Rising Tides Live: Restaurant Tech

Interview Takeaways

Technology Should Simplify, Not Complicate – The best tools reduce friction—for guests and staff alike. Whether it’s automating phone orders or streamlining POS systems, technology should make everyday tasks easier, not add new layers of confusion.
Integration Matters More Than Features – It’s not about how many tools you have—it’s how well they work together. A fragmented tech stack leads to inefficiency, while integrated systems save time, reduce errors, and create a smoother guest experience.
Human Connection Is Still the Goal – Even with the rise of AI and automation, hospitality remains a people-first business. The most effective technology enhances human interaction, helping restaurants build trust, loyalty, and meaningful moments with every customer.

In this session of Rising Tides Live, hosted by Shawn Walchef, the community gathered to unpack what’s next in restaurant technology following the 2025 National Restaurant Show. From AI-powered phone systems to precision ramen robots, the conversation explored how operators can embrace innovation without losing the human touch. Guests Dan Dickerson of F3 and Maria Zhang of Palona AI A shared stories from the show floor and beyond, offering insight into the tools that are reshaping hospitality—from voice AI trained on podcast archives to smarter tech stacks that free teams to focus on service. Whether solving labor challenges or strengthening guest relationships, the message was clear: technology works best when it makes people feel seen, heard, and valued.

Listen to the replay of the latest room where the participants discussed community service and follow Cali BBQ Media to keep up with the latest and join the rooms to tell your story and have your voice heard

Every Wednesday and Friday at 10am PT, Shawn Walchef hosts the Rising Tides Live room streaming with Riverside on YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook, and more. Leading voices in hospitality, and otherwise, from near and far join to discuss all things business and much more.

The Big Quote

Homework Assignment

Audit one piece of technology in your restaurant. Ask yourself: Is this making life easier for my team or my guests? If the answer isn’t clear, talk to your staff, gather feedback, and explore whether there’s a simpler or more integrated solution available.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | RSS | More

Episode Links

Cali BBQ Media: https://content.calibbq.media/
Join Our Next Show: https://betheshow.media/rising-tides/
Shawn Walchef on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnpwalchef/
Dan Dickerson On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-d-85130b21/
F3 On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/f3inc/posts/?feedView=all
Maria Zhang On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariarenhuizhang/
Palona AI on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/palona-ai/

Listen To This Episode

Watch on YouTube

About Cali BBQ Media

Digital Hospitality is an interview-based video podcast hosted by business owner Shawn P. Walchef (@shawnpwalchef) and produced by his Cali BBQ Media company. The weekly digital series explores the ways successful businesses and entrepreneurs have merged old and new with innovative digital strategies that harness the power of the Internet and social media. Shawn is the founder of Cali BBQ Media and creator of the Restaurant Influencers podcast on Entrepreneur Media.

Follow Digital Hospitality

Follow Restaurant Influencers

Connect on Social

Join our Newsletter

Share This Article

Recent Articles

Christian Mouysset Built Tenzo to Answer One Question: Where’s the Money?

Showing Up Is 80% of Success — Laura Wilber Says Consistency Makes the Difference

Be the Show, Not the Commercial

Tell your story, share your mission, build stronger connections. See how the Cali BBQ Media team can help your business grow through the power of your own story.

mikebisceglia

Listen

Watch