Restaurant Influencers

Video Series • About

Latest Episode

Jon Taffer of Bar Rescue on Succeeding in the Reaction Business

Interview with Bar Rescue Star and Executive Producer Jon Taffer about defeating self doubt, keeping authenticity intact, and being in the reaction business.

Episodes

Jon Taffer of Bar Rescue on Succeeding in the Reaction Business

Interview with Bar Rescue Star and Executive Producer Jon Taffer about defeating self doubt, keeping authenticity intact, and being in the reaction business.

Condado Tacos CMO Sara Kear on Creating a Strategic Digital Footprint

Interview with Condado Tacos' Chief Marketing Officer Sara Kear about how to use social media for business and being forced to pivot.

Borekas Founder Uzi Wizman on Creating a Food Business from Social Media

Interview with Uzi Wizman, founder of Borekas and PSY Street Kitchen, about growing a brand from an Instagram Story and sharing culture with the world.

Pepper Lunch Team on Seizing Unique Opportunities for Global Growth

Interview with Pepper Lunch executive team Troy Hooper, Yuto Tago, and Sumio Matsumoto about Japanese hospitality and the "DIY Teppanyaki" brand story.

Lawrence Longo of Off the Menu on the Secret to Business Partnerships

Longo discusses his unique dining concept created out of providing access to food items that are not on the menu at popular restaurants.

Joy Zarembka of Busboys and Poets on Inviting Customers to Take a Deliberate Pause

Interview with Busboys and Poets COO Joy Zarembka about operating an inviting restaurant, being a stage for the community to connect, and the importance of feedback.

Steve Chang of Copa Vida on Building Organic Community in Coffee Shops

Interview with Copa Vida Owner Steve Chang about building community, the "Go. Enjoy. Experience." mantra, and how technology helps restaurants adapt.

Shootz Restaurant CEO Harold Walters on Connecting with a Large, Organic Audience

Interview with Shootz CEO about the benefits of using the Ovation platform, switching to Toast from Clover, and the importance of digital media.

Honeygrow Founder Justin Rosenberg on Making Customers Happy with Kick Ass Service

Interview with honeygrow CEO/Founder about having a timeline to make mistakes, learning to manage up, and finding joy in your work.

Sam Fonseca of Roll-Em-Up Taquitos on Simplicity for Successful Restaurants

Interview with Roll-Em-Up Taquitos COO Sam Fonseca about the power of social media, adjusting for customer expectations, and keeping Mama Karen's legacy alive.

Andy Hooper of Hart House on Pioneering a Plant-Based Revolution

Interview with Andy Hooper of Hart House about co-founding the modern restaurant company with Kevin Hart, making plant-based food accessible to all, and investing in employees.

Charles Bililies of Souvla on Creating a Fast-Fine Greek Restaurant

Interview with Founder/CEO of Souvla Charles Bililies about being a fast-fine restaurant, believing in an entrepreneurial vision, and how Toast technology revamped his tech stack.

Guga of GUGA FOODS on Breaking the Rules of BBQ and Social Media

Interview with Guga of Guga Foods about becoming a YouTube Sensation, the power of content collaboration, and his book Guga: Breaking the Barbecue Rules.

Mr. Bake Kareem Queeman on Telling Your Product Story

Interview with Kareem Queeman, founder of Mr. Bake Sweets, about being a voice for the LBGTQ+ community, building a product story, and leaning into your power.

Steele Smiley of Steele Brands on Moving from Fitness to Restaurants

Interview with Steele Smiley about the fitness and restaurant business, creating a hospitality ecosystem, and being the nice and cool kids at the lunch table.

About Restaurant Influencers

Welcome to the Restaurant Influencers podcast and video series. Every week host and restaurant owner Shawn P. Walchef talks with leaders about their secrets to Smartphone Storytelling and how to show up and engage where customers are spending time online.

Whether you need advice on how to get your business off the ground or you're just looking for inspiration, our video series have something for everyone. Browse our library below to find a series that speaks to you and your interests.

  • 5-Minute Mentor

    Our mentors sit down with small business owners to find solutions to their most pressing pain points — in five minutes or less.
  • No Drama Office

    Working in an office can be crazy — but it doesn't have to be! In this new comedy series, watch as people learn to navigate the twists and turns that come with the nationwide return to the workplace.
  • Entrepreneur Elevator Pitch

    Your favorite pitch show is back with new entrepreneurs pitching Entrepreneur's investors.
  • That Will Never Work

    How many times have you been told “that will never work”? Probably not as often as Netflix co-founder Marc Randolph. The veteran Silicon Valley entrepreneur provides a healthy dose of humor, and actionable advice that will benefit founders - and would-be founders - at every stage of their business journey.
  • Restaurant Influencers

    Every week host and restaurant owner Shawn P. Walchef talks with leaders in restaurant and hospitality about their secrets to finding success with customers and growing a brand online.
  • Jessica Abo

    Jessica Abo covers the causes people care about, the powerful work they do and how they got to where they are in the first place.
  • Going Public

    An original series streaming weekly where you can Click-to-Invest while you watch. THEIR JOURNEY. Your decision.
  • How Brands Are Born

    How Brands Are Born with Kristen Aldridge features the origin stories behind the world’s most impactful brands.