Episodes

For 50 years, Melting Pot has brought people together through interactive dining and warm hospitality. More than just a fondue restaurant, it’s a place where shared experiences create lasting memories. Behind the scenes, innovation ensures every visit feels effortless. Front Burner Brands, the company behind Melting Pot, drives this balance, blending technology with tradition to enhance service. Leaders like Randy Barnett (VP of Innovation), Ana Malmqvist (Chief Marketing Officer), and Kristen W...

In this session, we explore what Valentine’s Day means in the world of hospitality and how businesses can create truly memorable experiences beyond just the holiday rush. In this episode of Rising Tides Live, hosted by Shawn Walchef, the group shares stories of connection, customer service, and creative marketing strategies that make Valentine's Day special for both guests and businesses. The conversation moves beyond traditional expectations, focusing on the power of personal touch, community-d...

At the Toast Panel, Shawn Walchef of Cali BBQ shared how technology, hospitality, and community shape the future of the industry. He emphasized the power of learning from others, the importance of balancing digital tools with real-world hospitality, and how events like these create connections that drive success. With 2025 bringing new challenges, Toast is helping restaurant owners streamline operations, grow revenue, and build stronger teams—all while fostering a supportive network of industry ...

In this session, we discuss what it really means to go viral in today’s digital landscape and why it may not be the right goal for content creators, business owners, and entrepreneurs. In this episode of Rising Tides Live, hosted by Shawn Walchef, the group discusses smartphone storytelling, audience engagement, and the role of consistency in content success. The conversation challenges the traditional idea of virality, focusing instead on building long-term impact, leveraging data-driven strate...

Finn McKenty knows what it takes to create content that connects. From YouTube to LinkedIn, he’s built a career around storytelling, strategy, and consistency. In this article, McKenty shares his insights on why storytelling is the foundation of great content, how LinkedIn video builds relationships, and why showing up consistently is the key to success. He breaks down the biggest mistakes content creators make, offers practical advice for business owners, and explains why engagement matters mor...

In this episode of Rising Tides Live, the conversation explores the evolving landscape of digital tipping and its impact on the restaurant and hospitality industry, featuring insights from Brian Hassan and Justin Roberts of Kickfin. Brian and Justin join host Shawn Walchef to discuss how digital gratuity solutions are transforming tip management, improving transparency, and streamlining operations for businesses. From the rise of ‘tipflation’ and consumer tipping trends to the benefits of instan...

Shawn Walchef steps into the guest seat for the very first episode of The Pineapple Perspective with Troy Hooper. As the CEO of Hot Palette America, Troy has spent years leading and innovating in the restaurant industry. Now, he’s amplifying hospitality voices with his new podcast. And who better to kick things off than Shawn, a longtime champion of storytelling, digital media, and the evolution of hospitality? Interview Takeaways: Hospitality Is About People –Hospitality is more than service,...

In this episode of Rising Tides Live, the conversation centers on the Super Bowl’s impact on hospitality and business. Host Shawn Walchef is joined by industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and restaurant professionals to explore how the biggest event in sports drives opportunities for storytelling, community engagement, and brand growth. They discuss the evolution of Radio Row, the power of new media in shaping hospitality narratives, and the lessons businesses can take from the NFL’s approach to mar...

Ric Gruber Jr., owner of Billy Bricks Pizza, is proving that mobile expansion isn’t just an add-on—it’s essential for restaurant growth. By integrating food trucks and catering into his business model, Gruber ensures Billy Bricks reaches more customers while maintaining profitability. His strategy prioritizes pre-booked events over risky vending, creating a sustainable revenue stream. Beyond mobile, Gruber embraces personal branding and digital content, using social media to amplify his restaura...

In this episode of Rising Tides Live, the conversation dives into the invaluable lessons learned from mistakes in business—those defining moments that make us say, never again. Host Shawn Walchef is joined by a dynamic group of business owners, entrepreneurs, and hospitality leaders who share their hard-earned wisdom on avoiding costly missteps. From partnerships gone wrong to contracts overlooked, they explore how learning from failure can lead to smarter decision-making, stronger businesses, a...

In this latest Coaching Call with entrepreneur, podcast host, and mentor David Meltzer, host Shawn Walchef discusses "Media as a Service" (MaaS) and how it is transforming business, branding, and community engagement. Drawing from his extensive experience in media, entrepreneurship, and mentorship. David explains how the evolution of media parallels the growth of Software as a Service (SaaS). With a global audience at our fingertips, the key to success in the digital age is not just content crea...

In this episode of Rising Tides Live, the conversation explores the power of accountability in the restaurant industry and beyond. Featured guest Jason Berkowitz, a seasoned restaurateur, partner, and founder of Arrow Up Training—shares his journey of harnessing accountability to enhance employee engagement and guest experiences. Jason joins host Shawn Walchef to delve into how establishing accountability clubs, focusing on small, achievable wins, and cultivating a culture of mindful decision-ma...

KidsMenus.com is transforming family dining by making restaurant experiences more enjoyable for kids and stress-free for parents. Co-founders Crissy Saint and German Wegbreit saw the lack of engaging options for children and created a platform that provides customizable, high-quality activity menus. Restaurants using KidsMenus.com benefit from happier families, longer visits, and increased customer loyalty. With themed menus, interactive puzzles, and easy customization, the platform helps busine...

Welcome to this special edition of Rising Tides Live—the British Takeover! With Shawn Walchef in NYC today, we’re handing the reins over to the UK's finest: Adam Forman, Scot Turner, and Richard Liverman. In true British fashion, expect sharp wit, lively banter, and plenty of insight as they dive into the world of hospitality—both in the UK and beyond. From world-class service to unforgettable guest experiences, they’ll share stories, lessons, and maybe even a few surprises along the way. So, gr...

In this latest Coaching Call with entrepreneur, podcast host, and mentor David Meltzer, host Shawn Walchef discusses "Social Selling in 2025" and how technology is reshaping the intersection of media, sales, and community building. Shawn and David dive deep into strategies for leveraging media as a sales tool, the importance of credibility and consistency, and the evolving landscape of content and commerce integration. Drawing from David’s extensive experience as a mentor and entrepreneur, the c...

In this special episode of Rising Tides Live, Jordan Silverman, CEO of Starfish, steps in for Shawn Walchef to host a compelling conversation about the journey into the hospitality industry and what makes it so captivating. Jordan is joined by his special guest, Matt Hardoon, VP of Sales at Sauce, for an engaging discussion centered around people's first jobs in hospitality and how they got hooked on this dynamic and demanding industry. Interview Takeaways: Hospitality as a Calling: Many parti...

Omar Zebi, Co-Founder of A-Team Delivery & Logistics, has transformed restaurant delivery services. Since launching in 2017, A-Team has grown to manage 24,000 monthly deliveries, supported by Shipday advanced logistics platform. Partnering with Shipday in 2019 enabled A-Team to scale operations by 300-400%, expand into cities like Los Angeles and New York City, and improve accountability for drivers and service quality. Known for its strong relationships with restaurant partners, A-Team helps cl...

In this episode of Rising Tides Live, the conversation explores the evolving role of digital tools and strategies for restaurants and small businesses, featuring insights from Mike Nagy. Mike joins host Shawn Walchef to discuss practical ways businesses can optimize their digital presence. From leveraging Google Business Profiles and maximizing online reviews to connecting social media channels for enhanced visibility, the episode unpacks actionable strategies for improving customer engagement a...

Shawn Walchef, owner of Cali BBQ, and Steven Swiderski, Director of Events and Hospitality, showcased the behind-the-scenes magic of their catering operations during a lively Saturday livestream. From delivering barbecue to Snapdragon Stadium for Monster Jam to highlighting technology like Toast, they shared lessons on preparation, teamwork, and digital hospitality. Steven emphasized, “Bring enough food and supplies. Always have a checklist.” Shawn added, “Invest in tools and storytelling to gro...

In this special episode of Rising Tides Live, Shawn Walchef is joined by Matt Plapp, Chief Energy Officer of America’s Best Restaurants, for a deep dive into the power of email marketing and its vital role in building customer relationships. Matt shares his expertise on leveraging email to attract, engage, and retain customers, highlighting actionable strategies for restaurant owners and marketers alike. The conversation underscores the importance of using technology to collect and segment custo...

Lee Hammond, owner of Towpath Inn and founder of Magnetic Hospitality, is revolutionizing how restaurants connect with customers. Drawing from his sales background and expertise in digital marketing, Lee tackles industry challenges with storytelling, innovative strategies, and vulnerability. His daily email campaigns grew a subscriber base of over 6,500, sharing personal stories and building lasting customer relationships. Through Magnetic Hospitality, he now helps restaurants craft irresistible...

In this special episode of Rising Tides Live, host Shawn Walchef explores the creative and strategic impact of branded GIFs with Elizabeth Doss, a motion graphic designer and verified GIPHY artist. Together, they dive into how businesses can use GIFs to boost engagement, build community, and establish brand identity across digital platforms. Elizabeth shares her expertise in creating custom GIFs! From driving home a brand tagline to engaging with customers in innovative ways, this episode is pac...

In this latest Coaching Call with entrepreneur, podcast host, and mentor David Meltzer, host Shawn Walchef dive into the transformative power of repetition and its role in personal and professional success. David emphasizes that true growth comes from consistent practice and refining your craft over time. From content creation to leadership, being “annoyingly repetitive” ensures alignment and mastery. He also debunks the fear of overexposure, encouraging creators to share relentlessly, as even l...

In this special Producers Takeover episode of Rising Tides Live, the team dives deep into the evolving role of producers in today’s content-driven world. Mike Bisceglia, Gavin Kinsel, and Stover Harger share their experiences managing the creative and technical aspects of production, offering practical advice for creators looking to improve their process. The conversation highlights the importance of adaptability in navigating modern production challenges, from leveraging new technologies like A...