Digital Hospitality

In this Pitch The Tide session, Kim Modeste, founder and CEO of S’more AI, shares what she learned from years of watching how restaurants actually try to drive sales. She explains the simple truth about contests: they work, but only for as long as people stay excited about them. Kim walks through why most contests fizzle out once the spreadsheets come out, and how S’more AI keeps the energy going by making incentives easy, automatic, and part of the flow of service. The result is a system that helps operators motivate their teams, see real results on the P&L, and turn the people on the floor into one of their most powerful growth tools, without adding more work to anyone’s plate.Interview Takeaways: Turns Contests Into a Real Growth Tool – S’more AI takes something restaurants already do and makes it work at scale. By automating tracking, keeping score in real time, and handling rewards instantly, contests stop being a short-term boost and start becoming a reliable way to drive sales. Removes Friction From Motivation – No apps to download. No spreadsheets to manage. No managers chasing updates. By running everything through simple text messages and real-time data, S’more AI keeps teams focused on guests while motivation runs quietly in the background. Proves ROI Instead of Promising It – Instead of hoping contests work, S’more AI shows operators what changed. With clear sales lift and ROI right in the dashboard, restaurants can see exactly what their team-driven incentives are delivering to the business. Episode Links: Kim Modeste LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberley-modeste-277858105/ S'more AI: https://smoreai.io/ Cali BBQ Media: https://content.calibbq.media/ Join Our Next Show: https://betheshow.media/rising-tides/ Shawn Walchef on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnpwalchef/ About Our Sponsors DAVO: DAVO automates every step of the sales tax process — from collecting to filing to paying... Click here to learn more Marqii: Marqii is designed to create unforgettable customer experiences... Click here to learn more

Shawn Walchef f did not build a media company by buying better cameras. He built it by learning how to use the tools already in his hands. For him, the smartphone became a studio, the camera became a business engine, and publishing became a daily habit instead of a marketing tactic. Over time, documenting replaced waiting, and consistency replaced perfection. Now, artificial intelligence has become the next force multiplier, removing bottlenecks and accelerating everything from analysis to content. The lesson is simple: technology is not the strategy, but in the right hands, it becomes the leverage that compounds growth.Interview Takeaways: Your Phone Is a Leverage Machine, Not a Distraction – The most powerful tool in your business is already in your pocket. Smartphone storytelling removes the need for perfect gear, teams, or timing. When creation is always available, consistency becomes possible, and consistency compounds into real business momentum. The Camera and Publishing Beat Any Platform Strategy – The camera creates proof. Publishing creates leverage. Platforms are not the strategy, they are the distribution infrastructure. The habit of documenting, sharing, and showing up daily builds trust, relationships, and long-term opportunities far more reliably than chasing viral moments. AI Turns Time Into Your Most Scalable Asset – AI is not a future tool, it is a present-day force multiplier. Used correctly, it removes bottlenecks, accelerates thinking, and expands what a small team or single operator can do. Episode Links: Shawn Walchef LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnpwalchef/ Shawn Walchef Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawnpwalchef/?hl=en Cali BBQ: https://calibbq.media/ About Our Sponsors DAVO: DAVO automates every step of the sales tax process — from collecting to filing to paying... Click here to learn more Marqii: Marqii is designed to create unforgettable customer experiences... Click here to learn more

Belief took center stage on Rising Tides Live as Shawn Walchef and the community explored what it really takes to build credibility before you have results to point to. From running small experiments and finding champions to showing up consistently and being willing to look foolish in public, founders, operators, creators, and leaders shared real stories about earning trust before earning proof. A clear theme emerged: credibility is built through action, relationships, and keeping promises long before recognition arrives. When people focus on showing up, serving others, and doing the work out loud, momentum follows and belief slowly turns into something others are willing to bet on.Interview Takeaways: Credibility Comes Before Proof – Trust is built through actions, not results. Showing up, doing the work, and keeping promises creates belief long before you have metrics, case studies, or big wins to point to. Small Experiments Create Momentum – Progress starts by testing ideas in public. Running small experiments, doing spec work, and trying things before you feel ready turns uncertainty into learning and learning into traction. Relationships Build Belief – Champions matter. When people believe in you and talk about you when you are not in the room, credibility compounds faster than any single piece of content or pitch deck. Episode Links: Cali BBQ Media: https://content.calibbq.media/ Join Our Next Show: https://betheshow.media/rising-tides/ Shawn Walchef on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnpwalchef/ About Our Sponsors DAVO: DAVO automates every step of the sales tax process — from collecting to filing to paying... Click here to learn more Marqii: Marqii is designed to create unforgettable customer experiences... Click here to learn more

Paul Krug, founder of Glaze Teriyaki, joins Shawn Walchef on Digital Hospitality to share how a Seattle staple became a New York fast-casual mainstay. Krug reflects on scaling thoughtfully, learning hard lessons about expansion, and building systems that support people instead of adding pressure. He explains how partnering with KitchenSync gave Glaze financial clarity, empowered managers, and helped the brand grow calmly and sustainably without losing its soul.Interview Takeaways: Growth Follows Clarity – Scaling too fast can stretch even strong operators. Glaze learned that density and focus matter more than planting flags. Building a solid home base first creates steadier growth and better long-term decisions. KitchenSync Creates Confidence – Reliable financial systems remove guesswork. By partnering with KitchenSync, Glaze gained consistent visibility across locations, giving operators and managers the confidence to make decisions without stress or surprises. Simple Systems Protect Hospitality – Technology works best when it stays out of the way. By keeping tools focused and reliable, Glaze removes friction so teams can concentrate on consistency, service, and the guest experience. Episode Links: Paul Krug: https://www.aprescru.com/paul-krug  Glaze Teriyaki: https://www.glaze.com/ Glaze Teriyaki Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glazeteriyaki/?hl=en Glaze Teriyaki Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GlazeTeriyaki/ KitchenSync Online: https://www.kitchensync.us/ KitchenSync LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kitchensync3/ KitchenSync Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kitchensync.us/ KitchenSync YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC71ERG2sErRIjRq-leoVQ4Q About Our Sponsors DAVO: DAVO automates every step of the sales tax process — from collecting to filing to paying... Click here to learn more Marqii: Marqii is designed to create unforgettable customer experiences... Click here to learn more

In this Pitch The Tide session, Matt Haselhoff, founder of One Goal Consulting, breaks down why the restaurant technology ecosystem has become noisy, fragmented, and increasingly hard for operators to navigate. Drawing on decades of experience across restaurant tech and integrations, Matt explains how sales pressure, vendor sprawl, and broken trust have created a confusing buying environment for brands. He introduces One Goal Consulting’s modern “manufacturer’s rep” model, which curates best-in-class, non-competing technology partners and connects operators to the right solutions based on real needs, not sales quotas.Interview Takeaways: Clarity Beats More Tech – The problem is not a lack of tools. It is too many of them. Operators do not win by adding more software. They win by simplifying, rationalizing, and choosing technology that actually gets used and drives real outcomes. Trust Is the Real Platform – In a market flooded with cold emails, demos, and overpromises, progress only happens through trusted relationships. A curated, vendor-agnostic advisor model cuts through the noise and helps operators make decisions based on needs, not sales pressure. Objective Decisions Replace Gut Feel – The future of restaurant tech buying is not opinions and hype. It is usage data, ROI, and proof. When brands can see what is actually being used and what is not, tech stacks get leaner, cheaper, and far more effective. Episode Links: Matt Haselhoff LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-haselhoff-26769678/ One Goal Consulting: https://onegoalconsulting.com/ Cali BBQ Media: https://content.calibbq.media/ Join Our Next Show: https://betheshow.media/rising-tides/ Shawn Walchef on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnpwalche About Our Sponsors DAVO: DAVO automates every step of the sales tax process — from collecting to filing to paying... Click here to learn more Marqii: Marqii is designed to create unforgettable customer experiences... Click here to learn more

Andre and Suheir Williams share how S2 Grills grew from a nightclub food concept into a multi-state brand with nine locations and over a million lamb chops sold. They break down what it really takes to scale without drowning in back-office chaos, why sales tax nearly became a monthly nightmare, and how automating it with Davo changed everything. The conversation explores building a “championship village,” keeping a core team intact through rapid growth, and why staying curious, showing up to industry events, and asking for help are essential for any operator who wants to grow the right way.Interview Takeaways: Automate the Compliance, Not the Culture – You can’t automate a million lamb chops, but you can automate the tax code. By integrating Davo with Toast, S2 Grills shifted their sales tax to a “set it and forget it” model. This ensures 100% compliance and protects their cash flow daily. Build Your “Championship Village” – S2 Grills attributes their scale to treating their team like family. By bringing on partners with specific corporate, financial, and event planning expertise, they created a specialized unit that allows the founders to focus on the brand’s vision. Don’t Reinvent the Wheel – The fastest way to grow is to learn from those who came before you. The S2 founders prioritize networking and attending major industry conferences to find mentors and technology solutions that prevent them from repeating common industry mistakes. Episode Links: Watch: Digital Hospitality on YouTube Listen: Digital Hospitality Podcast Visit: S2 Grills Online Toast POS: Try Out Toast DAVO: Davo Sales Tax Automation About Our Sponsors DAVO: DAVO automates every step of the sales tax process — from collecting to filing to paying... Click here to learn more Marqii: Marqii is designed to create unforgettable customer experiences... Click here to learn more

2026 goals took center stage on  Rising Tides Live as the community gathered to reflect on the lessons of 2025 and set intentions for the year ahead. With Mike Bisceglia and Elizabeth Doss filling in for Shawn Walchef, operators, creators, technologists, and founders shared stories about growth, resilience, and the power of simply showing up during busy and uncertain seasons. From building new ventures and giving back to local communities to embracing content, connection, and consistency, a clear theme emerged: progress is created through participation. When people share real experiences, support one another, and commit to steady action, a rising tide truly lifts all ships.Interview Takeaways: Moments Are Built With Intention: Memorable experiences do not happen by accident. They come from preparation, strong operations, and giving teams the freedom to act when opportunities appear. Access Creates Stories Worth Sharing: Behind-the-scenes experiences and real process are more compelling than polished marketing. When people are invited into the story, connection and sharing happen naturally. Consistency Turns Moments Into Reputation: One great experience is not enough. Brands are built by delivering meaningful moments again and again through habits, systems, and culture. Episode Links: Cali BBQ Media: https://content.calibbq.media/ Join Our Next Show: https://betheshow.media/rising-tides/ Shawn Walchef on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnpwalchef/ About Our Sponsors DAVO: DAVO automates every step of the sales tax process — from collecting to filing to paying... Click here to learn more Marqii: Marqii is designed to create unforgettable customer experiences... Click here to learn more

Shawn Walchef’s relationship with Sam The Cooking Guy reveals how mentorship, authenticity, and proximity shape modern influence. Built through real conversations and shared experiences, their connection highlights why being yourself scales further than performing, why relationships matter more than platforms, and why today’s most durable restaurant brands and media companies grow from trust, consistency, and showing up long before the spotlight arrives.Interview Takeaways: Authenticity Scales When It’s Lived – Shawn Walchef’s growth as an operator and media founder was shaped by the decision to be the same person on and off camera. Learning from mentors like Sam The Cooking Guy reinforced that trust is built through consistency, not performance, and that authenticity is what makes influence sustainable. Relationships Create Long-Term Leverage – Walchef’s partnership with Sam The Cooking Guy began long before subscriber counts or brand deals mattered. By investing in real conversations and collaboration early, Walchef built relationships that continued to open doors as both businesses and platforms grew. Mentorship Accelerates Better Decisions – Honest feedback and shared experience helped Walchef see blind spots around branding, storytelling, and clarity. Guidance from Sam The Cooking Guy proved that the right mentor does more than offer advice, they help operators make bolder, smarter decisions that compound over time. Episode Links: Shawn Walchef LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnpwalchef/ Shawn Walchef Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawnpwalchef/?hl=en Cali BBQ: https://calibbq.media/ Sam The Cooking Guy: https://www.thecookingguy.com/ Sam The Cooking Guy YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/samthecookingguy About Our Sponsors DAVO: DAVO automates every step of the sales tax process — from collecting to filing to paying... Click here to learn more Marqii: Marqii is designed to create unforgettable customer experiences... Click here to learn more

In this Pitch The Tide session, Runbin Dong, CEO and founder of Scale Social, shares how his family’s restaurant roots led him to rethink modern restaurant marketing. Drawing from firsthand operator experience, Runbin explains why authentic customer content consistently outperforms polished ads and influencer campaigns. He introduces Scale Social’s QR-driven platform, which turns everyday guests into brand advocates by capturing real moments in-store, rewarding participation instantly, and amplifying the best content across paid and organic channels. At its core, the platform helps brands close the authenticity gap, drive measurable traffic, and scale genuine customer storytelling without adding operational complexity.Interview Takeaways: Authenticity Outperforms Ads – Customers trust real people more than polished campaigns or paid influencers. User-generated content created in the moment consistently drives higher engagement, stronger recall, and better performance than traditional marketing. Turn Guests Into Growth Engines – Scale happens when everyday customers become active participants in telling a brand’s story. By lowering friction and rewarding participation instantly, operators can transform casual diners into repeat advocates without asking them to be creators. Brand Safety Meets Local Voice – National brands need consistency, but growth depends on local relevance. Platforms like Scale Social bridge that gap by capturing authentic, location-specific content while maintaining control, quality, and measurable ROI at scale. Episode Links: Runbin Dong LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/runbindong/ Scale Social: https://www.getsocialscale.com/ Cali BBQ Media: https://content.calibbq.media/ Join Our Next Show: https://betheshow.media/rising-tides/ Shawn Walchef on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnpwalchef/ About Our Sponsors DAVO: DAVO automates every step of the sales tax process — from collecting to filing to paying... Click here to learn more Marqii: Marqii is designed to create unforgettable customer experiences... Click here to learn more

Shawn Walchef’s journey building restaurants and media reveals a deeper lesson about how modern leaders grow influence. After years of showing up, asking bigger questions, and learning in public, he began to see the patterns that separate short-term wins from long-term impact. This piece explores why consistency beats breakthroughs, why visibility creates leverage, and why today’s most effective founders are not just building companies, but building their own media.Interview Takeaways: Consistency Beats Breakthroughs – The most meaningful opportunities in Walchef’s career came from years of showing up, not single moments of success. Relationships, trust, and credibility are built through steady effort and long-term commitment. Progress compounds when you stay in the game long after most people quit. Think Bigger. Be Visible Sooner. – Nearly every big conversation started as an unrealistic idea and an uncomfortable ask. Growth favors people who act before they feel ready and share the journey in public. Visibility creates leverage long before titles or scale arrive. Build Your Own Media – Modern leaders cannot outsource their story. The most influential founders today are building both companies and channels. Content is no longer marketing. It is infrastructure that compounds influence, learning, and opportunity over time. Episode Links: Shawn Walchef LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnpwalchef/ Cali BBQ: https://calibbq.media/ Jordan Boesch: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-boesch/?originalSubdomain=ca 7Shifts: https://www.linkedin.com/company/7shifts/ Gregg Majewski LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greggmajewski/ Craveworthy Brands: https://www.linkedin.com/company/craveworthy-brands/ Toast: https://pos.toasttab.com/ Troy Hooper LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jtroyhooper About Our Sponsors DAVO: DAVO automates every step of the sales tax process — from collecting to filing to paying... Click here to learn more Marqii: Marqii is designed to create unforgettable customer experiences... Click here to learn more

2026 goals took center stage on  Rising Tides Live as the community gathered to reflect on the lessons of 2025 and set intentions for the year ahead. With Mike Bisceglia and Elizabeth Doss filling in for Shawn Walchef, operators, creators, technologists, and founders shared stories about growth, resilience, and the power of simply showing up during busy and uncertain seasons. From building new ventures and giving back to local communities to embracing content, connection, and consistency, a clear theme emerged: progress is created through participation. When people share real experiences, support one another, and commit to steady action, a rising tide truly lifts all ships.Interview Takeaways: Progress Comes From Participation – Momentum is not created by waiting for perfect conditions. Operators, creators, and leaders move forward by showing up, contributing to conversations, and engaging with their communities consistently. Growth follows action, not intention. Consistency Beats Big Swings – The focus for 2026 is steady execution. Small, repeatable actions compound over time and build resilience during uncertain seasons. Sustainable progress comes from routines, not one-time bursts of effort. Community Creates Leverage – Sharing lessons openly, supporting peers, and building in public strengthens everyone involved. When people invest in each other’s growth, opportunities expand organically and individual wins turn into collective momentum. Episode Links: Cali BBQ Media: https://content.calibbq.media/ Join Our Next Show: https://betheshow.media/rising-tides/ Shawn Walchef on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnpwalchef/ About Our Sponsors DAVO: DAVO automates every step of the sales tax process — from collecting to filing to paying... Click here to learn more Marqii: Marqii is designed to create unforgettable customer experiences... Click here to learn more

Labor scheduling has quietly become one of the most fragile pressure points in restaurant operations. Will Stewart, founder and CEO of rightwork, draws on his experience inside Starbucks to show how labor targets, human behavior, and unpredictable demand collide at the store level. He breaks down why traditional scheduling fails in real-world conditions and how forecasting, labor modeling, and AI-supported tools can help managers build schedules that reflect actual demand while keeping decision-making in human hands.Interview Takeaways: Operational Experience Driving Calmer Teams – rightwork was shaped by Will Stewart’s years inside Starbucks, where small labor decisions carried massive consequences at scale. Seeing how schedules, targets, and human behavior collided in real stores formed his belief that hospitality depends on calm operations.  Technology That Supports Human Judgment – Rather than replacing managers with automation, rightwork was built to support how people actually work. Forecasting and labor modeling handle complexity, while AI-assisted scheduling acts as a co-pilot managers can guide and override. The result is better schedules without sacrificing local knowledge or control. Trust Built Through Better Systems – Labor breaks down when expectations and reality drift apart. rightwork creates shared visibility between leadership and store teams by grounding labor targets in data and operational context. When systems are clear, managers stop guessing, teams operate with consistency, and hospitality improves naturally. Episode Links: Will Stewart LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-stewart-23339b66/ rightwork: https://right.work/ rightwork LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rightwork-inc/ About Our Sponsors DAVO: DAVO automates every step of the sales tax process — from collecting to filing to paying... Click here to learn more Marqii: Marqii is designed to create unforgettable customer experiences... Click here to learn more

Shawn Walchef shares the hard lessons learned while scaling a modern media company from passion project to profitable business. After years of creating content without revenue, growth came through hiring sooner, reevaluating technology constantly, and expanding beyond a single show. The story reframes media as an operating business, not a hobby, showing how people, systems, and multiple products create leverage. The result is a practical blueprint for creators ready to turn consistency into momentum.Interview Takeaways: Hire Before You’re Ready – Waiting to build a team slows everything. The moment experienced people are brought in, output accelerates, quality improves, and founders regain focus. Hiring is not a cost. It is the lever that turns effort into scale. Your Tech Stack Is a Growth Decision – Tools are not neutral. Outdated systems, long contracts, and delayed adoption quietly cap distribution and revenue. Modern media demands constant reevaluation across audio, video, and written content to stay flexible as platforms and behavior change. More Products Create More Revenue – A single show limits sales conversations. Launching a second product forces clarity, expands inventory, and stretches the team in productive ways. Like a strong menu, multiple offerings turn attention into sustainable income. Episode Links: Shawn Walchef LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnpwalchef/ Cali BBQ: https://calibbq.media/ About Our Sponsors DAVO: DAVO automates every step of the sales tax process — from collecting to filing to paying... Click here to learn more Marqii: Marqii is designed to create unforgettable customer experiences... Click here to learn more

Shawn Walchef sits down with Roger Beaudoin, founder of Restaurant Rockstars, to explore where real profit is hiding inside restaurant operations. Drawing on decades as an operator, Roger shares why menu engineering is often the biggest financial lever owners ignore, and how tightening profit spreads can unlock meaningful gains without raising prices. The conversation moves through leadership versus management, empowering teams to think like owners, and building loyalty through recurring revenue ideas that actually work. Interview Takeaways: Menu Engineering Unlocks Hidden Profit – Many restaurants lose money because menus are built around habit, not contribution. When profit spreads within each category are tightened, operators can dramatically improve margins without raising prices or changing the guest experience. Empowerment Builds Better Hospitality – Teams perform best when they are trusted with responsibility and incentives. Empowered employees think like owners, sell with intention, and create stronger guest experiences that drive loyalty and revenue. Systems Create Operator Freedom – Clear systems around training, salesmanship, and profitability reduce burnout and dependence on the owner. When the business runs with structure and accountability, operators gain leverage, time, and a more sustainable path forward. Episode Links: Roger Beaudoin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roger-beaudoin/ Restaurant Rockstars: https://restaurantrockstars.com/ The Restaurant Rockstar Podcast: https://restaurantrockstars.com/podcasts/ About Our Sponsors DAVO: DAVO automates every step of the sales tax process — from collecting to filing to paying... Click here to learn more Marqii: Marqii is designed to create unforgettable customer experiences... Click here to learn more

Shawn Walchef shares why investing in an on-ground media team was the turning point in transforming his content into a profitable media business. After years of producing with no revenue, Walchef explains how in-person production elevated credibility, strengthened guest relationships, and unlocked sponsorship opportunities that virtual content could not. From early financial risk to scaling seven figures in brand deals, this episode breaks down why presence matters, how to reverse engineer production costs, and why momentum attracts money. It is a practical look at how creators evolve into media companies by committing before it feels comfortable.Interview Takeaways: Invest Before It Feels Safe – Building a real media business requires committing to people and production before the revenue shows up. Waiting for perfect conditions delays momentum. Treating media like a business, not a hobby, is what unlocks scale. In-Person Production Builds Trust – An on-ground media team allows creators to stay fully present with guests while delivering a level of quality that signals seriousness. That professionalism changes how guests, brands, and partners perceive the platform. Money Follows Momentum – Instead of asking if you can afford production, reverse engineer the cost and sell into it. Sponsorships, brand deals, and client work turn production from an expense into leverage that compounds over time. Episode Links: Shawn Walchef LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnpwalchef/ Cali BBQ: https://calibbq.media/ National Restaurant Show: https://www.nationalrestaurantshow.com/home/ About Our Sponsors DAVO: DAVO automates every step of the sales tax process — from collecting to filing to paying... Click here to learn more Marqii: Marqii is designed to create unforgettable customer experiences... Click here to learn more

Shawn Walchef sits down with Christine de Wendel, Co-Founder & CEO US of sunday, to explore why payment is one of the most overlooked moments in hospitality. Christine shares how the frustration of settling a check inspired sunday’s creation during COVID and how a simple QR-based payment experience evolved into a powerful tool for guest engagement and insight. The conversation touches on table turns, tipping, Google reviews, point of sale integrations, and the differences between European and US dining culture. At its core, the discussion is about removing friction, designing technology that fades into the background, and using digital tools to make restaurants feel more human.Interview Takeaways: Lived Experience Shaping Better Hospitality – Christine de Wendel’s perspective on hospitality comes from working alongside restaurant operators during moments of peak pressure, especially during COVID. Seeing how a simple act like paying the check could disrupt an otherwise great meal shaped her belief that technology should protect the guest experience, not interrupt it. sunday was built around the idea that hospitality moments matter most at the edges of a meal, not just during service. Payment as a Guest Experience, Not a Transaction – sunday reframes payment from an operational afterthought into a core part of hospitality. By allowing guests to pay quickly, securely, and on their own terms, the platform removes waiting, awkward interruptions, and friction at the table. That simplicity improves table turns, increases tips, and creates a smoother flow for both guests and staff without changing how restaurants deliver service. Data That Strengthens Human Connection – By owning the payment moment, sunday gives restaurants insight they rarely had before, especially in full service environments without reservations. Guest data, Google reviews, and engagement signals are captured at the moment satisfaction is highest. Instead of replacing human connection, that data helps operators recognize regulars, improve performance, and design experiences that keep guests coming back. Episode Links: Christine de Wendel LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-de-wendel Sunday app: https://sundayapp.com/ Sunday LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sundaytech/ Big Momma Restaurant Group: https://www.bigmammagroup.com/ Big Momma IG: https://www.instagram.com/bigmamma.uk/ About Our Sponsors DAVO: DAVO automates every step of the sales tax process — from collecting to filing to paying... Click here to learn more Marqii: Marqii is designed to create unforgettable customer experiences... Click here to learn more

In this episode of Pitch The Tide, Nick Bryant, VP of Sales at Powerhouse Dynamics, shares how more than two decades in hospitality shaped his belief that the back of house is the next frontier of restaurant innovation. Drawing from experience on both the operator and enterprise sides, Nick explains why visibility, uptime, and consistency matter more than ever for multi-unit brands. He introduces Open Kitchen, Powerhouse’s connected operations platform, and breaks down how real-time equipment data turns reactive firefighting into proactive control. At its core, the platform helps operators protect revenue, reduce risk, and run smarter kitchens at scale.Interview Takeaways: Visibility Changes Everything – Most operators are forced to manage kitchens reactively because they lack real-time insight into equipment, temperature, and energy performance. Connected operations give teams the visibility needed to spot issues early and prevent costly failures. The Back of House Is the Next Frontier – Front-of-house technology has matured, but the biggest gains now come from the kitchen. Connecting equipment and systems helps brands improve consistency, uptime, and food safety across every location. Proactive Control Beats Firefighting – When kitchens shift from alerts after failure to signals before problems happen, operators protect revenue and reduce stress. Platforms like Open Kitchen turn data into action, helping teams run smarter at scale. Episode Links: Cali BBQ Media: https://content.calibbq.media/ Join Our Next Show: https://betheshow.media/rising-tides/ Shawn Walchef on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnpwalchef/ Nick Bryant LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-bryant Powerhouse Dynamics: https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerhouse-dynamics/ About Our Sponsors DAVO: DAVO automates every step of the sales tax process — from collecting to filing to paying... Click here to learn more Marqii: Marqii is designed to create unforgettable customer experiences... Click here to learn more

Shawn Walchef explains why leaving your business to attend trade shows and conferences is one of the most overlooked growth strategies in hospitality. Drawing from seventeen years of experience, he shares how showing up in person leads to stronger relationships, better content, faster learning, and real business opportunities. From B2B networking and proximity to industry leaders to securing six-figure brand deals simply by being in the room, Walchef reframes conferences as leverage rather than expenses. Growth accelerates when operators step away from daily operations, invest in learning, and put themselves in environments where decisions, partnerships, and momentum are already happening.Interview Takeaways: Get Out of the Building – Real growth happens when operators leave day-to-day operations and put themselves in rooms with other builders. Trade shows and conferences create space for curiosity, learning, and relationships that simply do not form from behind a desk. Proximity Accelerates Everything – Being physically present with industry leaders, creators, and brands unlocks better conversations, stronger content, and unexpected opportunities. When the right people are nearby, collaboration and storytelling become easier and more authentic. Showing Up Creates Leverage – The biggest deals often come from visibility, not pitching. Speaking, participating, and engaging in person puts operators in front of decision-makers, turning presence into partnerships and long-term growth. Episode Links: Shawn Walchef LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnpwalchef/ Cali BBQ: https://calibbq.media/ About Our Sponsors DAVO: DAVO automates every step of the sales tax process — from collecting to filing to paying... Click here to learn more Marqii: Marqii is designed to create unforgettable customer experiences... Click here to learn more

In this session of Rising Tides Live, hosted by Shawn Walchef, the community reflected on the wins, lessons, and momentum that defined 2025 while looking ahead to what comes next. Operators, creators, technologists, and founders shared stories about growth, resilience, and the power of simply showing up, especially during busy and uncertain seasons. From building new ventures and giving back to local communities to embracing content, connection, and consistency, a clear theme emerged: progress is created through participation. When people share real experiences, support one another, and commit to steady action, a rising tide truly lifts all ships.Interview Takeaways: Hospitality Is Built on Small, Intentional Actions – Across every story, the most meaningful moments were not grand gestures but thoughtful ones. Extra tips, handwritten notes, surprise gifts, shared meals, or simply making space for someone who might otherwise be alone. Real hospitality shows up in the details, especially when no one is expecting it. Community Grows When People Show Up for Each Other – This episode reinforced that progress does not come from watching or waiting. It comes from participation. By sharing stories, opening doors, inviting others in, and supporting peers, the community continues to grow stronger. Showing up consistently creates momentum for everyone involved. The Holidays Highlight What Matters Year Round – While the conversation centered on holiday hospitality, the lessons extend far beyond the season. Caring for teams, recognizing effort, and prioritizing human connection are not seasonal strategies. They are foundational practices that sustain culture, leadership, and long-term success. Episode Links: Cali BBQ Media: https://content.calibbq.media/ Join Our Next Show: https://betheshow.media/rising-tides/ Shawn Walchef on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnpwalchef/ About Our Sponsors DAVO: DAVO automates every step of the sales tax process — from collecting to filing to paying... Click here to learn more Marqii: Marqii is designed to create unforgettable customer experiences... Click here to learn more

In this episode of Digital Hospitality, Shawn Walchef sits down with Anthony Wood, founder and CEO of Alervio, to explore how personal health challenges inspired a new approach to allergen transparency in restaurants. Wood shares how sudden food allergies reshaped his relationship with dining out and revealed the hidden anxiety many guests carry to the table. The conversation unpacks California’s upcoming SB 68 allergen labeling law, why operators fear added complexity, and how technology can reduce risk without adding friction. At its core, the episode is about using empathy, data, and thoughtful design to create safer, more confident dining experiences for everyone.Interview Takeaways: Lived Experience Driving Safer Hospitality – Alervio was born from Anthony Wood’s personal health journey, where sudden food allergies turned everyday dining into a source of anxiety. That lived experience shaped his belief that hospitality should reduce stress, not create it. By building tools that understand how individuals interact with food, Alervio helps operators care for guests in ways menus alone never could. Technology That Removes Friction at the Table – Rather than adding more responsibility to busy servers or complex training for staff, Alervio shifts allergen communication to the table itself. Guests input their needs directly, while the system translates that information into clear guidance for the kitchen. The result is fewer mistakes, lower risk, and a calmer experience for both guests and operators. Compliance as an Opportunity, Not a Burden – With California’s SB 68 allergen labeling law approaching, many operators see regulation as another operational headache. Alervio reframes compliance as a chance to build trust and stand out. By simplifying data ingestion and menu transparency, the platform helps restaurants meet new requirements while strengthening guest confidence and brand integrity. Episode Links: Alervio Online: https://www.alervio.com/ Alervio LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/alervio/ Anthony Wood LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-wood-6262611a3/ SB 68: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB68 About Our Sponsors DAVO: DAVO automates every step of the sales tax process — from collecting to filing to paying... Click here to learn more Marqii: Marqii is designed to create unforgettable customer experiences... Click here to learn more