Maria Zhang, the co-founder and CEO of Palona AI, is no stranger to scaling technology. With a background that includes leadership roles at Tinder, Instagram, and Meta, Zhang knows how to build products that impact millions. Now, she’s setting her sights on transforming the restaurant industry through AI.
Palona AI emerged from Zhang’s vision to solve a pain point familiar to every restaurant operator: the relentless flood of phone calls, often leaving staff stretched thin and customers frustrated.
“When I first started talking to restaurants, I heard stories of staff practically begging guests not to call,” Zhang recalls. “That’s not the hospitality experience anyone wants.”
Meet Shawn AI
At its core, Palona AI is what Zhang calls “the employee of the century.” It’s a voice-based AI system that can handle incoming calls, take orders, make reservations, and even upsell—all while sounding like a real, friendly host.
For restaurants like Cali BBQ in San Diego, where founder Shawn Walchef has built a loyal following around community and craft, this technology is a game-changer.
Walchef is currently rolling out “Shawn AI,” powered by Palona AI, at Cali BBQ.
Drawing on recordings of Walchef’s own voice from his popular podcasts (like this one, Digital Hospitality) and YouTube channel, the system replicates his tone and style so that every call feels personal. “It’s like I’m talking to my guests, even when I’m not there,” Walchef says.
At Cali BBQ, that means guests can call during peak hours and always get a friendly voice—one that feels just like talking to Shawn himself.
It’s a level of personalization that builds trust, even as restaurants face rising labor costs and staff shortages. And it’s a far cry from the generic, often frustrating experience of traditional call centers.
A Background In AI
Zhang’s background in AI and her deep respect for the restaurant industry have made Palona AI a standout. As Walchef puts it, “Maria and her team understand what matters in hospitality: every guest feeling valued.”
For restaurants ready to embrace the future, Palona AI offers not just a technical solution but a partner who cares about preserving what makes hospitality special.
Zhang is excited for what’s next. “We want to be the partner that meets restaurants where they are, helping them grow without losing their soul,” she says.
With Palona AI, she’s bringing that vision to life—one conversation at a time.
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