Join us on 86 Reason for a raw, revelatory conversation with Shawn P. Walchef, founder of Cali BBQ Media, who dismantles the dangerous "if you build it, they will come" myth and reveals why restaurant owners must actively own their story to survive and thrive. A restaurateur since age 13 (starting as a dishwasher at the very restaurant he now owns), Shawn shares his transformation from burnout to building a media empire that markets his restaurants while helping hospitality tech companies authentically connect with operators.His hard-earned truth? "You have to put the mask on yourself first because if you pass out, you're of no value to anyone else." In this episode, Shawn gets brutally honest about the emotional toll of the "owner operator" grind and why prioritizing self-care isn't selfish—it's the foundation of sustainable success and effective leadership.Essential for: Restaurant owners, hospitality entrepreneurs, multi-unit operators, and anyone ready to evolve beyond survival mode into strategic growth through content, financial discipline, and operational excellence.🎯 KEY INSIGHTS:From Dishwasher to Media Mogul (00:01:30)Shawn's journey from washing dishes to ownership, and the brutal early years that nearly broke him before finding his path.The Oxygen Mask Rule for Restaurateurs (00:18:30)Why prioritizing your own well-being isn't selfish—it's essential for your business's survival and your team's success.Culinary Finance, Not Just Art (00:24:21)Shifting from passion-only thinking to embracing financial stability and logistical excellence as core competencies.Debunking "Build It and They Will Come" (00:31:30)Why active digital promotion and content creation are non-negotiable for restaurant survival in today's market.The Restaurant Owner Media Strategy (00:33:57)How Shawn built Cali BBQ Media to own his story, market his restaurants, and create a bridge between tech companies and operators.Why "Restaurant Owners Buy from Restaurant Owners" (00:42:13)Shawn's unique approach to vetting hospitality technology and why authenticity wins in B2B relationships.💡 This episode delivers transformational insights for any restaurant leader ready to break free from burnout and build a business that works for them—not the other way around.🔗 Watch the full episode now!👉 Subscribe to 86 Reason by Over Easy Office for more unfiltered conversations with hospitality leaders who are redefining success through strategic thinking and operational excellence.➡️ Learn more about Over Easy Office: https://www.overeasyoffice.com/#HospitalityLeaders #RestaurantOwnership #86ReasonPodcast #OverEasyOffice #OEO #ShawnWalchef #CaliBBQMedia #DigitalHospitality #HospitalityEntrepreneur
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