Running a restaurant can feel like an isolating battle. The long hours, staff shortages, rising costs, and constant problem-solving make it easy to believe that no one else understands what you’re going through. But the truth is, you’re not alone—and that’s exactly why events like the Toast Panel exist. The event was held at Puesto in San Diego.
For Shawn Walchef, owner of Cali BBQ and Cali BBQ Media, this message is personal. As someone who has navigated the ups and downs of the restaurant industry for over a decade, he understands the feeling of being stuck on an island. That’s why he believes so deeply in the power of connection, technology, and shared experiences.
At the Toast Panel, Walchef spoke candidly about the challenges of restaurant ownership, the role of technology in hospitality, and why learning from other operators is essential for survival and growth.
“What We Do is Really Hard” – But You’re Not Alone
Walchef wasted no time addressing the biggest truth in the room:
“What we do is really hard.”
Owning a restaurant isn’t just a job—it’s a grind that never stops. Whether it’s staffing, managing costs, or adapting to consumer demands, the daily pressure can make even the most seasoned operators feel like they’re figuring things out on their own.
“I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for my team running our locations,” Walchef admitted. “That’s the only way I can step out, learn, and bring back ideas that make us better.”
And that’s why events like the Toast Panel matter so much. They remind restaurant owners that no one has to go it alone—that there’s an entire community of operators facing the same struggles, working toward the same solutions, and willing to share what’s working.
Bringing Back Hospitality in a Digital World
Technology has changed the restaurant industry more in the last four years than in the last two decades. And while tools like Toast make operations smoother, Walchef believes that hospitality itself should never be lost.
“We’ve introduced so much technology in the last four years. My goal in 2025 is to simplify the process and bring physical hospitality back,” he shared.
A simple but important example? Printed menus are returning to Cali BBQ. While digital ordering is efficient, some guests still crave the familiar experience of holding a menu in their hands.
“We do Toast Order & Pay at our restaurant, but we’re also printing menus again,” he said. “It’s about balance—giving people options while keeping hospitality at the core.”
And finding that balance is easier when restaurant owners can learn from each other—a core reason why Walchef values Toast’s commitment to bringing people together.
Why Toast Events Matter
As the discussion wrapped up, Walchef delivered one of the night’s biggest takeaways:
“A rising tide lifts all ships.”
The more restaurant owners share their struggles and solutions, the stronger the entire industry becomes. And that’s exactly why Toast’s commitment to in-person events and storytelling is so crucial.
“Every time I attend something like this, I leave with ideas I never would have thought of on my own,” Walchef said. “Hearing how others are using Toast, how they’re adapting—it makes a huge difference.”
Because running a restaurant will never be easy. But when you’re part of a community that shares, supports, and lifts each other up? You’ll never have to figure it all out alone.
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