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Podcast>Episode 22

Be the Show, Not the Commercial: Shawn Walchef on Storytelling That Sells

Be the Show, Not the Commercial: Shawn Walchef on Storytelling That Sells
Be the Show, Not the Commercial: Shawn Walchef on Storytelling That Sells

Be the Show, Not the Commercial: Shawn Walchef on Storytelling That Sells

Jul 15 · Tipped Off

Save on Spotify
Be the Show, Not the Commercial: Shawn Walchef on Storytelling That Sells

Be the Show, Not the Commercial: Shawn Walchef on Storytelling That Sells

Jul 15 · Tipped Off

Listen on Apple Music
Kirk Grogan

Kirk Grogan

Host

Shawn Walchef

Shawn Walchef

Guest

About The Episode

In this episode of Tipped Off, Kirk Grogan sits down with Shawn Walchef, owner of Cali BBQ in San Diego and founder of Cali BBQ Media, to discuss how storytelling, hospitality, and authenticity can help restaurants build stronger brands.

Shawn shares his journey from opening Cali BBQ during the 2008 recession to building a media company around the belief that businesses need to “be the show, not the commercial.” He explains why operators need to control their own narrative, how being “weirdly available” has helped him build meaningful relationships, and why the best stories often come from the challenges along the way.

From employee recognition and transparency to technology, content creation, and even the Thanksgiving disaster that taught him a valuable lesson as an operator, Shawn brings an honest look at what it takes to grow a hospitality brand.

Learn more about Cali BBQ: ⁠https://calibbq.media/⁠ 

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