Shawn Walchef didn’t just dream of interviewing Shaquille O’Neal—he made it happen.
The founder of Cali BBQ Media and host of Restaurant Influencers spent years laying the groundwork: building a show, investing in relationships, and telling the kind of stories that make big brands pay attention. Eventually, that work led him to a conference room in Las Vegas—face to face with one of the most iconic athletes and entrepreneurs of all time.
But Walchef insists the story isn’t about him. It’s about what’s possible when you start calling your shot.
Say It Out Loud
Before you get your dream guest, you have to name them.
Walchef plastered Shaq’s name on his vision board back in 2022, shortly after launching Restaurant Influencers in partnership with Entrepreneur and Toast. When he learned about Shaq’s fast-growing restaurant concept, Big Chicken, he saw an opening.
“That was the moment,” Walchef said. “If we’re going to teach others how to use media, then I better be doing it myself.”
He didn’t just hope Shaq would notice. He started with small steps—interviewing Big Chicken’s CEO, networking at conferences, and asking bold questions on-air. Most people would’ve stopped when they were told, “We don’t bring Shaq to grand openings.” Walchef kept going.
Reps Build Readiness
The interview didn’t happen overnight—but the prep started long before.
From 2017 onward, Walchef interviewed hundreds of founders, chefs, and creators. So when Shaq finally walked into that green room, he was ready. “All the reps led to that moment,” he said. “I was locked in.”
The payoff? A moment that was as meaningful as it was surreal. Shaq showed up early, spent time with Walchef’s kids, and shared the story behind his business empire. Even UFC President Dana White popped in to say hello during the taping.
It’s Bigger Than Content
What starts as content becomes credibility—and that opens doors.
Walchef’s media company now produces shows for other brands, like Craveworthy’s Room for Seconds, and has helped him turn restaurant storytelling into a multi-million dollar business. But he says the real goal is empowerment.
“You don’t need to be famous to tell a powerful story,” Walchef said. “You just need to believe in it enough to start.”
Your version of Shaquille O’Neal might be a customer you’ve always wanted to work with, a partnership you’ve been scared to pitch, or a story you haven’t told yet. Either way, the lesson is clear:
Speak the dream. Put in the reps. Keep showing up.
“Let people laugh at you,” Walchef said. “Then let them watch when it works.”
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