Restaurant Influencers
with Shawn Walchef
Restaurant Influencers is the podcast where hospitality meets hustle. Hosted by restaurateur and digital storyteller Shawn Walchef of Cali BBQ Media, this show spotlights the pioneers, disruptors, and leaders who are shaping the future of the restaurant and hospitality industry.
From global icons like Shaquille O’Neal, Chef Emeril Lagasse, and Rob Dyrdek, to rising stars and industry innovators, each episode dives into the mindset, marketing, and media strategies driving their success.
Whether you’re a restaurant owner, brand builder, or simply passionate about hospitality, Restaurant Influencers delivers insider stories and actionable advice to help you grow your business and make an impact in today’s digital world.
Powered by Entrepreneur and Toast, this top restaurant business podcast is a must-listen for anyone serious about scaling in the hospitality space.
New episodes weekly on YouTube and all podcast platforms.
Featured Episodes
About the Host Shawn Walchef
Shawn Walchef is a restaurateur, media entrepreneur, and digital storyteller who is passionate about helping others in the hospitality industry build their brand through content creation and storytelling. As the founder of Cali BBQ Media and owner of the award-winning Cali BBQ restaurant in San Diego, Shawn has spent over 15 years mastering the intersection of hospitality and technology.
Shawn is the creator and host of the Restaurant Influencers podcast, where he interviews the world’s top restaurant owners, chefs, entrepreneurs, and business leaders to uncover their secrets to success in the digital age. His mission is to teach restaurant operators how to “think like a media company” and use platforms like social media, podcasting, and YouTube to scale their influence and impact.
A passionate advocate for digital hospitality, Shawn speaks regularly at industry events, collaborates with leading tech brands like Toast, and produces media that educates and empowers the next generation of hospitality leaders.
FEEDBACK
Top Quality and value podcast. Focuses on conversations and the behind the scenes of businesses with the owner’s perspective. Always something to learn or apply!
This is a phenomenal podcast with relatable guest who give you the behind the scenes view of building a brand, utilizing digital media and building partnerships. Everyone has a story to tell and what better way to hear them through this podcast.
The perfect podcast for anyone trying to improve their business on social media. Tips and insight every week how to up your game on all online platforms.
Shawn and his team put together some amazing interviews. I always learn something new to try and incorporate into my business. Thank you for doing an amazing job building resources for all of us to learn from and grow our brands!
This is an excellent podcast if you’re in or out of the hospitality industry you will still gain major insights from this podcast. The host, guests, topics are insightful and smart and super entertaining. I learn so much each time I listen.
About Restaurant Influencers
Restaurant Influencers is the go-to podcast for hospitality professionals, entrepreneurs, and digital creators who want to grow their brands and make a lasting impact in the restaurant industry. Hosted by Shawn Walchef of Cali BBQ Media, this weekly show dives deep into the strategies and stories behind the biggest names in business, food, and media.
Past guests have included global icons like Shaquille O’Neal, world-renowned chef Emeril Lagasse, and entrepreneur Rob Dyrdek, who share how they built their brands, leveraged storytelling, and created lasting influence in and beyond the hospitality space.
Powered by Entrepreneur Media and Toast, each episode delivers actionable insights, powerful interviews, and behind-the-scenes access to the minds shaping the future of the food and beverage world. Whether you’re a restaurant owner, marketer, or aspiring business leader, this show is designed to help you think like a media company and win in the digital age.
New episodes drop weekly on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major platforms.
Why Listen to Restaurant Influencers?
- Learn directly from top restaurant operators and celebrity entrepreneurs
- Discover how to build your brand using digital media and storytelling
- Get inspired by success stories and challenges overcome by industry leaders
- Stay ahead of trends in technology, hospitality marketing, and leadership
- Join a growing community of forward-thinking restaurateurs and creators
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Restaurant Influencers podcast about?
Restaurant Influencers is a weekly podcast that explores how top restaurant leaders, entrepreneurs, and celebrities are using digital media, branding, and innovation to grow their businesses and impact the hospitality industry. Hosted by Shawn Walchef of Cali BBQ Media, the show offers insider insights, inspiring stories, and practical strategies.
Who are some notable guests that have been on the podcast?
The podcast has featured high-profile guests such as Shaquille O’Neal, Chef Emeril Lagasse, Rob Dyrdek, and many other influential figures in hospitality, sports, tech, and entrepreneurship. Each guest shares unique experiences and lessons learned from their journey.
Who should listen to Restaurant Influencers?
This podcast is perfect for restaurant owners, hospitality professionals, marketers, entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in digital storytelling, leadership, or growing a brand in today’s connected world.
Where can I listen to the Restaurant Influencers podcast?
You can watch and listen to new episodes of Restaurant Influencers every week on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major podcast platforms. You can all see all of our past episodes on Entreprenuer.com by clicking here.
Who produces the Restaurant Influencers podcast?
The podcast is produced by Cali BBQ Media in collaboration with Entrepreneur Media and Toast, combining expert production with real-world industry knowledge to create impactful content for the restaurant and business community. All episodes of the podcast are published directly to Entrepreneur.com
