Shawn Walchef is the founder of Cali BBQ Media, creator of the Restaurant Influencers podcast, and a leading voice in the Business Creator Economy. Through his Digital Hospitality framework and Smartphone Storytelling philosophy, he teaches restaurant owners, business operators, technology founders, and entrepreneurs how to stop being invisible online and build trust by sharing their story consistently.

As host of Restaurant Influencers, produced by Cali BBQ Media and published with Entrepreneur Media, Shawn has built one of the most impactful shows in the hospitality industry. The podcast and video series has been viewed more than 71 million times and features top executives, operators, founders, and innovators shaping the future of restaurants, hospitality, and restaurant technology.

Shawn also hosts Digital Hospitality, Cali BBQ Media’s flagship interview series exploring how successful leaders use the internet, social media, content, and technology to grow their businesses. His recent work focuses on founder-led storytelling, AI, restaurant data, operational systems, guest experience, and the idea that every business can become a media company with courage, consistency, and a smartphone.

He is the owner of Cali BBQ, a San Diego restaurant brand that has grown from a local barbecue destination into a national example of how hospitality businesses can evolve through technology, storytelling, and digital community building.

A keynote speaker, media entrepreneur, and strategic content partner, Shawn has worked with brands including Toast, Uber Eats, Pepsi, US Foods, Restaurant365, Amazon, and Google to create authentic content that drives awareness, relationships, and growth. His mission is simple: help businesses “Be The Show, Not the Commercial.”