restaurants must think like media companies to grow—and thrive—in a digital-first world.

In this session, we explore the power of nostalgia marketing and why tapping into the past can be a strategic advantage for entrepreneurs, restaurant operators, and hospitality professionals.  In this episode of Rising Tides Live, hosted by Shawn Walchef, the group unpacks how memory, tradition, and emotion fuel brand loyalty and customer engagement. The conversation features real-world examples from business leaders who are using sensory storytelling, legacy content, and emotional resonance to drive connection. From the smell of barbecue to the sound of rain, this session offers actionable ideas for using nostalgia to build a brand that sticks in peo...

Albi Zogaj is turning his restaurant into a brand—and a media company. The co-founder of Albi Italian Kitchen in San Antonio, Zogaj has embraced the digital storytelling strategies championed host Shawn Walchef. From posting skits and behind-the-scenes content to launching a podcast and product line, Albi is showing what’s possible when restaurant owners lean into content creation and systems. His videos now bring in over 100,000 views, driving real foot traffic with zero ad spend. Whether it’s building community online or freeing up time through better operations, Albi is proving digital storytelling is a game-changer.

In this session, we explore the impact of location selection and why making strategic real estate decisions is essential for entrepreneurs, restaurant operators, and hospitality professionals. In this episode of Rising Tides Live, hosted by Shawn Walchef, the group discusses how physical location, community presence, and digital strategy intersect to shape business success. The conversation features firsthand insights from industry leaders who have navigated tough location choices, balanced nostalgia with innovation, and built strong community networks. From understanding local demographics to enhancing a physical presence through digital content, this session offers practical takeaways for anyone looking to grow a bus...

You don’t need money to build a media company. You need courage, consistency, and a smartphone. In this breakdown from Cali BBQ Media’s Shawn Walchef, learn how to turn your everyday business actions into powerful digital storytelling. From embracing quantity over perfection to showing up across platforms, this guide highlights the mindset shift entrepreneurs need to grow their brand in today’s creator economy. By building community, sharing your truth, and offering value, you can create real business opportunities through content. If you’re waiting for the right time to start, stop. Hit record. Your media company begins t...

In this session, we explore the power of sales funnels and why designing them with intention is crucial for businesses, entrepreneurs, and hospitality professionals. In this episode of Rising Tides Live, hosted by Shawn Walchef, the group unpacks how B2B and B2C brands are building smarter, more efficient sales systems. The conversation features real-world strategies from restaurant operators, tech founders, and service providers who are leveraging email campaigns, referral networks, digital tools, and giveaways to grow their customer base. From gamifying employee engagement to tapping into underutilized guest data, this session offers practical insights for turning interest in...