Digital Hospitality

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

In this episode of Pitch The Tide, Ward Olgreen, Chief Operating Officer at Red Onion ai, shares how decades of restaurant operations experience led him to reimagine how brands understand their data. From years spent running multi-unit restaurants to building analytics for enterprise operators, Ward explains why Red Onion was designed to peel back the layers of guest behavior, marketing impact, and operational performance. He breaks down how tying transaction data to real-world events helps operators measure what actually drives sales and retention. At its core, Red Onion gives restaurant teams clear, fact-based insight to make smarter decisions, grow revenue, and focus on what matters most.Interview Takeaways: Operator Led Intelligence – Red Onion was built by leaders who understand restaurant reality. Ward’s decades in multi-unit operations shaped a platform designed to answer real questions about guests, marketing, and performance, not surface-level reporting. Data That Proves What Works – Restaurants generate massive amounts of data, but most of it goes unused. Red Onion connects transactions to marketing events, menu changes, and operational shifts, helping teams measure what actually drives sales, retention, and profitability. Insights That Drive Action – Red Onion is not just analytics. By layering guest behavior, employee performance, and event impact, the platform gives operators clear direction on where to adjust, invest, and improve to grow revenue without guessing. Episode Links: Ward Olgreen LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wardolgreen/ Red Onion ai: https://www.redonion.ai/ Red Onion ai LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/redonion-ai/ 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

CRS Hospitality is a group of 15 independent restaurant concepts across Champaign and Urbana, led by COO Kevin Hildebrand and grounded in a people first operating philosophy. Rather than forcing uniformity, CRS connects teams through shared systems that reduce friction while preserving each brand’s identity. Kevin’s path from golf to restaurants shaped his belief that strong hospitality comes from removing daily stress for managers and staff. That approach led CRS to adopt Kickfin, simplifying tip distribution and eliminating time consuming cash handling.Interview Takeaways: People First, Systems That Support Them – Kevin Hildebrand believes hospitality starts with the humans running the restaurants. CRS Hospitality has grown to 15 concepts by creating a culture where managers are supported, teams collaborate across locations, and no one is left to struggle alone. Growth happens when people have the tools and structure to thrive, not just when new restaurants open. Technology Chosen for Real Operational Impact – CRS adopts technology only when it solves a true problem. Kickfin became essential because it fixed a daily pain point that was draining time and energy from managers. By integrating with Toast and making payouts transparent and instant, Kickfin helped simplify one of the most frustrating parts of restaurant operations. Modern Hospitality Requires Adaptation, Not Assumptions – Guest behavior continues to shift, and CRS is reshaping its restaurants accordingly. From redesigning floor plans for more takeout capacity to implementing digital tools that reduce administrative stress, Kevin and his team stay focused on meeting guests where they are. Hospitality today blends people, process, and technology working in sync. Episode Links: Kevin Hildebrand: https://www.crshospitality.com/team-member/kevin-hildebrand/ Kevin Hildebrand LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-hildebrand-95558068/ CRS Hospitality: https://www.crshospitality.com/ Kickfin Online: https://kickfin.com/ Kickfin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kickfin/ Kickfin YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kickfin2618 Kickfin Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kickfin/ Kickfin Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kickfin/ 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

Naming a restaurant feels personal, but it is one of the most strategic decisions an operator will ever make. In this episode, Shawn Walchef walks through the five names behind what is now Cali Barbecue, sharing the lessons learned from each iteration. From overly descriptive titles to names that created confusion, Walchef explains how memorability, clarity, and consistency ultimately won.Interview Takeaways: Make It Easy to Remember – A restaurant name only works if customers can say it, spell it, and share it without effort. The simpler the name, the faster it travels through word of mouth, advertising, and search. Name What You Actually Do – As a concept evolves, the name must evolve with it. Clarity beats creativity when guests are deciding where to eat. If the name does not immediately signal what you offer, it creates friction. Your Name Is Infrastructure – A strong name powers everything downstream. Social handles, search results, media brands, and expansion all move faster when the identity is clear, consistent, and owned everywhere. 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 Dean LaBay, the community focused on the power of storytelling as a tool for connection, growth, and trust. Participants shared how showing up honestly, learning in public, and telling imperfect stories can create real momentum in business and life. From personal experiences to professional lessons, the conversation reinforced a shared belief: when people participate, listen, and support one another, their stories lift the entire community.Interview Takeaways: Your Story Matters More Than Production – The session reinforced that meaningful stories do not require polished setups, expensive equipment, or perfect delivery. What resonates most is honesty, specificity, and the willingness to share real experiences as they happen. Growth Happens in Public – Progress accelerates when people stop waiting until they have it figured out and start sharing along the way. By learning out loud and showing both successes and failures, creators and operators build trust while gaining clarity through repetition. Participation Creates Momentum – Community is not built by watching from the sidelines. Momentum comes from engaging, listening, contributing, and encouraging others. When people participate consistently, individual growth turns into collective progress. 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/ Dean LaBay on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dean-labay-%F0%9F%A5%94-18584631/ 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

Runbin Dong built Scale Social from a simple belief shaped in his family’s restaurant: hospitality starts with people, not platforms. After growing up working every job in the house, Runbin saw firsthand how trust, familiarity, and human connection drive real loyalty. Scale Social applies that same mindset to marketing by helping restaurants capture authentic customer content without asking guests to perform or post publicly. Interview Takeaways: Hospitality That Starts at Home – Runbin Dong’s approach to Scale Social is rooted in his upbringing in a family restaurant, where hospitality was learned through lived experience, not theory. Growing up around the business shaped his belief that companies grow through human connection first. That philosophy now guides how Scale Social helps operators tell real stories, focusing on authenticity rather than manufactured marketing. Marketing That Meets Customers Where They Already Are – Scale Social was built on the insight that customers want to share experiences but do not want the work of posting publicly. Rather than forcing behavior, the platform removes friction by capturing authentic content in the moment and handling the rest. The result is marketing that feels natural, personal, and trusted by the people who see it. Local Stories That Drive Real Results – By focusing on hyper local content created by actual customers, Scale Social helps operators market where it matters most. Seeing a familiar face in a video is more powerful than broad reach or influencer scale. For multi location and franchise brands, this approach creates alignment by giving both operators and brand leaders clear visibility into what is truly resonating at the local level. Episode Links: Runbin Dong LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/runbindong/ Runbin Dong Email: runbin@scalesocialai.com Scale Social Online: https://www.getsocialscale.com/ 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, Ben Roscillo, Director of Business Solutions at Factura.ai, shares how his background as a restaurant operator led him to tackle one of hospitality’s biggest headaches: accounts payable. From years of managing invoices by hand to building solutions for multi-unit brands, Ben explains why Factura.ai was designed specifically for restaurants at scale. He breaks down how automation and AI-driven invoice processing reduce errors, save time, and help teams grow without adding headcount. At its core, Factura.ai gives operators back the freedom to focus on people, service, and expansion instead of paperwork.Interview Takeaways: Operator Built Solutions – Factura.ai was designed by people who lived the problem. Ben’s years as a restaurant manager and consultant shaped a platform built specifically for the realities of multi-unit operations, not generic accounting workflows. Scaling Without Burnout – Manual AP breaks teams as companies grow. Factura.ai helps operators process thousands of invoices accurately while keeping headcount flat, protecting work life balance and reducing costly errors. Technology That Gives Time Back – By automating invoice coding, approvals, and location detection, Factura.ai removes busywork and lets operators focus on people, service, and strategic growth instead of paperwork. Episode Links: Ben Roscillo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-roscillo-221904130/ Factura ai LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/factura-ai 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 spent five years building a media company that made zero dollars while running a restaurant business at the same time. Quitting would have been reasonable. He did not. This story breaks down why consistency, repetition, and belief mattered more than early results. From recording podcasts above a butcher shop to publishing one hundred episodes with almost no audience, Walchef explains how skills, trust, and relationships compound quietly.Interview Takeaways: Start Before There Is Proof – The hardest phase is the invisible one. Publishing for years with no revenue, no audience, and no validation builds the skills, discipline, and belief required to last. The work has to come long before the payoff. Consistency Creates Credibility – One hundred episodes. Five years. Relentless reps. Trust is not built through one great piece of content but through showing up again and again until people know you are not going anywhere. Relationships Unlock the Breakthrough – The first real opportunity did not come from cold outreach. It came from years of collaboration, shared work, and people willing to vouch. Credibility compounds quietly until the right door opens. Episode Links: Shawn Walchef on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnpwalchef/ Entrepreneur: https://www.entrepreneur.com/ Restaurant Influencers: https://open.spotify.com/show/2PvbbY2R1GPRCSPfIMhDqD  Toast: https://pos.toasttab.com/ US Foods: https://www.usfoods.com/ Restaurant365: https://www.restaurant365.com/ 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 and Troy Hooper, the community looked back at the wins, lessons, and momentum that shaped 2025 while setting intentions for the year ahead. Operators, creators, technologists, and founders reflected on what it means to grow through consistency, vulnerability, and showing up even when life and business feel chaotic. From launching new ventures to giving back locally, from shifting travel schedules to embracing content creation, each story highlighted a shared theme: progress comes from participation. When people lean into connection, share real experiences, and commit to steady action, the tide rises for everyone.Interview Takeaways: Showing Up Is the Foundation of Growth – The episode highlighted that consistency is what moves careers, businesses, and relationships forward. Whether posting your first imperfect video, attending industry events, or joining weekly sessions, momentum begins the moment you decide to be present. Small Actions Compound Into Big Wins – From blocking time to think, to recording early podcast episodes, to taking first steps on dream projects, everyone proved that progress doesn’t come from sweeping gestures. It comes from daily effort, tiny experiments, and the willingness to improve one brick at a time. Community Makes Ambition Sustainable – The most meaningful 2025 wins came from collaboration: helping a child with a brain tumor live out a dream, supporting new operators, sharing tools, giving honest feedback, and celebrating milestones. When people invest in one another, aspirations feel lighter—and success becomes shared. 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/ Troy Hooper on 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

has spent years building two things at the same time: a restaurant business and a media brand strong enough to attract the people most podcasters only dream about. Today, his guest list includes Shaquille O’Neal, Dana White, John Taffer and Chef Robert Irvine. None of it came from luck. It came from consistency, community, and the willingness to publish long before anyone was watching.   Shawn Walchef has learned that getting celebrities onto your podcast has nothing to do with luck and everything to do with consistency, community, and proving you can show up long enough to matter. In this episode, he breaks down the real playbook behind landing guests like Shaquille O’Neal, Dana White and John Taffer. From starting local and doubling your reps to partnering with bigger platforms and eventually attracting PR teams through the reverse funnel, Walchef explains how any creator can build a show that earns attention. The formula is simple: keep publishing, keep improving, and stay impossible to ignore.Interview Takeaways: Start Local and Build Reps – Celebrity guests come later. The first step is publishing consistently, learning through mistakes, and proving you can run a real show past episode ten. Partnerships Expand Your Platform – Bigger guests follow bigger distribution. Aligning with established media partners or brands gives your show reach and credibility. Earn the Reverse Funnel – Once your work becomes undeniable, PR teams and high profile guests start coming to you. Consistency is what unlocks that stage. Episode Links: Shawn Walchef on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnpwalchef/ Entrepreneur: https://www.entrepreneur.com/ Restaurant Influencers: https://open.spotify.com/show/2PvbbY2R1GPRCSPfIMhDqD  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 turned Thanksgiving into a deeper conversation about what hospitality really looks like beyond the meal. Members reflected on honoring family traditions, creating space for overlooked voices at the table, preparing teams for the chaos of holiday service, and carrying gratitude through health scares, career pivots, and personal reinvention. Stories ranged from family moments to behind the scenes glimpses of restaurant life, even touching on the unexpected chaos of holiday mishaps. The theme was simple: Thanksgiving hospitality is about presence, inclusion, and showing up for one another in meaningful, everyday ways.Interview Takeaways: Honoring People Is the Heart of Hospitality – The session reminded everyone that Thanksgiving isn’t just about food; it’s about making others feel seen. Whether it’s elevating family stories, including quieter voices at the table, or recognizing the people who hold a restaurant team together, true hospitality starts with intentional presence. Gratitude Strengthens Community – Across the conversation, gratitude showed up in many forms: appreciating co-workers, supporting family traditions, celebrating new milestones, and acknowledging challenges overcome. Expressing gratitude consistently – in business and at home – deepens relationships and keeps communities connected. Hospitality Happens Beyond the Restaurant – The group highlighted that hospitality is just as powerful behind the scenes as it is in the dining room. Preparing teams for holiday chaos, sharing leftover food with staff, telling meaningful stories, or simply being present for loved ones all reinforce that hospitality is a mindset practiced every day, not just a service offered. 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

KNOW founder and CEO Krish Sridhar joins Shawn Walchef to share how a simple digital checklist grew into a platform used by millions of frontline workers across the world. Krish explains why hospitality teams need intuitive, mobile tools that remove friction and create clarity, how AI should stay invisible, and why KNOW builds features directly with operators. This episode reveals how better workflows, communication, and daily structure can transform frontline performance in any multi unit business.Interview Takeaways: Empowering Frontline Teams Through Simple Tools – KNOW was built on the belief that frontline workers deserve technology that is clear, intuitive, and easy to use. By centering the platform around digital checklists that guide daily tasks, prompt action, and capture proof, KNOW removes friction for employees and gives operators confidence that work is actually getting done. Hospitality Software Shaped by Real Operators – KNOW’s evolution has always been driven by its partners. Features like peer recognition, workflows, attendance tools, and integrations were all created because operators needed simple ways to communicate, stay aligned, and standardize work across locations. The platform grows in the direction real teams pull it. AI That Helps Without Getting in the Way – Krish Sridhar believes AI should stay behind the scenes. Instead of overwhelming users, it should make work feel easier and more natural. KNOW uses AI to streamline training, automate prompts, and simplify decision making, all while keeping the focus on the people doing the work. Episode Links: Krish Sridhar on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akrishsridhar/ KNOW online: https://www.getknowapp.com/ KNOW on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/co@mpany/getknowapp/ CREATE: https://informaconnect.com/create/ 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, Charlie Eblen shares how Single Tree BBQ grew from a food truck into a rising Tennessee brand built on family, community, and purpose. After losing his job in 2020, Charlie committed to building something of his own and turned Single Tree into a destination for real barbecue and real connection. Today he is raising 5 million dollars to open a flagship location, expand into new markets, and bring more people into Single Tree Nation. Charlie explains why the heart of his growth plan is teaching others, maintaining unyielding standards, and honoring the legacy that inspired the brand. Single Tree BBQ is focused on impact, opportunity, and creating a home for everyone who walks through the door.Interview Takeaways: Built From Purpose – Charlie created Single Tree BBQ after losing his job and committing to build something meaningful that reflects his family values and his grandfather’s legacy. Teaching Fuels Growth – Single Tree scales by developing people, not shortcuts. Charlie focuses on training, clear standards, and helping his team learn how to teach others. A Vision Worth Investing In – Charlie is raising 5 million dollars to open a flagship location and expand Single Tree Nation with a growth strategy centered on quality, community, and long-term impact. Episode Links: Charlie Eblen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlieeblen Single Tree BBQ: https://www.singletreebbq.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 shares the biggest lessons he has learned serving on the Toast Customer Advisory Board. From seeing how deeply Toast invests in customer success to understanding the power of real feedback loops, Walchef explains why every operator benefits from joining a larger community. He also reflects on how peers, storytelling, and brand advocacy helped shape his restaurant and media business. For Walchef, progress accelerates when operators learn together and choose to get involved.Interview Takeaways: Customer Success Starts with Listening – Toast’s advisory board shows how real operators shape better products. Bringing users into the room creates decisions grounded in day to day realities. Community Solves the Feeling of Isolation – Connecting with other restaurateurs helps operators realize they are not alone. Shared lessons, shared challenges, and shared solutions accelerate growth for everyone. Your Story Is Part of the Ecosystem – Brand advocacy matters. When operators share why tools matter to their business, it strengthens partnerships and builds opportunities far beyond the technology itself. Episode Links: Shawn Walchef on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnpwalchef/ Toast: https://pos.toasttab.com/ Kelly Esten on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellysennatt/ Steve Fredette on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevefredette/ Aman Narang: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aman-narang-155628/ 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

Jason E. Brooks steps in this week for Shawn Walchef as he leads a deep conversation about one of the most overlooked challenges in hospitality tech: the last mile. A keynote speaker, longtime operator, and industry veteran, Jason breaks down why tools that look perfect in a demo often struggle once they hit the chaos of real operations. He explores the gap between idea and execution, the friction points that derail adoption, and the misunderstandings that operators and tech builders often have about each other.Interview Takeaways: The Last Mile Determines Success – Most tech looks perfect in a demo, but real adoption happens in the walk-in, the expo line, and the Saturday night rush. The gap between idea and execution is where tools either thrive or die. Operators and Tech Builders Need Shared Understanding – Both sides experience frustration. Operators face chaos and turnover, while builders know their product solves a real problem. Bridging the misunderstandings between them is essential for consistent use. Adoption Requires Ongoing Support, Not Just Onboarding – The first 30 to 90 days matter most. Training, follow-up, small friction fixes, and regular check-ins are what turn a solution from “new tool” into “part of the workflow.” 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/ Jason E. Brooks: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-e-brooks/ 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

On the roof of Amazon’s Santa Barbara campus ahead of the Palm Tree Music Festival, eero Executive Vice President Mark Sieglock highlights why reliable connectivity is now core to modern hospitality. Sieglock has been with eero for ten years, joining before its first product launch in 2016. Since then, eero has expanded to tens of millions of homes and businesses in 28 countries while staying focused on consistent, secure coverage.Interview Takeaways: Connectivity That Meets Operators Where They Are – Mark Sieglock and the eero team focus on making networking simple, reliable, and approachable for everyone. Their “grandma test,” where Sieglock’s grandmother successfully set up four eero devices in twenty minutes, reflects the company’s commitment to usability. And for operators who want more control, eero offers the ability to manage their network hands on with the same intuitive, easy-to-navigate user experience. Technology Built for the Realities of Restaurants and Hospitality – From early deployments with Delfina Restaurant Group to recent work with Five Guys and hotels, eero has seen firsthand how complex and high-pressure restaurant environments are. Multiple wifi segments, sensitive POS systems, and delivery integrations all depend on stable connectivity. Keeping Businesses Online When It Matters Most – Outages disrupt service, online orders, payment processing, and guest experience. eero Signal, the new cellular backup device, was created to eliminate those moments. If a primary internet connection fails, Signal takes over instantly and keeps the entire network running. Episode Links: eero: https://eero.com/  Mark Sieglock LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-sieglock Palm Tree Music Festival: https://palmtreemusicfestival.com/ Delfina Restaurant Group In San Francisco: https://www.delfinasf.com/ How eero and F3 Tech powered reliable, high-speed wifi across the Palm Tree Music Festival: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rdOVVEsjZ0c 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